Steel frame: how to isolate windows and doors in a hybrid concrete-to-steel building

Versatility of performance solutions 

Not only wood: when the solutions are high-performance they also lend themselves to other materials.  
 

In Loja, Ecuador, this hybrid concrete structure with steel frame will house the University’s auditoriums, which have specific requirements in terms of soundproofing, waterproofing and airtightness. 
 
As one of the largest hybrid structure projects in the region, the technical team of Constructora Fractales and Construsec Ecuador looked for the most effective solutions: when analysing some Rothoblaas products for airtightness and soundproofing for timber, they found that they also work for steel frames, a strong and versatile material, but a vehicle for transmitting vibrations and at risk of corrosion in the presence of moisture.  
 
What steel frame means 

Steel frame is a structural solution that uses lightweight steel frames to construct strong and flexible buildings. Normally, a steel frame building is a load-bearing structure made of thin metal profiles, cold-formed with structural steel, which are complemented by slab/sheet and panel systems for the external envelope, inner partitions, slabs and roofs. This technique, appreciated for its assembly speed and efficiency, is based on prefabricated dry-assembled components, which allows freedom of design and modular assemblies.  

Because components are simply assembled on site, construction time is significantly reduced compared to traditional methods. This lowers labour costs and reduces the risk of overtime. 

Sound insulation for educational spaces 

To minimise sound propagation in this steel frame structure, SILENT UNDERFLOOR and GIPS BAND were used. SILENT UNDERFLOOR is a resilient profile, ideal for reducing impact noise and improving acoustic comfort, indispensable in educational environments. Due to its construction, this adhesive profile enables a significant reduction in vibrations transmitted through floors, decoupling panels and slabs. GIPS BAND instead is high performing in wall and ceiling coating. It can be used as an acoustic decoupling and as self-sealing tape around the nails for the ribs of the counter-wall structure. Reduces the transmission of vibrations, noise sources in environments such as classrooms and offices.  

Moisture protection and airtightness control 

For moisture protection and airtightness, however, TRASPIR 95, the highly breathable membrane for walls with excellent cost-performance ratio, has been chosen. It can be also used on closed-joint façades and is designed to guarantee wind tightness, also acting as a temporary protective layer during construction work, preventing moisture build-up that can damage structural materials. This membrane is particularly suitable for hybrid structures, where moisture control is essential for the durability of steel elements characteristic of the steel frame system. 

Sealing and insulation of windows and doors 

In combination, SMART BAND and EASY BAND ensure complete airtightness in the connections between walls and windows. SMART BAND meets all the requirements to be classified as a tape for sealing external doors or windows, ensuring maximum safety even in case of stagnating water. 

Extremely versatile, it can be used for a multitude of applications, creating a durable barrier to prevent drafts and airflow, while EASY BAND ensures fast and stable sealing. It can be conveniently applied to both the inside and outside of the building envelope, providing an extremely simple and secure seal on most common supports. The type of glue, its quantity and the special carrier make this tape the perfect solution for sealing on smooth surfaces and at high temperatures, preventing the tape from slipping in all those situations where the glue generally tends to soften. 

Watch here how to professionally seal a window https://youtu.be/SMB9_7OWNlI, and contact our agents for more information on Rothoblaas products dedicated to steel frame systems. 

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