This document outlines the use of Structnail® GripshankTM SuperSharpyTM with selected Weathertex products as an alternative fasteners to screws for steel framing. Structnail® are innovative steel frame fasteners for rapid fixing applications in numerous onsite and offsite building processes. Building successfully in steel requires the perfect mixture of the right products, optimised design, and specialised engineering. ICCONS is proud to offer Structnail® fastening solutions for your business or project.
This document only applies to products in Table 1 in External Cladding applications.
1. This document must be read in conjunction with the respective current Weathertex Installation manual and construction details.
2. This document is intended to assist in the fixing of Weathertex products to steel frames in a residential application with StructnailTM in lieu of the standard fixing method (i.e. screws). All components and accessories must be installed in accordance with the respective manufacturer’s specifications.
3. For specification, installation and warranty terms of Weathertex products, ensure that you have the current technical information and guides. If in doubt, or you need more information, visit weathertex.com.au or ask Weathertex on 1800 040 080.
STEEL FRAMING & THERMAL BREAK CONSIDERATIONS
The following information applies to Weathertex installed on 0.55 BMT minimum steel frames. Installing Weathertex onto a steel frame is generally similar to installing Weathertex on a timber frame. There are however some differences of which the installer must be aware and the following section outlines the technical information unique to steel frame installation. More information can be found in the latest Weathertex Installation Manual.
In accordance with the NCC a rigid thermal break with R-value no less than 0.2 must be installed between the Weathertex external cladding and the metal framing members to separate both elements.
When installing Weathertex on a Steel Frame, thermal break battens create a cavity system. Refer to cavity fix construction details for more guidance. Butt-join the stud battens leaving a 5mm gap. Weathertex recommends softwood battens & extruded polystyrene strips as thermal breaks. Where horizontal battens are required, Weathertex recommends the use of a completely drainable and ventilated batten such asCavibat.
Once a thermal break is chosen, please refer to Table 1 for guidance on fastener selection & minimum gun pressure.
Softwood timber battens are easily installed to provide a suitable thermal break between Weathertex and a steel frame. The softwood timber battens shall be 20mm deep and wide enough to cover the face of the frame. For example, if 70x35mm steel frame is chosen, the battens shall be 20x35mm at suitable length. Final fixings will hold battens firmly in place but they must be temporarily fixed to the frame at 600mm centres before the cladding can be installed.
Extruded polystyrene strips are an alternative to softwood timber battens for a thermal break solution. The extruded polystyrene strips shall
be 12mm deep and wide enough to cover the face of the frame. For example, if a 70x35mm steel frame is chosen, the battens shall be 12x35mm at suitable length.
Nails or screws cannot be used to secure expanded polystyrene strips to the frame. Instead, double-sided adhesive tape or construction adhesive is suitable to hold the strips in place on the frame.Final fixings will hold extruded polystyrene strips firmly in place.
Nails or screws cannot be used to secure expanded polystyrene strips to the frame. Instead, double-sided adhesive tape or construction adhesive is suitable to hold the strips in place on the frame.
Final fixings will hold extruded polystyrene strips firmly in place..
*Minimum gun pressure has been determined from test results for each product on 0.55 BMT steel. For higher BMT, higher pressure will be required.
CORROSION RESISTANCE
All fasteners must be galvanised or suitably coated to resist corrosion for eternal application (Australian Standard AS 3566, Class 3). Structnail Gripshank Supersharpy are Class 3 fasteners. When installed in high corrosion zones such as coastal locations, fasteners (nails and screws) must be made of materials appropriate to the desired life of the system and geographical location. Stainless Steel Nails and Class 4 Screws may be necessary in these zones. The advice of the fastener supplier should be sought.
FIXING SPECIFICATION
Refer to tables 2 & 3 below for suitability of the specified Weathertex product as per Wind Load Classifications of AS 4055 ‘Wind Loads for Housing’ For wind ratings above N4 and C2 or AS/NZS 1170.2 Wind Loads (Ultimate Limit State kPa) please contact Weathertex direct on 1800040 080. Installers must assure themselves that the appearance of the selected fastener is suitable for the intended use.
Table 2: Weathertex Weatherboard AS 4055 Wind Load Classification
Maximum Stud Spacing mm
Weathertex Cladding
AS 4055 Wind Classification
General Areas of Walls
Within 1200mm of Building edges
Selflok
N3/C1
N4/C2
600
600
600
400
Primelok 170
N2
N3/C1
600
600
600
400
Primelok 200
N1
N2
N3/C1
600
600
600
600
450
300
Classic 200
N2
N3/C1
N4/C2
600
600
600
600
450
300
Classic 300
N1
N2
N3/C1
600
600
450
600
450
300
Classic Shingles Plus
N2
N3/C1
N4/C2
600
600
450
600
450
300
Table 3: Weathertex Weathergroove AS 4055 Wind Load Classification
Maximum Stud Spacing mm
Weathertex Cladding
Maximum fastener spacing at intermediate studs + noggings (mm)
AS 4055 WindClassification
General Areas ofWalls
Within 1200mm of Building edges
Weathergroove
300
200
150
N1
N2
N2
N3/C1
N2
N3/C1
N4/C2
600
600
600
600
600
600
600
600
450
600
400
600
450
300
Table 2 & 3 Notes: • Wind classification results have been conducted allowing for thermal break packaging distances specified in Table 1. The fastener length must be increased to accommodate for the thickness of larger battens and/or additional packing materials to ensure the same penetration into the structural subframe. • Table 2 is relevant for on & off-stud joining methods. • Table 3 is relevant for on-stud applications for steel frames. Off-stud applications on steel frames are only permitted when steel nogging is a structural element. • Traditional Fix for Selflok only. • Spans of weatherboard shall consist of 2 spans or greater. Simply supported spans are not permitted. • Span/150 serviceability limit state deflection criteria. • Not to be used with the Weathertex Natural range.
INSTALLATION TIPS
1. Do not over-drive the Structnail® GripshankTM SuperSharpyTM fasteners into the cladding, the fastener must be flush. Adjust the Compressor regulator outlet to the desired psi then the tool depth adjustment to achieve a flush finish. If a fastener is under-driven, the installer may complete the installation by driving the fastener flush using a hand hammer. An additional fastener must be installed approximately 25mm away from the existing fastener (where possible) ensuring a flush finish result and a correct fix.
2. When using Structnail® GripshankTM SuperSharpyTM, you must follow manufacturer’s instructions.
3. The installer may need to increase the gun pressure to achieve the desired nail penetration. Refer to Table 1 for minimum gun pressure requirements.
4. It is recommended to install Structnail® GripshankTM SuperSharpyTM fasteners closer to the web of the C section (while staying within minimum edge distance requirements from installation guide) as this provides more support and less recoil from the flange.
Nails must be finished flush to the board surface to ensure the next row of Primelok Weatherboards sit flat. Nails must not be punched and filled. Punching will significantly reduce the holding capacity of the fastener and damage the integrity of the board surface.
WARRANTY
Weathertex’s Manufacturers Warranty will apply when using Structnail subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant product when used only in applications mentioned in this document.
DISCLAIMER
Weathertex does not manufacture, supply or warrant the Structnail® GripshankTM SuperSharpyTM Fastener component. Please contact ICCONS® Pty Ltd for information on warranties and further information on their products. Structnail® GripshankTM SuperSharpyTM fasteners are manufactured by AeroSmith® Fastening Systems in the USA and distributed locally by ICCONS® Pty Ltd under the Structnail® brand.
This document is not covered under the Weathertex Codemark Certification CM20189. Please contact Weathertex for compliance documentation.
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