Fasteners

A range of fasteners is available from Economic Profiles Limited

Primary Fasteners
It is suggested that stainless steel screws should be used to attach aluminium sheets to fixing rails. Generally the screws will have a nominal diameter of 6mm and be fitted with a 19mm EPDM and neoprene sealed washer - 16mm diameter washers may be used for wall cladding. The type of fixing is dependent on the material of the supporting structure.

The precise number and position of fixings depends on the design loading and manufacturers' advice should alaways be adhered to in respect of fixing and performance of fasteners.

Profiled sheets may be crown fixed with a shaped saddle washer or trough fixed, depending on requirements for design and loadings.

Colour caps are generally available with primary fasteners, either as an integral part of the fastener or separately for fitting on site. These have an aesthetic benefit of matching the colour of the sheet, but also the cap protects the head of the fasteners against corrosion.

Care should always be taken to ensure that the fastener is at right-angles to the sheet and is tightened correctly to manufacturers' recommendations. Overtightening can cause damage to the washer, profiled sheet and/or the thread of the fastener leading to potential leaks.

Secondary Fasteners
These are required for the stitching of the side laps and the fixing of flashings to profiled sheets.

Normally rivets of 4.8mm nominal diameter should be used with EPDM seals. The most common is the 'Pop' rivet and the use of 'Blind' rivets should prevent the mandrel from falling out.

Sidelap fasteners should be fixed through the crown of the profiled overlapping sheet which will also help ensure sealants are retained.

Fasteners should be used according to manufacturers' instructions and fixed with the appropriate proprietary tool.

Barrier tapes, sealer strips and foam fillers are all available from Economic Profiles Limited.