Last updated on March 27th, 2024 at 11:10 pm
Aluminium coping provides protection to the tops of walls from environmental damage. With its lightweight yet durable properties, as well as corrosion and rust resistance, aluminium is ideal for coping parapets and freestanding walls. It redirects rainwater away and safeguards the structural integrity of your buildings.
Installing aluminium coping is also much simpler than traditional heavy coping stones. The aluminium coping pieces conveniently clip onto aluminium brackets that are screwed onto the parapet wall, eliminating the need for mortar or adhesives. However, if these brackets are not properly and securely fixed, it can lead to several problems affecting structural integrity, safety, waterproofing, and aesthetics. The secure fix brackets offer a watertight jointing solution, giving you total protection from water ingress.
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Safety
Loose or improperly installed coping brackets can lead to potential hazards when faced with powerful winds. In such cases, brackets can get ripped off entirely or allow parapets and copings to shift. This movement can lead to falling pieces that endanger pedestrians below. Properly secured brackets stay firmly in place, preventing safety incidents. Building owners must protect the public by ensuring secure aluminium coping bracket installation.
Structural Stability
A coping bracket’s core purpose is to transmit the weight and stresses from the parapet or roof deck securely into the building’s main structure. If the bracket is loose or poorly connected, it cannot properly perform this function. This places more stress on other components, leading to potential coping or deck failure, cracks, and water infiltration. Properly fixed brackets ensure a tight connection and even distribution of the load into the structure. This maintains the parapet or roof deck in proper alignment.
Durability
When coping brackets are loose, they are prone to vibration, shifting, and fatigue from thermal expansion/contraction cycles. This can cause premature cracking and failure of the brackets, requiring expensive repairs. Proper installation distributes stresses evenly across the bracket, fasteners, and connections. This greatly increases the working life of the brackets and minimises the need for maintenance or replacement.
Water Tightness
Roof parapet copings are often one of the first lines of defense against water infiltration. Aluminium coping brackets provide critical support to help minimise leaks. Loose brackets allow shifting of copings while opening of joints, which can let the water in. This can lead to internal damage and mold growth. Securely attaching brackets helps maintain water tightness while keeping the coping or roof deck properly aligned and supported.
Enhancing Visual Appeal
Inadequately fixed coping brackets allow noticeable sagging and gaps as the parapet settles and shifts over time. This creates an unappealing, uneven look. Properly secured brackets keep architectural features looking orderly and uniform for better aesthetics.
Building Code Compliance
Most building codes and standards contain specific requirements for the acceptable design, sizing, spacing, and secure attachment of aluminium coping brackets. Failure to comply with the building code can put a structure at risk. Securely installing brackets to code standards is critical.
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Final Thoughts
The correct and secure installation of aluminium coping brackets holds immense significance across various aspects, including safety, structural integrity, long-term durability, prevention of water ingress, aesthetic appeal, and adherence to building regulations and standards. Taking the time to correctly install and securely fix brackets will pay dividends for years in the future. Never cut corners when fixing critical brackets and connections.
