The Vertical Cladding Rail (VCR) may be used to support horizontally laid cladding. It is a standard Cee section that may connect with Sigma or Cee cladding rails to provide a flush finishing support structure. Examples are shown in red below.
Cover Channels
An extra wide fixing face is generally required where horizontal cladding is joined. To achieve this Cover Channels (highlighted in blue below) may be added to increase the fixing area. These are also standard Cee sections and any size may be used but the 145mm is generally recommended for the more commonly used cladding profiles. Counterformed holes and countersunk bolts are used to create a flush finish on the outer surface.
Assembled view of VCR with Cover Channel
Exploded view of VCR with Cover Channel
Note on above: Cover channels shown in blue may be bolted to VCR rails to increase the fixing area where cladding joins.
Installation of VCR
Vertical Cladding Rails are manufactured the same depth as the cladding rails. Cleats are used to mount them off stanchions while end flanges are used if they are positioned mid span. These variants are explained in detail below.
Column Mounted VCR with optional cover channel:
The VCR is mounted by means of hot rolled tabs or cleats fabricated as part of the structural steelwork by the steel fabricator. Use the 3d model to view the connection in more clarity.
Mid Span Mounted VCR with optional cover channel:
In this case end flanges are used to make the connection to the supporting steelwork. A typical example of a VCR with end flanges is shown on the right. Tie ropes may be used for anti sag support as shown. Use the 3d model to view the connection in more clarity.
Some points to note:
• VCR rails and Cover Channels are supplied separately for assembly on site.
• VCR rails and associated Cover Channels are bespoke components manufactured to customer specified lengths.
• The customer may select the thickness of material to use based on the expected load.
The counterform diameter for the VCR is 18mm and 14mm for the Cover Channel.
How to order:
For orders being detailed manually a drawing will be required for the members in question. Customers are advised to discuss their requirements with us prior to ordering so further guidance may be given on the ordering process. Some steel detailing systems have the facility to detail VCR rails. These automatically generate the necessary data for manufacture and this may be forwarded by electronic data transfer or drawing.