FAQ's

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Spandrel Panels
Metal Web Joists
Attic Trusses
How do you handle spandrel panels on site?

Spandrel panels should only be manoeuvred using mechanical handling. Additionally, a site-specific risk assessment and method statements for site handling, crane lifting and safe installation of gable wall panels, must be completed by the installers and contractors on site.

If storage is required, the panels must be stored in an upright position only, supported by bearers to keep the panels off the ground, and they must be safely restrained to prevent injury. Furthermore, panels should be adequately protected from adverse weather, as this can prevent bowing or wrapping of the panel.

Find out more about handling spandrel panels here.

How do you unload spandrel panels safely?

Spandrel panels can be safely unloaded using either a forklift or a crane. Always follow the safety guidance provided by the Trussed Rafter Association. We can provide these documents upon request.

Get in touch for more information about spandrel panels.

What is the difference between a gable panel and a party wall spandrel panel?

Gable panels are an alternative to the inner leaf of an exterior masonry wall at the gable end of a building. This type of spandrel panel must resist wind loads acting on the gable end walls and any loads imposed by the outer layers of cladding.

Party wall spandrel panels are used between two properties and are cladded on either side of the timber frame. Party walls are required to provide a minimum of 60 minutes fire protection and should meet the sound insulation requirements outlined in the latest building regulations.

Both types of spandrel panels must comply with structural, thermal and fire resistance performance standards and current building standards and regulations.

See our spandrel panels guidance here.

What is a spandrel panel?

Spandrel panels are offsite manufactured structural panels which are used as a separating wall or as an external gable wall panel, replacing the need for masonry walls. There are two types: gable and party wall spandrel panels.

The panels are designed to comply with structural, thermal and fire resistance performance standards and current building standards and regulations.

Find out more about spandrel panels here.

Common metal web joist terms you need to know

Below are some of the terms and phrases used when referring to metal web joists.

Bearing
The part of a metal web joist receiving structural support. This is usually a wall but can be a beam or post etc.

Building designer
The person responsible for the structural stability and integrity of the building as a whole.

Cassette
Factory controlled, preassembled floor unit that helps reduce labour and construction
time on-site.

Chord
The top or bottom structural timber element of a metal web joist.

Chord splice
A structural joint in the top or bottom chord formed using a connector plate.

Clear span
Distance between bearing points at each end of the metal web joist.

Connector plate
A metal plate with integral teeth punched from the plate material. It is used for joining timber in one plane with no overlap. It will have an accreditation certificate and is mostly manufactured from galvanised steel.

Can metal web joists be used for roofs?

Metal web joists can be used for roofs (easi-rafters), for floors and even walls (easi-panel). easi-joists may be positioned at any angle between zero and 90 degrees.

Our easi-rafter roof systems can be easily adapted to create pitched roof structures which are lighter and more thermally efficient.

easi-rafters are easier to manoeuvre on site and safer to handle than traditional heavier timbers. The easi-rafter system can be installed onto a wallplate or ridge beam without the need for bevelled wallplates or special metalwork items.

Get in touch to find out how we can help you.

How much do metal web joists cost?

The cost of metal web joists varies depending on the number of joists required, the span and joist depth.

Get a no-obligation quote for metal web joists from our design team.

What are the benefits of metal web joists?

Metal web floors joists can add several benefits to domestic and commercial builds.

  • The open web design allows for easier installation of services, pipes and insulation.
  • Reduced installation time and costs.
  • Reduced health and safety risks on site as manufactured in an offsite controlled factory environment.
  • They are strong but lightweight so can be easily handled on site.Designed and manufactured for heavier load requirements.
  • They can span greater distances compared to traditional timber joists.
  • The easi-joist system incorporates fewer webs and up to 20% less timber.

Discover more about metal web joists here.

What is the maximum span for metal web joists?

Metal web joists can span up to 9m. At Scotts Timber Engineering, we design and manufacture easi-joists with larger spans to your requirements. Considerations for the achievable span include the type of support you have in place, etc.

Using easi-joists is a beneficial flooring solution as they can span up to large lengths due to Wolf Systems’ precision engineered metal webs.

Get expert advice on larger spanned metal web joists here.

 

What are easi-joists?

easi-joists, also known as metal web floor joists, offer a lightweight and strong solution for large spanning buildings. Compared to traditional timber joists, easi-joists can offer excellent versatility when designing floors, roofs, or even walls.

We design and manufacture easi-joist members which are parallel lengths of timber plated together with Wolf Systems’ patented, precision engineered metal webs.

Find out more about easi-joists here.

What are metal web joists?

Metal web joists are an innovative timber engineered solution used to support a floor spanning over an open area, commonly forming the upper-storey of a residential building.

The open web design allows for easy installation of service pipes. The lightweight timber is easier to handle on site and combined with the strength of the metal webs creates a joist that has the capability of spanning greater distances than alternative, traditional joists. This more generous surface for fixing plasterboard and chipboard for floors and ceilings create a wider fixing point.

At Scotts Timber Engineering, we design and manufacture easi-joist members which are parallel lengths of timber plated together with Wolf Systems’ patented, precision engineered metal webs.

Find out more about metal web joists here.

Can my attic truss support a floor?

Yes, an attic truss can support a floor as it is designed with both the structural roof and floor in one component to accommodate the need of an extra level. The bottom chord of an attic truss uses larger timber sections to support a load bearing floor.

We can also design and manufacture attic trusses incorporating easi-joist members as the bottom chord of the truss, allowing for the easy installation of services and insulation.

Find out more about attic trusses here.

What is an attic truss?

An attic truss, also known as a room-in-roof truss, is a common type of truss used to add another floor and living space to a house without needing to change the footprint.

Attic trusses can serve as both a structural roof and floor in a single component. This type of truss can provide extra storage space, such as an attic/loft, or can be used as an extra room in the house.

Our attic trusses are designed bespoke for each customer and can typically offer additional living space of 30% or more.

Find out more about attic trusses here.

Are attic trusses more expensive than traditional roof trusses?

The cost of attic trusses is determined by the span, pitch, the quantity required and the type of timber used. Additional factors to consider is the need for openings such as a stairwell, dormers or a roof light.

Attic trusses costs are reaped back in the additional space that is added to a home. Attic trusses require greater depths of timber due to the larger span but this investment can increase additional living space by 30% or more.

See the benefits of attic trusses here.

How far can attic trusses span?

Attic trusses can span up to 14m. The span of an attic truss can be increased by incorporating easi-joist members into the design, this additional strength enables a larger clear span.

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