Cladding Installation: The Vacuum Lifter Impact

Cladding is becoming increasingly popular due to its weather protection capabilities and aesthetically pleasing look. With this increase in demand, businesses are looking for new ways to improve their processes to make cladding installation more efficient. Cladding installation was traditionally a labour-intensive process that required multiple workers and safety procedures. It has now been transformed with the introduction of advanced vacuum lifting technology. In this guide, we explore the cladding installation process before and after implementing vacuum lifters and the benefits it can bring to your business.

Manual Cladding Installation Without Vacuum Lifters
The Vacuum Lifter Impact
Benefits of Advanced Vacuum Lifting Technology
Invest in Vacuum Lifters to Improve Your Cladding Installation Process

Manual Cladding Installation Without Vacuum Lifters

Installing cladding without the use of vacuum lifters can be more time-consuming, requires multiple workers, increases the chance of workplace injury, and reduces the overall efficiency of a project. Here is a quick summary of the steps you need to take to manually install cladding:

Prepare the Wall Surface: Clean the wall thoroughly to remove any dust and debris.
Apply a Weatherproofing Membrane: This creates a barrier between the inner wall and cladding.
Install Furring Strips or Brackets if Required: This provides a place for each cladding panel to rest.
Measure and Mark the Wall for Panel Placement: Planning your cladding placement will minimise the chances of installing the panels incorrectly.
Cut the Cladding Panels to Size: Take accurate measurements of the wall and cut to size if necessary.
Lift the Panel Into Position: With manual installation, this would require at least two people to safely lift the panel and reduce strain on each worker.
Align the Panel Correctly: The workers will now have to work together to ensure the cladding panel is placed exactly where it should be, in line with the markings and any adjacent panels.
Install Flashing and Trim: Once all the panels have been installed, all the exposed sides should be capped off with end caps and trim to provide protection and a neat finish.
Caulk Joints and Seams If Needed: Workers should then inspect the finished product for any gaps or seams that may need to be filled in.
Final Inspection: Once all the cladding on the building has been installed, workers should complete a final inspection to ensure it is installed to a high standard and complies with regulations.

The Vacuum Lifter Impact

As you can see, manually installing cladding is labour-intensive and requires the utmost precision from workers to ensure the cladding has been installed correctly. However, with a vacuum lifter, you can remove the need for workers to manually handle each cladding panel, increasing safety and reducing physical strain.

Vacuum Lifters in Practice

Vacuum lifters make the positioning and installation of cladding panels more efficient. Before using a vacuum lifter, you should always check its weight capacity and features. At 4 Cladding, we have a range of vacuum lifters, each with its own uses.

For example, the Clad Boy is known for its versatility and performance, allowing it to handle almost any job. Our Cool Boy has a single pad and is a single-configuration vacuum lifter capable of lifting up to 375kg. We also offer the Grabo Lifter, a portable vacuum lifter that can lift smaller cladding panels and minimise strain on the user.

Understanding the capabilities of your vacuum lifter will ensure you are using the appropriate equipment for the project, protecting workers from unnecessary harm. To find the best vacuum lifting for your projects, take a look at our guide on Choosing the Right Vacuum Lifter.

To see the Clad Boy in action, check out the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOoKpTbAidc

Benefits of Advanced Vacuum Lifting Technology

Manually installing cladding can be a strenuous task for workers due to the need to lift and position the cladding panels into place carefully. With advanced vacuum lifting technology, workers can control the position of a cladding panel with the touch of a button, reducing the need for manual handling. Experience the benefits of an efficient cladding installation process with vacuum lifters!

Increased Safety

The most prominent benefit of vacuum lifters is how they can increase the safety of workers. Vacuum lifters significantly reduce the risk of accidents by eliminating the need for manual lifting and carrying heavy panels. Cladding panels can be heavy and cause strain on workers, even with a minimum of two workers carrying each panel. By implementing vacuum lifters into your cladding installation process, you can minimise the chance of injuries from falls, strains, and dropping of panels.

Improved Handling of Large and Heavy Panels

Vacuum lifters can handle heavy panels that workers would otherwise find extremely difficult or impossible to handle manually. For example, the Clad Boy can handle panels weighing up to 800kg. With the use of advanced vacuum lifting technology, your business can take on larger installation projects that require heavier cladding materials.

Enhanced Precision in Panel Placement

Using vacuum lifters can greatly improve the placement of each cladding panel. Thanks to their advanced technology, vacuum lifters allow for more accurate positioning with controlled movements, ensuring better alignment and reducing overlaps and gaps between panels.

Reduced Physical Strain on Workers

Vacuum lifters decrease the physical demands on workers by taking on heavy lifting. Traditionally, workers may have had to hold cladding panels for longer periods of time to ensure they were aligned correctly. A vacuum lifter removes the need for this, as panels can be lifted with ease and controlled remotely. This reduces fatigue and the risk of repetitive strain injuries in workers.

Increase Efficiency and Productivity

With vacuum lifters, panels can be installed quicker and with less downtime. Unlike humans, machinery doesn’t need to rest for longer periods of time. This makes for a more efficient installation process, significantly increasing the overall productivity of the project.

Minimised Risk of Panel Damage During Handling

The secure grip of vacuum lifters minimises the risk of dropping or mishandling panels. Accidents happen! Workers may sometimes lose their grip or poor communication may lead to cladding panels being dropped or damaged. This can cause additional costs and cause more material waste than necessary. With a vacuum lifter, you can have peace of mind that, if correctly used, every cladding panel will be securely lifted and placed into position without damage.

Invest in Vacuum Lifters to Improve Your Cladding Installation Process

Vacuum lifters are pivotal to today’s cladding installation process. A vacuum lifter is a crucial investment for your business, as it ensures the safety of your workers and increases the efficiency of your processes. To find the ideal vacuum lifter for your business, take a look at our guide to Choosing the Right Vacuum Lifter.

At 4 Cladding, we have a range of vacuum lifters fit for any project. From the Clad Boy to the Cool Boy and Grabo Lifter, we have something for everyone. Invest in a vacuum lifter today and reap the benefits of a more efficient cladding installation process!

FAQs

What is the function of a vacuum lifter?

A vacuum lifter’s main purpose is to safely lift and manoeuvre heavy panels, such as cladding panels, during construction or installation. It enables the precise positioning of panels while reducing physical strain on workers and increasing the overall efficiency of the cladding installation process.

How does a vacuum lifter work?

A vacuum lifter uses powerful suction cups to create a strong seal against flat surfaces like cladding panels. When activated, the lifter’s pump removes air from between the cups and the panel, creating a vacuum that securely holds the panel in place. This allows a single operator to safely lift, move, and position heavy panels using the lifter’s controls, greatly simplifying the installation process and reducing the need for manual handling.

What are the benefits of a vacuum lifter?

Vacuum lifters can increase the efficiency of the cladding installation process. Some benefits you could experience from investing in a vacuum lifter include: