Thread: Best way to cut SolarSpan roofing panels?

Just been through this exercise Dan!

Cut the metal with 100mm disc grinder with a thin metal cutting wheel. Be careful not to
mark the finish on the steel. Cut the EPS with a sharp long bladed knife.

I would cut one metal side, cut out th EPS and then do the other metal side.

Cheers

Is there any need to paint the cut edges to stop rust?

I would file them so you have a smooth edge, It really doesn't take long, and then a coat of cold gal.

You won't be seeing the cut edge so it shouln't matter if you have a bit of overlap onto the finish.

I used this stuff for a deck roof. Beautiful and cool to sit under.

All the methods above will cut the solarspan panel, however the guys in the panel industry all use the small Makita Circular cold cut saw's.
The correct way to cut these and other insulated panels is to mark the panel where you wish to cut it, lift the blade so that it only just cuts through the steel skin.
Repeat this on the other side of the panel then use a piece of fine wire like a guitar string and pull it through the foam core, it will cut like butter.

Grinders should not be used as the sparks, hot metal pieces will pit the paint surface of the panel and can cause early corrosion. Also the cleaner the cut the less chance you have of corrosion forming on the cut edges. If the edges are exposed and you are concerned you can always coat the edge with a clear laquer

Hope that helps

Cheers
Tony.