Knauf contributes to essential guide for Steel Frame Systems
Knauf has contributed to a long-waited Steel Framing System guide which was launched in May 2019. The ‘Technical Report ED017 – Design and Installation of Light Steel External Wall Systems’ is an invaluable tool for anyone involved in the design and installation of Steel Frame Systems (SFS), which is growing in popularity in the UK.
Knauf worked with industry partners, including FIS (the official representative body for the finishes and interiors sector) and the Steel Construction Institute (SCI) to provide technical advice on the installation of SFS.
Mandeep Bansal, Technical Development Director at Knauf UK & Ireland said: “Knauf was a member of the SFS Guide Working Group which was chaired by the FIS. My team worked closely with the other contributors to provide technical expertise and design guidance for the installation of steel frame systems.
“The SFS guide will provide reassurance to architects and contractors that the systems they are designing are safe and installed correctly. It was a great opportunity to be able to contribute to such an invaluable document.”
SFS is the lightweight steel frame used to create the inner leaf of an external wall. It is becoming more popular, particularly in the construction of commercial buildings however problems can arise from a lack of planning and knowledge. Infill SFS is not load-bearing, but it does support cladding and internal linings and insulation. Failure of the SFS could lead to cladding falling off the building so it is important that it is installed with due care and attention.
Iain McIlwee, CEO of FIS said “The development of this guidance is refreshing and we are so grateful to the SCI for their collaborative and open approach and to all the members who contributed to this work. Sectors evolve only through disruption and positive collaboration and this is a great example of the latter.
“The guide is collective wisdom of two organisations and vitally our members, sharing best practice to improve working practice – there is a better way than learning from our own mistakes, we can learn from each other’s! We hope it drives real improvement in the wider sector. It isn’t the end, it needs to be a live document and we need to continue to work together to improve support for those designing, installing and inspecting these systems.”
Knauf is a global manufacturer of drywall, exterior and flooring systems, including drywall metal sections which can be used as part of an SFS project. Combining maximum performance with minimum fuss, Knauf metal solutions are easy to install. They are manufactured using high quality steel and are available in a wide range of sizes.
To read the report, please click here.
