NVELOPE® Rainscreen Brackets
Help to reduce thermal bridging and bimetallic corrosion providing a strong foundation for NVELOPE subframe systems.
NVELOPE brackets come in standard depth dimensions of 40—300 mm and use their 1.5" of adjustability to handle cavity depths from 1.85" to 13.5". The brackets are offered as singles and doubles for the wind load and dead load, respectively. Additionally, brackets are designed for attachment to different substrates, such as steel, concrete, or wood, by having 6.5 mm and 11 mm holes.
It all starts with a bracket
A simple cladding support system typically consists of 'helping hand' brackets which are fixed to the substrate at set vertical and horizontal separations. There are vertical brackets (these will be used in the majority of cases) and horizontal brackets. Profiles are then fixed into brackets.Profiles are attached to brackets by a combination of fixed and flexible points to allow for dead and dynamic loads. Flexible points are vital due to the differing thermal performances of the materials being combined.
Using a preliminary survey of the wall and architectural structural design, a grid layout for the subframe is prepared. Brackets are then fixed to the substrate wall using stainless steel fixings of appropriate size for the design. The pull-out value of the securing fixings should be determined on site from the pull-out strength and appropriate safety factor as given in BS 5427-1: 1996.
Features
- Adjustability: bracket "helping hand" allows for rail insertion depth up to 1.5" max.
- Fast & easy to install: the "helping hand" bracket holds the rail in place to allow up to 50% faster install.
- Thermally efficient: our green isolators (hard polypropylene isolator) provides a thermal break to reduce energy loss through wall assembly.
Material
The selection of materials to use in the construction of a rainscreen support system is of paramount importance. Material choice is crucial as it can affect the thermal performance of the overall rainscreen in addition to engineering assurance.Aluminium
- Aluminium brackets for rainscreen are designed in accordance with BS EN 1090-3:2008 and / or Euro code 9 – Parts 1-4
- Aluminum is the second most widely used metal after iron and as such has a robust and well defined UK and international supply chain
- Its low weight and high strength ratio and simplicity of fabrication either on site or within a manufacturing setting ensures it is an ideal material with which to create high performance rainscreen subframe systems for cladding applications.
- Aluminium is inherently corrosion resistant however this can be complemented and further improved by additional treatment including anodization whilst still maintaining a Euroclass A1 fire rating.
- NVELOPE systems only use the superior 6005 T6 alloy which provides superior strength and performance over and above other commonly used aluminum.
Stainless Steel
- Stainless steel subframe bracket systems for rainscreen are designed in accordance with BS EN 1090-3:2008 and / or Euro code 3 – Table 5.1
- NVELOPE stainless steel brackets are only manufactured from a superior 316 grade of alloy to provide an outstanding level of resistance to localised corrosion such as maritime and polluted areas.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a key factor in the design of any building. Identifying the right material from a sustainable manufacturer with a credible supply chain and responsible sourcing is crucial. At SFS:- The aluminium we manufacture from is 100% recyclable
- The alloy we use is made from 100% re-melted material
- 6063 alloy as used by many other sub frame manufacturers' can only utilise 40% recycled scap due to global shortages.
- CO2 production as a consequence of extrusion alone estimated at 0.35 - 0.5Kg per Kg currently.
Vertical to Horizontal Adapter
This product allows vertical brackets to receive horizontal L & T rails.The vertical bracket is secured to the substrate; either steel frame, block work, or timber. The adaptor is then slotted upright into the vertical brackets helping hand, with the adaptors helping hands orientated over the top of the vertical bracket, this is then fixed into place. The helping hands of the adaptor are then ready to receive an L or T rail.
The L and T rail can be adjusted for line and level and secured using fixed and floating points to allow for expansion and contraction. This system is suitable for face fixed and sika fixing applications.