SFS has launched the latest iteration of its leading building envelope bracket, the NH3, helping to boost efficiency and decrease installation time
Developed by SFS’ building envelope brand NVELOPE®, the NH3, as its name suggests, is the third in the bracket’s horizontal series. The key development in this latest evolution is that it requires just two primary fixings to secure it vertically to the external wall, and one additional fixing to support the horizontal profiles.
Made from high grade 6005 aluminium providing exceptional sheer values, the brackets are available with 6.5mm and 11mm primary fixing slots to suit all substrates, including steel, timber, concrete, brick and block.
NH3 bracket features
A central feature of the NH3 bracket is that it is designed to be installed using fixed and sliding points. This allows for thermal expansion, ensuring the horizontal profile has room to expand across the entire range of bracket sizes. The strain on the bracket and panel is therefore minimised assuring performance even in extremes of temperature.
The NH3 is also pre-fitted with an isolator that separates the bracket from the wall once installed. This provides the bracket with additional protection against corrosion damage by preventing chemicals found in wall constructions from reacting with the aluminium.
Manufactured in the UK, the brackets are tested to UKAS accredited standards and are undergoing BBA (British Board of Agrément) certification.
Profiles can be cut to specific lengths prior to delivery through SFS’ customised cutting service for the NVELOPE® range, to minimise time and material wastage on site. NH3 is backed up with SFS’ comprehensive warranty of up to 25 years when installed using SFS stainless-steel fixings.
A vast improvement
Simon Fielden, sales director at SFS, said: “We’re always in constant talks with our customers and installers who use our subframe systems. With speed and ease of installation a constant challenge for construction and building envelope projects, it was clear for us to develop the NH3 system and offer a speedy, simple and strong solution.
“The NH3 is a vast improvement on the NH2 in this respect. Previously, the NH2 required six additional fixings on top of the two primary fixings, plus an adaptor, to install it horizontally.
“We have managed to develop the NH3 bracket in such a way that it no longer needs an adaptor and reduces additional fixings from six to one.”