The Construction industry is always seeing new innovations, whether those are high-performance materials, advanced tools, or modern techniques. Among these innovations are changes to fixings and fasteners, which have begun to see not just technical improvements, but also benefits that make construction safer, more efficient, and even more eco-friendly. Here’s a look at some new innovative fixings and fasteners, which are helping contribute to the continuous development of the construction industry.
New Innovations:
Eco-Friendly Fasteners
One of the latest all-round trends in construction today is sustainability, and this has extended to fasteners and fixings. Eco-friendly fasteners are made from materials that have a lower environmental impact. These include biodegradable polymers or recycled metals like steel. Check out our posts on Eco-friendly materials and Stainless Steel. Some fasteners are also designed to be more easily removed and recycled at the end of their lifecycle, helping reduce waste in construction projects.
Corrosion-Resistant Coatings
Corrosion is one of the biggest obstacles for metal fasteners, especially in environments exposed to moisture or chemicals. Traditional fasteners often require frequent replacement in such conditions, leading to higher costs and potential safety risks. However, the development of corrosion-resistant coatings has helped combat these issues. These coatings help shield the fasteners from rust and degradation.
A good example of this is galvanisation, which involves hot-dipping steel screws with a layer of zinc. Some advanced coatings that are applied via plating or spraying also offer additional benefits, such as resistance to ultraviolet light, which can further extend the lifespan of fasteners used in outdoor or exposed environments. Some of the latest innovations are green electroplating techniques that reduce the amount of toxic solvents used in the process, and Graphene plating. Graphene is a new material that is stronger than steel and has excellent electrical and heat conductivity properties.
High-Performance Screws
Screws are among the most used fasteners, and they have seen significant innovation in recent years. High-performance screws are designed to offer better grip, more effortless driving, and increased load capacity. This means they can hold materials together more securely, even under high stress or in challenging conditions.
One of the recent innovations includes self-drilling screws, which are equipped with a drill bit-like tip, allowing them to be driven directly into materials without the need for a pre-drilled pilot hole. This not only speeds up the construction process but also reduces the chances of splitting the material, ensuring a stronger hold.
We offer a range of self-drilling screws to buy online.
Adhesive Fasteners
Adhesive fasteners represent a significant departure from traditional mechanical fasteners. These use specially formulated adhesives to bond materials together. While adhesives have been used in construction for some time, the latest innovations have made them much more reliable and versatile.
Modern adhesive fasteners, like those from brands such as Unibond, are designed to offer strong bonding power while remaining flexible, allowing for some movement between the materials without compromising the bond. This flexibility is particularly useful in environments where materials may expand or contract due to temperature changes. Adhesive fasteners are also often used in situations where traditional fasteners might not be practical, such as bonding glass panels or attaching materials to surfaces that cannot be easily drilled.
Reusable Fasteners
As the construction industry becomes more focused on sustainability, reusable fasteners have gained popularity. These fasteners are designed to be easily removed and reused in other projects, reducing the need for new materials and lowering overall costs. These are particularly valuable in temporary structures or situations where components may need to be disassembled and reassembled.
BS Fixings: A Reliable Provider
When it comes to sourcing innovative fixings and fasteners, BS Fixings is here to lend you a helping hand. We proudly offer a wide range of products that cater to the needs and demands of both small DIY projects and large construction sites. Amongst our range, we offer corrosion resistant screws and nails, which will help protect your outdoor projects against the elements. Browse our range of products today or call us on 03330 117818 with any questions.
