Efficient installation of facade thermal insulation with Rawlplug R-TFIX fasteners

Rawlplug R-TFIX facade fasteners for fixing thermal insulation
From the series "Modern facade and wall materials - trends 2020"

Proper installation of fasteners for facade thermal insulation guarantees the resistance of the insulation system to the impact of pulling and suction forces resulting from the impact of wind on the building, and also avoids thermal bridges. See how the installation of thermal insulation with Rawlplug facade fasteners, recommended for energy-efficient and passive construction, should look like correctly.

Facade mechanical fasteners

Mechanical fasteners for fixing insulation are an important element that guarantees the stabilization of the entire insulation system. The forces acting on the insulation system are transmitted by the adhesive mortar (shear forces resulting from the system's own weight) and façade fasteners (hygrothermal forces, as well as pulling and suction forces resulting from the effects of wind on the building). Pull-out and suction forces are transferred by the dowel to the building structure. The ability of the dowel to transfer these forces is determined by an index called "characteristic load" and is part of the information contained in the documents that allow the dowel to be used (approval or technical assessment).

Diagram of forces acting on an insulation system

© RAWLPLUG

Rawlplug

The Rawlplug brand boasts more than a century of experience in the manufacture of fasteners, fasteners and tools, and offers a professional facade fastening system recommended for use with professional insulation systems.

Screw-in facade fasteners (R-TFIX-8S and R-TFIX-8SX).

A unique position in Rawlplug's range of novelty façade fasteners is occupied by R-TFIX-8S - a universal screw -in façade fastener and R-TFIX-8SX - a universal screw-in façade fastener with a galvanized screw. These are probably the most universal fasteners on the market - they can be used in any substrate and in most insulation materials. Their unquestionable advantages are: fast installation and the highest load capacity, as well as the unique design of the anchoring zone, which allows to carry high loads reducing the number of anchors recommended per m². The offered variants, features, technical sheets and the range of products associated with this line of fasteners are available at https://r-tfix-8s.rawlplug.com/pl.

R-TFIX-8S - universal facade screw anchor

© RAWLPLUG

Schematic of surface installation (polystyrene thermal insulation) using the R-TFIX-8S screw-in facade dowel as an example.

1. Drill a hole with a diameter of 8 mm and a depth appropriate to the type of substrate.
2. Clean the drilled hole 3×.
3. Place the T40 mounting tip into the recess of the plastic part of the R-TFIX-8S screw. Insert the dowel into the drilled hole.
4. After embedding the dowel in the hole, the plate should be pressed against the surface of the thermal insulation. In substrates of categories A, B, C, D the minimum depth of anchorage is 25 mm, in substrate E - aerated concrete 65 mm.
5. When tightening, tighten the tip, keeping it precisely perpendicular to the facade. Tighten the screw of the dowel until the correct depth of anchorage is reached (the plate should be on one surface with the thermal insulation layer).
6. Correct final embedment.

R-TFIX-8SX - universal facade dowel with galvanized screw

© RAWLPLUG

Diagram of recessed installation (mineral wool thermal insulation) using the example of screw-in facade dowel R-TFIX-8SX (with galvanized screw)

1. Drill a hole with a diameter of 8 mm and a depth suitable for the type of substrate.
2. Clean the drilled hole 3×.
3. Insert the R-TFIX-TOOL-BLACK tool into the head of the R-TFIX-8SX screw. Insert the dowel into the drilled hole.
4. When the dowel is seated in the hole, the teeth of the KWX-63 perforating disc should be fully embedded in the thermal insulation. In substrates of categories A, B, C, D the minimum depth of anchorage is 25 mm, in substrate E - aerated concrete 65 mm.
5. When tightening, tighten the tip, keeping it precisely perpendicular to the facade. Tighten the screw of the dowel until the correct depth of anchorage is reached (the plate should be on one surface with the thermal insulation layer).
6. Place a suitable cap (polystyrene or mineral wool).

Thus installed dowel will be an effective element of stabilization of the building insulation, which will allow long-term and trouble-free operation.

Driven facade fasteners (R-TFIX-8M).

Among façade fasteners, R-TFIX-8M - a product novelty from Rawlplug, particularly recommended for energy-efficient and passive construction - deserves special attention. Its unique design ensures reduced energy loss and reduced risk of façade discoloration thanks to a 5-fold extended thermal barrier between the steel nail and the façade surface. The R-TFIX-8M dowel from Rawlplug is one of the few products on the market that is approved for anchoring in the external masonry panel of large slab C16/20-C50/60 concrete, which means that it is certified for the installation of thermal insulation in buildings where large slab technology is used. The high strength parameters of the dowel allow its versatile use in all types of substrates A, B, C, D, E and for all types of thermal insulation, as confirmed by the European Technical Assessments (ETAs).

R-TFIX-8M - facade dowel with driven metal pin

© RAWLPLUG

Diagram of driven installation (polystyrene thermal insulation) using the R-TFIX-8M facade dowel (with driven metal pin) as an example

1. Drill a hole of appropriate diameter and depth. In substrates of categories A,B,C,D the minimum depth of drilling is 35mm, in substrate E - aerated concrete 75 mm.
2. Clean the drilled hole 3×.
3. After embedding the dowel in the hole, the plate should be pressed against the surface of the thermal insulation (in substrates of category A,B,C,D the minimum depth of anchorage is 25mm, in substrate E - aerated concrete 65 mm).
4. Drive the dowel pin into the expansion tee to align on one surface of the pin, the dowel plate and the thermal insulation.
5. For fixing soft thermal insulation and lamella wool, it is recommended to use a dowel with an additional KWL pressure plate with a diameter of 90, 110 or 140mm.

See in the video how easy it is!

Specialized services for engineers and architects

Following a wide range of innovative fastening products, Rawlplug offers a range of technical services (such as technical consulting and site tests) and proprietary apps for engineers and architects, enabling them to properly select and position fasteners and download their models and technical drawings.

EasyFix is a free application for making design calculations, which takes into account even the most specific needs of specific construction projects.

• Division into thematic modules, dedicated to specific segments of execution work.
• Working on the basis of the latest EAD, ETAG and EUROCODE guidelines, the calculations ensure compliance with standards, precision and highest usability.
• Specialized functionalities, as well as simplicity and intuitiveness of use, support the work of every designer and guarantee the safety of the solutions they design.

The EasyFix application and its use is free of charge. To access the program, simply download it from www.easyfix.rawlplug.com/pl

BIM Rawlplug

A proprietary application for downloading and inserting models and technical drawings of Rawlplug® fasteners into projects.

• Comprehensive product data to facilitate design decisions.
• Availability of models and drawings in 2D and 3D variants, 6 projections and 360 view.
• Possibility to use in online version or download to BIM/CAD design environment.

There are two ways to use the data contained in Rawlplug's BIM:

1. Rawlplug BIM integration with Autodesk® Revit®.
   Integration of the data library with Autodesk® Revit® is possible via the innovative Revit Plug-in. Simply download the plug-in from rawlplug.com - from the Services/Designer Tools tab.
2. Using the software online
   Rawlplug's BIM application is available at rawlplug.com under the Services/Designer Tools tab. Anyone wishing to review and familiarize themselves with the models, drawings and information contained in the system can freely access them without the need to register and subsequently log in.

The Rawlplug brand's mission is to provide its customers: engineers, architects, builders, contractors and tradesmen, with access to a full portfolio of capabilities, knowledge and best practices to support their daily tasks and business goals. This is confirmed by numerous awards (including Construction Brand of the Year, Construction Wizard and others) and reference objects.

For more information, visit the company's Rawlplug S.A. page on the A&B portal.