Fastener specification? We're here to help

Quite rightly, the post-Grenfell construction industry is under greater accountability and scrutiny when it comes to the quality and safety of the UK’s buildings. We want to play our part in raising standards by helping building designers choose and specify the right fasteners for the building envelope.

Even though fasteners are a relatively small component in the overall construction mix (typically accounting for 3% of the building envelope cost), we’re on a mission to ensure they’re not overlooked when it comes to specification. Too often, poor quality or incorrect fasteners are used for the given application. Whether this is due to cost-cutting or simple oversight, this can be a costly mistake leading to failure in the building envelope and potentially grave consequences.

Getting fastener specification wrong presents potential risk for the building owner (who’s investment won’t yield returns for as long as expected), for the designer (who will be held responsible for the selection of structural systems used), for the contractor (because costly remedial work may be required) and the public (from potentially unsound buildings).

So, I’m really pleased to announce the launch of two major specification-related initiatives from Fixfast.

Firstly, our comprehensive support service for fastener specification goes live this month. It’s a free service and gives architects and contractors access to all the advice and support they need to ensure accurate fastener specification:

• A dedicated email address and 0800 telephone number for specification queries, with responses promised within 48 hours

• Direct access to Fixfast’s Technical Team for guidance on the correct specification of fastener material and type based on the intended application and OEM system

• Advice on what fastener will meet the required system specification and compliance with the relevant and current building standards and regulations

• Assistance with the writing of fastener and/or ancillary product specifications for insertion into final project specifications

• For significant projects, end-to-end support that includes fastener selection guidance, installation guidance and on-site testing

• Technical information and documents (e.g. CAD files and data sheets) for Fixfast’s products

• Preparation of fixing-related calculations specific to the project (e.g. windload calculations, façade calculations, and tapered schemes)

• The opportunity to book one of Fixfast’s in-person or webinar CPD sessions

Secondly, and alongside this service, we have produced a detailed Specification Guide for building envelope fasteners. We’ve taken a lot of care to ensure the right balance between useful information and not overloading people with lots of technical detail (our Technical Team is on hand to provide that when needed).

The guide sets out the basic principles of fastener performance in terms of material make-up, durability, and aesthetics, together with guidance on the requirements of system applications. We also give an overview of the relevant standards and regulations, and a checklist to work through when developing written specifications.

I hope it serves as useful reference material for specifiers. Again, we’re making this available for free to anyone that would benefit from it.

We hope this month’s launch of the service and guide go some way in ensuring this critical detail of the building envelope receives the due care it needs – just like other elements of a building.

Speak to one of our team for more information about our specification support services - on 01732 882 387, or tech@fixfast.com.

Download a copy of the Fixfast Specification Guide for Building Envelope Fasteners.