If you’re a roofing contractor constantly dealing with requests to improve thermal performance and the overall efficiency of a building, there are plenty of options to choose from. However, your customers might gasp at some of the hefty price tags that come along with these objectives. That’s why we’re revealing one innovation that manages to enhance performance while keeping costs in check: our favourite thermally broken fixing: the plastic tube and screw combination.
Thermal performance is a top demand in modern construction, and it’s not hard to see why. Insulation thicknesses are gradually increasing in order to maintain consistent indoor temperatures all-year-round. The way that these materials are attached forms a critical aspect of the building’s overall performance. where the attachment methods are inadequate, the users of that building can expect thermal bridging as a consequence, compromising the effectiveness of their insulation and sending energy costs skyrocketing.
So, how does thermal bridging happen in the first place? While there are many causes, it is important to know the role that traditional metal fixings can play in this scenario. Heat is conducted through the metal, which bypasses the insulation. The result? Significant energy losses and uneven temperatures throughout the building. The fact is that any solution you’re looking for should seek to eliminate the chance of this happening.
The Tube & Screw Combo Explained
If you’re looking for a solution that doesn’t break the bank, the plastic tube and screw combination is a top contender. This solution is designed to eliminate direct contact between the fixing screw and the external surface temperature.
Tube & Screw Combo: How It Works
This combination is the definition of simplicity and effectiveness. It all works by dropping the fixing into a plastic tube, which greatly reduces – and even eliminates – thermal bridging. For example, if using 200mm thick insulation, a plastic tube of 185mm in length is employed, and a fixing length of just 60mm is sufficient to secure the insulation to the deck or membrane.
The Tube & Screw combo is also one of the most versatile and adaptable options you’ll find. Indeed, the Eurofast fixing range offers various diameters of heads on the tubes, making them adaptable to virtually any application. Investing in this level of flexibility ensures that the system can be used in a broad range of building scenarios, providing a robust and highly versatile solution for thermal performance enhancement.
The Benefits of the Tube & Screw Combo
Aside from its raw effectiveness, adaptability and versatility, opting for the tube & screw combination offers a variety of benefits. We’ve highlighted some of those key benefits below, ranging from ergonomics & installer welfare to the technical support you can expect. Keep reading to learn more:
Reduced costs: By using this neat combination, you can cut fixing costs by up to half compared to traditional metal plate and long fixing screws. This makes the combo an attractive choice for budget-conscious projects without sacrificing on performance.
Reliable performance: It doesn’t just save on money, it saves on time. There is no drop in the holding capacity of the tube & screw combo, and provides reliable, secure attachment of insulation materials.
Ergonomics as a priority: Another advantage of the Tube and Screw combo is the reduction in the overall weight of the fixings used. This makes the system more ergonomic, reducing the physical strain on installers and enhancing their welfare on site. Meanwhile, the tube & screw combo can be installed quickly and efficiently (the availability of preassembled Tube and Screw combos and fully automated installation tools further streamlines the process, making it a preferred choice for many installers).
Technical support & services: Accurate wind-load calculations are essential for ensuring the stability and safety of any roofing system. Eurofast provides wind-load calculations specifically tailored for the Tube and Screw system, ensuring that each installation meets the necessary safety standards. Aside from that, Eurofast offers preassembled Tube and Screw combos. This reduces on-site preparation time, allowing installers to focus on securing the insulation materials quickly and efficiently.
The Environmental and Long-Term Benefits
There’s more benefits to the tube & screw combination other than the advantages it provides around cost-savings and performance. There are also major sustainability benefits to be considered here.
The reduction in thermal bridging and improved energy efficiency contribute to a building’s overall sustainability. By minimising energy losses, the Tube and Screw system helps reduce the building’s carbon footprint, aligning with modern sustainability goals. This is combined with the fact that the materials used in the Tube and Screw system are designed for long-term durability. The plastic tubes are resistant to corrosion, unlike traditional metal fixings, which can degrade over time. This longevity ensures that the system continues to perform effectively throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Tecron: Your Roofing Supply Partner
To find out how Tecron can help with your next project, please contact the Tecron team today by emailing sales@tecron.ie or call us on +353-91-353545. Alternatively, visit one of our Trade Counter to avail of our industry expertise in-person.