Steel structure enclosures

Frame construction makes it possible to quickly erect buildings with a specific purpose. Unfortunately, the installation of a steel structure is one of many steps in the implementation of such a project. The next step is to enclose it with an enclosure, which is most often made of sandwich panels. What is the structure of such an enclosure? How should it be assembled?

Steel structure – why is it worth building halls in this way?

Let’s start with the fact that the construction of structures erected according to the assumptions of dry technology (skeletal construction) carries a lot of advantages.

• Assembly of the building is much faster than with other methods.
• The construction of the building is lighter.
• The structure of the walls can be designed according to the customer’s expectations.
• The building is not exposed to moisture.

Layered panel installation methods – what is worth knowing?

Cladding for steel-framed buildings is most often installed in two different ways. This uses horizontal and vertical installation technology. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are determined by the technical specifications of a particular building.

It is worth noting that regardless of the chosen technology (horizontal or horizontal), builders can use standard panels that have a visible fastener, as well as the original covering, which is equipped with a hidden fastening system.

Vertical and horizontal installation method – brief characteristics

A contractor opting for horizontal installation of the enclosure can mask all panel fasteners. To do this, screws are used, which are masked by specially selected flashings laid along the column. This creates a uniform structure with a refined and unified appearance.

An alternative to this solution is the vertical installation of the housing. In this case, panels equipped with a special hidden fastener in the lock are used. With this solution, the contractor does not need to install flashings applied along the column. As an aside, it is worth adding that such a solution is much less time-consuming.

Vertical and horizontal mounting method – brief characteristics

The contractor who decides to mount the enclosure horizontally can mask all panel fastenings. To do this, screws are used, which are masked by specially selected flashings laid along the column. This creates a uniform structure with a refined and unified appearance.

An alternative to this solution is the vertical installation of the housing. In this case, panels equipped with a special hidden fastener in the lock are used. With this solution, the contractor does not need to install flashings applied along the column. As an aside, it is worth adding that such a solution is much less time-consuming.

Method of housing installation vs. structural design

The design, which is the starting point for further implementation of the project, should specify how the sandwich panels will be attached to the support (frame) structure. If the housing is installed horizontally, the panels are attached directly to:

• structural main columns,
• structural intermediate columns.

If fastening is used in a vertical arrangement, the individual elements should be installed directly on the substructure, the so-called bolts.

Safeguards used in the construction of steel enclosures

The installation of appropriate protections is key to creating an enclosure that will protect the steel structure from the effects of low temperatures and moisture. For this purpose, special self-adhesive seals are often used, which are made of soft polyurethane foam that adapts well to the environment. The resulting coating makes a layer between the structure and the housing, which protects the former from acoustic influences, as well as from corrosion. Often in the role of protection is also used the so-called drip treatment, which has the shape of a bent downward element. Thanks to it, rainwater flows down the sandwich panel directly outside the foundation.

Installation tips – what is worth knowing?

The sandwich panels delivered to the construction site should be slightly larger. This will allow you to cut them to the right length during installation. The process of installing the panel should begin with the laying of the wall panels. Only then do we apply the roof structure. With this solution, the entire enclosure forms a uniform structure, which prevents water leakage.

Installation of the panels should begin from the corner of the structure. Particular care should be taken to ensure that the first panel is vertical. When installing sandwich panels, you can use devices equipped with special suction cups. Thanks to them, you can easily (and safely) transport the panel to a specific place and apply it to the steel structure.

Additional tips

For the installation of panels, use specialized self-drilling screws, which contain special seals made of durable and resistant rubber. As a result, the connections made in this way are not only more stable, but retain increased strength in the context of moisture exposure.

The screw should always be attached to the substrate in a perpendicular manner. For this purpose, it is worth using a special screwdriver, which must necessarily be equipped with a depth stop for drilling the hole.

If in the course of installation the anti-corrosion coating of the steel structure has been damaged, the resulting defects must be thoroughly repaired by using special paints and protective coatings. This process should be carried out before rust appears on the surface of the elements.

To sum up, by using various methods of encapsulating steel structures, the investor can obtain concrete results, for example, in the form of better masking of holes and screws.