PR 34892 

Metal-web joists point the way to efficient building solutions

More and more designers and specifiers are choosing metal-web joists as pressure mounts to reduce costs while improving energy efficiency and performance. 

According to Karl Foster, sales and marketing director of Wolf Systems, the originators of the successful easi-joist system, metal-webs are continuing to take market share from timber I-joists and traditional sawn timber despite tough trading conditions. 

"Metal-webs continue to win market share over the competition by simply being a better product" says Karl. "Once converted to metal-web, many contractors and builders won't go back to using products that don't have the advantages of metal web" he adds. 

Metal-web joists are lightweight composite structural beams consisting of timber flanges joined by a lattice of pressed steel connector plates. The result is a strong joist with plenty of space between the timbers to accommodate wiring, pipework and other services. 

Metal-web joists share the same nail-plate design concept as modern trussed rafters and have been seized upon by truss manufacturers seeking a second string to their bow. 

"For many, the opportunity to sell an engineered floor with an engineered roof is a bit of a ‘no-brainer'" observes Karl. 

And, although developed specifically as a floor joist, metal-webs offer such flexibility that they are increasingly used in wall and roof constructions, particularly as a component in prefabricated "cassette" systems.

Many manufacturers of Wolf's easi-joists are now producing cassette-based solutions for floors, walls and roofs using easi-joist software. 

"We are seeing more metal-webs used in wall construction, but generally the real increase this year has come from roof construction" says Karl. 

This year, Wolf has developed a new version of its easi-joist software that enables designers and manufacturers to specify easi-joists as a roof component. 

"With this capability in the hands of our manufacturers, we have already seen an increase in easi-joist sales, even in these tough market conditions" comments Karl. 

For further information, please visitwww.wolfsystem.co.ukor call 02476 602303. 

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Press release 34892 issued on behalf of Wolf Systems by Taylor Alden. Tel: 020 8543 3866 Fax: 020 8543 2841 email:philippa@tayloralden.co.uk.