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Masonry supports are crucial structural components that provide essential support to brickwork panels in construction projects. Choosing the right masonry supports is essential for ensuring the stability, integrity, and longevity of the building structure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key considerations and options available when selecting masonry supports for your construction project.
Masonry support systems are engineered to provide vertical support to brickwork panels between floors, ensuring structural stability and integrity. These systems offer various configurations to choose from, allowing seamless integration into different structural designs to meet the specific needs of each project. Understanding the load requirements, structural characteristics, and installation flexibility of masonry supports is essential when selecting the right system for your project.
Masonry support systems typically consist of various components, including the support structure, brackets, fixings, and shims. Customisation options are available to accommodate specific project requirements, such as bespoke sizes, materials, and finishes. Working with design and technical experts can help tailor masonry support solutions to meet the unique needs of your project, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with the building structure.
Material selection is a critical aspect of masonry support systems, with options including stainless steel. Grade 304 or Grade 316 Stainless Steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for corrosive environments such as coastal areas. Thermal considerations are also important, with thermal-rated shims designed to prevent thermal transfer and enhance energy efficiency by minimising heat loss through cold bridging. These shims isolate the masonry support bracket from the support structure, improving the project’s energy efficiency and reducing the risk of bi-metallic corrosion.
Compliance with relevant standards and regulations is crucial when selecting masonry support systems for construction projects. Systems governed by harmonised standards must bear both UKCA and CE markings, ensuring conformity with structural design criteria outlined in Eurocode 3 (EN 1993). Full design services and on-site adjustment capabilities are provided to ensure seamless and adaptable installations that accommodate potential construction tolerances, ensuring structural integrity and safety.
Selecting the right masonry supports is essential for ensuring the stability, integrity, and longevity of building structures. By understanding the functionality of masonry support systems, exploring system components and customisation options, carefully selecting materials and thermal considerations, and ensuring compliance with industry standards, construction professionals can confidently choose masonry support solutions that meet the specific requirements of their projects. Consulting with experts and suppliers can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the selection process, ensuring successful outcomes and long-term performance in construction projects.
