FEATURES
"Construction is about people;
the reason behind using quality
products is to leave the occupants
feeling safe and comfortable for
as long as possible."
According to Lutz, hard woods should be pre-drilled before
driving in a fastener. “These woods are hard, even if the
screw is a self-drilling screw it will break or won’t work
properly. But for normal pine or timber roof structure, you
can use a normal fastener without predrilling,” he advises.
MEETING STANDARDS
A fastener does need to meet certain standards that
afford quality.
“A tested product is best. The client or contractor will
know that the steel used in manufacturing the fasteners is
of a reliable quality. Plus, the company’s name or logo
should be stamped into the steel as well as the load
capacity for each hanger type,” says Foot.
Africa states that the fastener should be designed with
the intended application in mind. “For instance, threads per
inch (TPI), thread pitch, surface treatment. It should offer
durability, match or exceed the local governing standards. It
should be easy to use,” he says.
Fastener manufacturing should follow a DIN standard. “It
is an internationally recognised norm for all fasteners
worldwide and if manufactured to that specification, you
know you have the right product,” says Lutz.
Another acceptable mark for quality is PGM. The
inspection mark of the Prüfgemeinschaft Mauerbohrer
(PGM), a German company. “It is a controlled and regulated
service that all international brands are tested for quality,
perfection, and safety, once this has been completed all the
products carry their stamp of approval,” says Ryan Hunt,
sales director for Vermont Sales.
WHAT CAN GO WRONG?
Using an incorrect fastener may lead to a number of
consequences. Firstly, it would result in, “The failure of that
connection,” says Foot.
“An incorrect fastener may lead to compromising the
structural integrity which may lead to non-compliance if or
when inspected. A compromised structure may reduce the
lifespan and investment in the structure,” shares Africa.
Foot explains that it is more than just the structural
integrity that stands to suffer should a structure collapse
due to the use of an incorrect fastener. “No-one wants to
imagine if someone is injured from this collapse or worse. In
DREAMS MADE
OF WOOD
A COMPREHENSIVE VARIETY OF SOLUTIONS TO DESIGN OUTDOOR SPACES NOT ONLY
BEAUTIFULLY MATCHING EVERY ENVIRONMENT, BUT ALSO MADE TO ENDURE CORROSION
AND SHORE UP RESISTANCE.
SCI
KKZ
KWP
TYP R30
COUNTERSUNK HEAD CONCEALED CYLINDRICAL HEAD FOR WPC PLANKS ADJUSTABLE POST BASE
setback notch, asymmetric thread,
elongated mill right-handed counter-thread triple thread for plastic material
shrinkage carbon steel, adjustable from 135 to
210 mm
Discover the whole range in the new OUTDOOR handbook, perfect to assist you while planning, building
and cladding both cozy and majestic timber structures. Visit our website www.rothoblaas.com
Informations: Mark O’ Connor | Tel. +27 0799056577 | [email protected]