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Many factors have caused for a skills gap in the industry , being a specialised trade is the main factor .
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components offer the required lifespan ,” says Llewellyn Africa , sales and operations manager at Corroshield SA .
SECURING A FASTENER
There are various types of fasteners available for timber . “ Wood type is important as well because you have different wood densities for its various applications . Foot characterises available fasteners into three categories : Site application , machine pressed , and bracing items used in securing the structure together .
“ When using a gang nailed connector plate for a site application , the wood type and grading would be a factor . These types of plate connectors can be used on softer timber to ensure the nail is driven securely into the timber fibres ,” he says .
These connectors are available at most hardware stores ; however , he recommends getting professional advice on the correct size plates to use for your project . “ Another site application one could use bolted connection with or without large steel gussets . This is common for exposed timber features . Engineered details are required for these connections and can be costly ,” Foot shares .
Machine pressed plates can be used on all structural timber grades . “ The size and position of the connector plates are designed to give the customer the most efficient connection for its structural use . This type of fabrication comes with a guarantee from the system provider . The same system provider will supply all the bracing items needed to fasten the timber structure together ,” he says . Additionally , drawings should be issued indicating the positions and size of hangers to be installed as well as other bracing connections .
Rainer Lutz from Fastenright says that timber that is applied outside should use a stainless-steel fastener as it doesn ’ t rust easily .
“ There are two different kinds of stainless steel , commercial and marine grade . Marine grade is more expensive as it will never rust , the timber will need regular treatment . For wooden decks in provinces in close proximity to the ocean , installing a commercial grade will prevent rusting ,” he says .
“ There ’ s different kinds of coatings applied on screws , some are galvanized . However , the screw will eventually rust through weather conditions , sometimes owing to salt in the air . The closer you go to the sea , the quicker it will rust ,” he shares .
Rust can also occur in an area that experiences a lot of pollution . “ Industrial areas can cause galvanized steel fastener to rust while stainless steel is resistant to rusting . If you use the right fastener , it will never rust or require
See more on page 30
28 JUNE / JULY 2018 //