1. WHAT MATERIAL IS USED FOR MAKING FITTINGS ?
    The recommended material for manufacturing anchoring systems is undoubtedly AISI 304 and AISI 316 stainless steel. It is strongly recommended to not use steel protected by galvanization processes, due to the difficulties caused by factors involving safety and protection and the adjustments needed during the installation phases (cuts, perforations, holes, etc.). These can cause the forming of oxide, which reduces the system's safety and can also cause unsightly stains to the coating material.
  2. WHAT ARE THE EXPANSION JOINTS ?
    They are a continuity solution between the panels and can be open or closed.
    An outer wall with entirely closed joints is unfeasible, as inevitable settling effects take place between the wall cladding and the supporting structure, such as elastoplastic sagging of the fittings, thermal deformations. Using open joints measuring 6 mm. between each sheet is normally recommended and between overlying and underlying ones, such as to allow the weight of each panel to disperse on the support brackets.
  3. WHAT IS THE GSD INSERT?
    It is a newly patented mounting system.
    It is recommended for security fittings with heavy loads especially if there are thin walls. It does not create internal stresses in the base material and therefore allows a higher degree of security when mounting. It is fast and effective as a mechanical assembly system and does not employ resins.
  4. WHAT IS A RAINSCREEN ?
    The design principle of the rainscreen consists in eliminating the mortar filling, which causes an air chamber between the slabs and the wall and prevents transmission bridges of heat and/or moisture.
    In this way, the stone cladding becomes independent of the structure to which it is fixed mechanically. Therefore, it has the ability to absorb without damage structural movements, such as settlements, thermal expansions and elastic deformations. It is important that the ventilation of the air chamber is ensured by means of openings in the upper and lower part of the facade, and that there are precise ventilation flows, such as to allow the condensate to disperse outside. The openings must be protected with weatherproof flashing's that allow aeration, whilst at the same time prevent insects or foreign agents from entering. The system can further complement the thermal protection with insulation panels applied to the exterior of the building's perimeter walls. The fastening systems allow each sheet to be supported independently from the other, thus avoiding even small transfers of load from panel to panel.
  5. CAN YOU MAKE PROFILES FOR RAINSCREENS ?
    Thanks to a brand new forming line with sixteen heads, Docipa is able to directly manufacture AISI 304 and 316 stainless steel profiles in its own factory.
  6. WHICH ANCHORING SYSTEM TO CHOOSE ?
    The anchoring system is the focal point around which all needs, often contrasting ones revolve, for making a stone rainscreen.
    This makes the visual aspects set by the architectural choices possible, in relation to the different support structures, which must be affordable and structurally safe according to the reference standards, as well as quick and easy to install. Therefore, a careful evaluation of the system chosen is important, even if chosen among the standardized options on the market. It must be adapted to the specific project accordingly, to respond optimally to the different requirements detailed above. This is why Docipa researches every single fitting type, and evaluates it in term of the building it is fixed on, the weight and size of the sheets, the external factors acting on coatings and the building itself (wind, earthquakes, etc.).
  7. CAN I SEE A PRICE LIST?
    The natural stone cladding is unsuitable for use with standard fittings. In fact, such is the variety in the architectural design of the facades, in the form and size of the stone elements, in the features of the support structures, that the specific problem should be studied every time that the criteria of function and budget are to be looked at.
    This is why Docipa has opted for a non-standardized production, which is geared to creating made-to-measure anchoring systems, in relation to the specific features of each coating.
    It is possible for Docipa to manufacture any kind of mounting system required.
    All the types can be made to a wide and complete range of sizes.
    If you are interested in receiving a rough estimate, please fill in the data sheet.
  8. WHERE CAN I BUY DOCIPA PRODUCTS?
    DOCIPA markets directly its own products, with obvious economic advantages for the client. For more information, contact us at [email protected].