With the Australian construction industry experiencing a boom, you probably have a lot of work as a steel framing contractor. The industry's gradual growth is driving competition among framing contractors to a new level. Therefore, you have to offer innovative steel framing solutions that meet customer needs to remain competitive. You can achieve differentiation by keeping up with the latest developments in steel framing solutions. This article provides an insight into some of the most recent developments in steel studs and tracks.
Prefabricated Clip System
Property owners are continually growing frustrated with traditional box headers mostly because of aesthetic reasons. Since the tabs on standard headers create metal over metal overlaps, it becomes difficult to lay gyprock plasterboards flat over the studs because of the protruding screw heads on the headers. Consequently, the screwheads compromise wall finishes which become noticeably uneven. However, prefabricated clips help to solve the issue since they are first attached to the studs before clipping of the headers. The innovation eliminates protruding screw heads on the studs thereby improving wall finish. The clip system offers a reprieve to framing contractors since only a single worker is required to hold the clip and snap the header into place.
Punched Tracks
Typically, framing contractors use either the C- or U-shaped studs or tracks in their projects. While there is nothing structurally wrong with such design, the U-shape on tracks can become problematic. For example, when it rains, the rainwater tends to collect at the bottom of a gyprock plasterboard framed wall which can lead to a host of moisture-related problems such as mould. Framing contractors are turning to special tracks with drainage holes on them. The perforations allow water to drain through and prevent mould growth or plasterboard weakening. Additionally, perforated tracks help save time that would have otherwise been spent on removing the accumulated water.
Pre-Engineered Wide Flange Studs
Traditionally, framers build stronger studs by joining multiple studs on site. On the upside, the method guarantees strong studs for a load-bearing wall frame. The downside is that the joined studs prevent proper attachment of hollow metal frames (for windows and doors) to the studs. Pre-fabricated wide-flange studs offer the best solution for the problem. First, the open side on wide-flange studs allows unobstructed access for hollow metal frames without compromising on strength. Second, framers can save time using prefabricated wide-flange studs since they do not have to spend hours welding pieces of studs together to enhance structural strength.