Improve efficiency, reduce time on site and prevent costly delays – the unique benefits of Stofix
UK Head of Sales, Mike Trott, gives us in-depth insights into the benefits of Stofix and why the pre-pointed, panelised brick slip façade system is a unique solution in the market. Designed to minimise time on-site, improve efficiency, and prevent costly delays, the Stofix system offers a seamless approach to façade design, combining innovation and aesthetics to meet the evolving demands of modern construction projects.
How is Stofix unique in the marketplace?
Stofix is the only pre-pointed, panelised brick slip façade system on the market. While architects and specifiers have many brick slip systems to choose from, none offer the level of innovation and flexibility of Stofix. Our system not only arrives pre-pointed but also allows for bespoke decorative details such as various brick bonds, projecting and recessed brickwork, and the use of a wide range of brick choices.
Can you explain the benefits of a panelised system?
The Stofix panelised system significantly simplifies the installation process. Our panels are typically 0.5m² in size, weighing between 20kg and 25kg, making them easy to manually lift, hang, and secure efficiently. Each panel contains around 30 brick slips and is 95% pre-pointed, offering substantial time savings over other systems, especially those that require more on-site pointing or clip-in methods. This reduces on-site time and minimises labour requirements, making the installation much more efficient.
Explain the benefits of a mechanically fixed system?
Stofix’s patented metal backing plate is the linchpin of our ability to panelise our system. The backing plate, with its 16 steel pegs surrounding each brick slip which are embedded into the mortar, provides us with the ability to manufacture our pre-pointed panels up to a maximum size of 1125mm (h) x 600mm (w) when using UK format brick slips. This gives our designers the flexibility to create a bespoke solution for each project we work on. It also enables us to manufacture bespoke corner, reveal, soffit and three-sided ‘box panels’ for columns, greatly reducing labour requirements, and time, at labour-intensive building details.
Blackwall Reach, UK
How are Stofix rails designed for installation efficiency, and how does this compare to alternative systems?
All of Stofix’s rails, both our J vertical rails and our AK horizontal rails have ease of installation at the heart of their design. Our in-house designers will draw and schedule all of the metal backing structure, issuing this to our factory. Our team will then cut everything to size ready for delivery. (Pictured below in crates ready to transport using StoTrack logistics system). Once on site, the benefit to installers is that not only is no cutting required, but all of our rails are pre-holed and threaded, meaning that once our vertical rails are fixed and plumb, our horizontal rails just bolt on with no need to measure and level as you go. Also, once installation is complete, the ventilation voids in our horizontal rail ensure that the installed system continues to perform for the entire of its design life.
What are the benefits of Stofix’s lightweight system compared to other façade systems?
Stofix’s system weighs just 37kg per m², making it one of the lightest on the market. This is due to the thinner brick slips we use, which are just 19mm thick, compared to the 25mm or more typically used in other systems. This reduction, in what is one of the heavier components of the system, twinned with the huge reduction in horizontal rails, (as Stofix is panelised), has a number of benefits to installer, contractor and client. The lighter weight aids the system in being installed faster, contributing to projects staying on schedule. A lighter weight structure also needs less support, so cost and raw material savings can be made in the ground, which can aid keeping a project on budget and also contributing to reducing embodied carbon during construction.
What are the advantages of a pre-pointed system in terms of quality and efficiency?
Stofix was originally designed in Finland over 30 years ago, and pre-pointing our panels solved the issue of not being able to point brick slips for much of the year due to cold weather. Now, with the UK being our biggest market and the pointing of brick slips being a specialist trade, Stofix’s panels being pre-pointed, help cladding installers ensure that they don’t struggle with sourcing labour. Stofix requires just 5-8% of the on site pointing of competing ‘clip in’ type systems. With over 95% of the pointing being done in factory-controlled conditions, this ensures consistent, high-quality pointing, which is crucial to the final aesthetics of the façade. This guarantees a superior finish across the entire project”.
Stofix offers an end-to-end service—covering everything from full design and scheduling to manufacturing and distribution. This comprehensive approach makes Stofix a true one-stop shop for complete façade solutions, ensuring a seamless experience from concept to completion.
Contact us to find out more.
