41380
January 2024
Holistic approach to sustainability sets SFS rainscreen brackets above the competition
The complexities and sometime confusions to sustainability in construction put specifiers in a daunting position, with even apparently responsible choices of material - including picking recycled aluminium - leaving a host of questions still to be answered.
In an effort to help,SFShas published a series of well researched White Papers on the subject, including ‘Sustainability in aluminium rainscreen subframe solutions,' with subject areas ranging from the verification of scrap metal streams, through the design ofrainscreen system bracketsto reuse and end-of-life strategies, explored in detail.
There are some irrefutable facts about aluminium in that it is one of the world's most recycled materials, but while its reuse consumes only 10%of the energy required for smelting the virgin metal, the widespread use of coal-fired electricity (Far East / China) compared to hydro and other renewable resources, means the aluminium industry still accounts for 2%of global greenhouse gases. It is also worth noting the recent CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) introduction which places a price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon intensive products in an effort to limit supplies of intensive carbon products.
Manufacturing products from recycled aluminium is therefore a huge potential win from an environmental viewpoint, but the situation is complicated by the very varied performance characteristics of the different alloys available; with the 6000 series being most relevant here.
Magnesium and silicon impart additional strength to the alloy, with 6063 being commonly used in rainscreen systems. However, the four types of support bracket in the SFS range are produced from the superior 6005 alloy. Crucially, though in 6005, 100%of the raw material is recycled, which has required the company to create a closed loop supply chain involving certified brokers, to ensure the physical characteristics of the alloy are not threatened by mixing with other scrap. SFS is also working towards becoming part of the Council for Aluminium in Building's wider scheme, which brings together the value chain and supports enhanced recycling processes across the industry.
The superior strength characteristics of the 6005 alloy compared to the 6063 version. Not only is the 6005 variant's tensile strength higher, providing it with greater resistance to bending, twisting, or breaking under stress, but it also offers improved yield strength. That means it can withstand higher levels of force without permanently deforming a crucial factor in handling environmental stressors in building applications. The 6005 alloy also excels in terms of fatigue strength, enabling it to endure repeated load cycles over time without failure. These enhanced properties make 6005 aluminium brackets a more durable, reliable, and long-lasting solution for rainscreen systems compared to their 6063 counterparts.
The material composition of rainscreen brackets plays a vital role in their thermal performance compared to steel counterparts. Equally significant are their design and engineering; therefore, it is crucial for specifiers to collaborate with a trusted manufacturer in a project's early stages. This collaboration helps to avert the potential issues of selecting a product that, despite its seemingly lower unit price, may demand a higher number of brackets to support the loads. Consequently, this could adversely affect the installation costs and the overall thermal performance of the system.
David Fraser Business Unit Manager of SFS, explains: "We work with our customers to ensure the brackets provide the required loads to match the project demands, and in avoiding over-specifying, we keep down installation costs and reduce the environmental impact by using less material, which is of course itself recycled.
"OurNvelope®Project Builderdesign tool offers specifiers project specific thermal calculations, together with bracket and rail spacings, plus budget cost per square metre. Consultants and contractors should avoid concentrating unit cost, as employing more brackets increases thermal bridging and heat loss, leading to thicker insulation being required and the overall installation thickness rising."
In addition to SFS's support forCAB's supply chain initiative on sorting and certifying scrap aluminium in the supply chain, the company is fully committed to cutting carbon in construction through improvements in product durability and waste reduction, which will eventually help to achieve a circular economy. And through the adoption of digitisation, this will not only lead to an extended working life for buildings, but also to the potential reuse for its rainscreen support systems.
For further information, call0330 0555888or visithttps://uk.sfs.com/
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With Compliments:
Taylor Alden
7 Bell Yard
London
WC2A 2JR
NOTE TO EDITOR:
SFS Group Fastening Technology's Construction Division is the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of carbon and stainless-steel fastening solutions for roofing, cladding and façade systems. Additionally, SFS manufactures an award-winning fall protection range, innovative rainscreen subframe systems and high-quality hinges for windows and doors. The reputation of this established company, which has been in the UK for over 120 years, rests on value added propositions along with company-wide technical expertise. Today, the company does not solely create products to fix, fasten and protect buildings; the proprietary "Securing Futures" mission ensures that investments and people are better protected too.
SFS focusses on four pillars of media content:
· Safety in Construction
· Digital Construction
· Sustainability in Construction
· Modern Methods of Construction