SEPTEMBER 3, 2019
Have you ever gone out to dinner with a group of people and talked about what you do for a living only to see an inquisitive look staring back at you? That recently happened when explaining the concept behind Flex-Ability Concepts. Steel framing is nothing new, but some people apparently might not fully understand the easier and faster way to create curves with metal framing. So here is a refresher about what we have and how to choose the right product for your next job.
WHAT WE HAVE
Flex-C Trac, made of galvanized or galvanized steel, is available in 20, 18 and 16 gauges and a variety of widths. It can be curved to virtually any radius needed. Flex-C Trac can be used for curved walls, columns, arches, S curves, domes and barrel vaults. To create the right curve, bend the track into position and lay it on a hard surface. Then hammer the Hammer-Lock tabs in place to secure the shape (self-tapping screws can go into the sides for added strength). Then the track just needs to be fastened to the ceiling or floor. Flex-C Arch is manufactured of 20-gauge galvanized steel. Residential widths include 2”x4”, 2”x6”, 2”x8”, 2”x10” and 2”x12”. Commercial widths are 2 ½”, 3 ⅝”, 4″, 6″ and 8″. The length for both applications is 8′, and the minimum radius is 9″. Flex-C Arch, the ideal product to create arches in doorways or windows, and is extremely well-suited for making curved soffits and architectural clouds. It too locks into shape with Hammer-Lock tabs or by inserting screws, and it attaches to metal or wood studs. Three Legged Dog is a deflection clip that was designed to be fumble proof. The installation process involves cutting a stud short depending on how much deflection is needed. The Three Legged Dog slides over the stud, with the “T” part in the stud, and twists into place. The stud then can be fastened to the top track using screws or powder actuated fasteners. The Three Legged Dog is available in 1 ⅝”, 2 ½”, 3 ⅝-“(this works for 4″ studs), 6″, 8″ and 10” sizes.
Quick Qurve Plate is CDX plywood framing for curved walls, ceilings, soffits or alcoves. Like the metal framing products, it gets shaped into position, nailed or stapled into the pivot area to lock the shape, and then it is fastened into place like other wood framing pieces. It comes in 2″ x 4″ and 2″ x 6″ sizes, untreated or treated.
HOW TO PICK
Often the width and gauge of the product will be provided in the plans or model. When framing a curved wall, the general rule is that the top and bottom track match the width and gauge of the studs. When in doubt, check with the architect or the general for verification of the required specifications.
Our website and YouTube channel have several how-to videos to make installation easier. The videos serve as accessible training guides for your crews if an employee is new to our product offerings or someone needs a refresher.
If you have questions, contact one of our manufacturer’s representatives or find a local distributor. We are always here to help in the office too, so give us a shout at 866-443-FLEX (3539) or rwidmer@flexabilityconcepts.com. We would prefer to answer your questions and hopefully, in the end, make your curved framing projects easier, instead of leaving you scratching your head—wondering what we do for a living.
Comentários