Installing RSJ and using foam

[Bentley]

I was recently asked by a friend who had RSJ fitted into a new opening to put a window. The Builder/window fitter has filled up the end of RSJ i.e. either side with foam is this acceptable. This is on a outside wall which had 2 RSJ-one on each core of bricks inside and out.

Edited October 25 by Bentley

[Nickfromwales]

2 hours ago, Bentley said:

I was recently asked by a friend who had RSJ fitted into a new opening to put a window. The Builder/window fitter has filled up the end of RSJ i.e. either side with foam is this acceptable. This is on a outside wall which had 2 RSJ-one on each core of bricks inside and out.

No issues there afaic.

 

The foam's just been used instead of mortar to close the gaps, I assume to get your friend weather/vermin tight.

 

The RSJ will likely now get nogged out with timbers, faces with OSB3 with Expamet, and get rendered to complete the job.

 

Usual detail would then be to have the web filled with rockwool on the interior; a decent builder would add some EPS to the external web and foam that in for a bit of finesse, but not really critical as the external steel and brickwork are 'equally cold' and don't contact the internal leaf.

[Bentley]

@Nickfromwales I thought that it should have mortar all around and any need for the 2 rsj to be bolted?

[Nickfromwales]

47 minutes ago, Bentley said:

@Nickfromwales I thought that it should have mortar all around and any need for the 2 rsj to be bolted?

Mortar at the sides is pretty much cosmetic, the RSJ is doing the work here

 

The structural engineer would have stated how / if any connection was detailed, so best to see that first, and let us know, vs just assume there’s anything wrong here.