though, aluminium has a naturally high thermal transmittance and a relatively low strength compared to steel, so the density of brackets and cold bridges will rise. A proven alternative is to specify stainless steel brackets instead, while working with a manufacturer offering a comprehensive product selection and flexible design capabilities will greatly increase the likelihood of achieving the correct and – ultimately - most economic specification.
Accuracy is key as, while it is possible to utilise ballpark figures for a building’s thermal envelope, those involved oſten make assumptions about the choice of brackets and fixings that bear little relationship to the final specification. As insulation thickness
increases, the point thermal bridging effect of brackets becomes more pronounced,
leading to multiple layers in thicker
build-ups, which makes the thermal bridging effect worse. Unfortunately, a vicious circle will arise which will almost certainly derail the specification when it is re-examined in detail later in the project.
Particularly, where very low U-values are targeted, getting appropriate guidance on bracket types and materials (i.e. aluminium or stainless steel) in the early stages will help to steer and inform setting out decisions. Those decisions shape the internal floor areas and long-term building comfort that can be achieved, so dealing with them from the outset significantly reduces the possibility of performance gaps.
As a leader in digitalisation as well as AI, SFS has invested in creating a set of intuitive calculation tools, meeting a variety of design challenges and referred to as the “ConnectSuite.” Most popular of these amongst specifiers at present is Project Builder, which enables design
professionals to input the full construction details for a wall build-up where a rainscreen system is envisaged. Data can include parameters such as Target U-values and preferred materials, while outputs can be used in project pricing and other activities.
Project Builder is fully compatible with SFS’s NVELOPE systems of cladding rails and bracketry, and has long been popular with
engineers, architectural technicians and specialist installers, when designing exterior walls. As an online tool, it offers the enhanced security and confidence of undergoing an internal evaluation process, carried out by SFS Technical Advisory Service engineers, prior to a full specification being issued 24 hours later. Meanwhile, the company has also published a series of White Papers covering a variety of subjects including insulation within façade design. Technical support of this standard will become ever more valuable as the uptake of MMC accelerates and design freeze is demanded earlier prior to manufacture.
Protecting long term value
Accurate, early technical design sets the tone for the project. Whether the end goal is ‘just’ regulatory compliance, or creating a building which will be resilient for the climate in the year 2100, knowing that the thermal properties or energy efficiency of the building envelope has been set accordingly, makes it harder to change later on. Installers oſten review specifications purely on a ‘cost per item’ basis, and will seek to change individual components, with limited awareness of how they contribute to the complete system. Understanding that every element of the building specification has been set with a certain performance in mind makes it far easier to ‘defend’ that specification against cost engineering exercises that imperil long-term value and therefore the ultimate sustainability.
For further information, call 0330 0555888 or visit
https://uk.sfs.com
Spring 2024 M31 13
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