The launch of a new range of TUF-S rivets by, fastening systems manufacturer, SFS intec means that installing Cembrit fibre cement rainscreen panels as thin as 8mm using mechanical secret fixings just became quicker, easier and safer.
Extensive testing by SFS demonstrated how TUF-S challenges the convention that installers need to use different fasteners for different panel materials and thicknesses.
Until now, no other rivet of this kind has provided a reliable secret fix for panels manufactured in both HPL and fibre cement..
The TUF-S range consists of nine variants of A4 stainless steel fixings designed to eliminate the risk of overtightening, with a carbon steel mandrel, which can be used to secure a range of panel thicknesses to the rainscreen support clips using the GESIPA Powerbird Pro tool.
The rivet’s design provides a wide range of installation benefits to save time and money, and deliver a safer, better quality overall result.
The performance of TUF-S for 8mm Cembrit panels was proven by SFS through a series of load tests conducted in its laboratory in Switzerland.
This allowed for a set of technical values to be calculated to enable façade engineers to easily determine the number of fasteners and clips required to accommodate different locations, wind loadings, etc.
This provided Cembrit with total assurance according to Ged Ferris, Cembrit UK Marketing Manager:
Ged says: “We are pleased that SFS have developed an innovative mechanical secret fix system for use with the standard 8mm thick rainscreen cladding boards.
“Designed and tested by SFS for use with fibre cement cladding, the combination of SFS rear rivets and Cembrit boards creates an attractive façade, uninterrupted by visible fixings, that will appeal to rainscreen cladding specifiers throughout the British Isles.”
Andy Stolworthy, Director of Product & Market Development at SFS says: “We’re delighted to have worked closely with Cembrit to provide them with a highly effective secret fix solution that will work across their different rainscreen panels.
“This development project is an excellent example of how SFS is able to create products with innovative unique features that provide OEMs with the assurances they need and address the most common issues faced by installers.”