HadleySFS

SFS stands for Steel Framing Systems (also known as Secondary Framing Systems) and is a lightweight structural system made from cold-rolled galvanised steel sections. SFS is available in several different systems, including Infill, Continuous Walling, Load Bearing and High Bay Walling. These systems are used across a wide range of building types, including residential buildings, student accommodation, hotels and commercial and industrial buildings.

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If you’re looking for a leading manufacturer of steel framing systems (SFS) to support you with your project – Hadley Group offers unrivalled support and expertise along with a wide range of products suitable for a variety of sectors and applications.

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Choosing the right SFS system for your project

SFS offers four steel framing systems designed to meet the structural requirements and application of different building types: Infill, Continuous (Oversail), Load Bearing and High Bay Walling. Each system is developed for a specific construction application, providing solutions ranging from external wall infill and continuous framing to load bearing structures and high bay internal walls. Selecting the appropriate system depends on the project’s structural requirements, design specifications and intended application. Understanding the key characteristics and differences between each system helps ensure the selected solution meets the technical demands of the building and supports efficient construction.

INFILL
Infill is a cost-effective, lightweight, non-loadbearing steel framing system designed to form the inner leaf of external walls within a building’s primary steel or concrete structure. Installed between the floor slab and structural soffit, the system provides a stable framework for external wall construction while optimising material use and installation efficiency.

The system can be installed from within the building and is designed to accommodate vertical deflection of the primary structure without transferring associated vertical loads to the SFS studs.
Learn more about SFS Infill
Continuous Walling (Oversail)
Continuous Walling is a lightweight, non-loadbearing steel framing system installed externally to a building’s primary steel or concrete structure. The studs extend past the floor slab edges and are fixed back to the primary structure using cleats, providing a continuous framework for external wall construction.

This configuration maximises available internal floor space and is particularly suited to façade designs where horizontal deflection joints at each floor level are undesirable. Typically installed from outside the building, the system accommodates structural movement through designed connections while providing an efficient solution for a wide range of external wall applications.
Learn more about SFS Continuous Walling
SFS Load Bearing (Stick-Built)
SFS Load Bearing is a lightweight steel framing system designed to provide loadbearing structures of up to three storeys. The system combines structural SFS stud walls with steel joists to form the floor and roof construction. Supplied as individual components for on-site assembly, the system offers flexibility to accommodate project-specific requirements and challenging site conditions.

Its lightweight construction makes it particularly suitable for penthouses, rooftop extensions and high-level structures where minimising additional structural loads is essential. On-site assembly can also reduce the need for large deliveries and crane operations associated with pre-panelised construction, making it a practical solution for projects with restricted access.
Learn more about SFS Load Bearing
High Bay Walling
High Bay Walling is a lightweight steel framing system designed to form tall, internal separating walls of up to 20 metres in new and existing warehouses and industrial buildings. Constructed from floor level to the supporting structure above, the system provides an efficient alternative to traditional heavyweight wall construction, helping to minimise structural loads and reduce the need for additional foundations, subject to project requirements.

The system can be designed to accommodate movement within the primary structure through project-specific connection details, while its lightweight components support efficient on-site installation, particularly where access or construction programmes are restricted.
Learn more about High Bay Walling

HadleySFS section range

SFS sections are available in a wide range of depths and configurations to suit different structural requirements and project specifications. The right section depends on factors such as the required strength, span and application of the framing system. Within the HadleySFS Section Range, stud depths are available in the following sizes: 70mm, 120mm, 150mm, 200mm, 255mm and 305mm. This range offers flexibility when selecting the right SFS section for your project.

SFS framing system explained

An SFS framing system consists of a range of stud and track sections. Each section has a unique reference code that makes it easy to identify the required profile. The code provides information about the section’s dimensions and properties, including its depth, width, gauge and whether the section is lipped or un-lipped.

This reference system makes it easier for architects, engineers and contractors to select the right SFS sections and identify them on site. Below is an explanation of how the different section references are structured.

Stud sections (lipped sections)
Stud sections are used as the vertical components of an SFS frame. A stud section is lipped and can be identified by the letter F in the section reference.

Example: 150F5012
• 150: the section depth is 150mm.
• F: represents the HadleySFS stud section. The F indicates that the section is lipped.
• 50: the width of the section flange is 50mm.
• 12: the section gauge is 1.2mm. The final two digits indicate the thickness in tenths of a millimetre.
Track Sections (un-lipped sections)
Track sections form the horizontal components of an SFS frame and are used to connect the stud sections at the top and bottom. Track sections are always un-lipped and can be identified by the letter T.

Example: 154T7020
• 154: the section depth is 154mm.
• T: represents the HadleySFS track section. This section is always un-lipped.
• 70: the width of the section flange is 70mm.
• 20: the section gauge is 2.0mm. The final two digits indicate the thickness in tenths of a millimetre.
Slotted sections
In cases where slotted sections are required to deal with building deflection, “S” is included in the section reference to denote slotted.

Example: 154TS7020
• 154: the section depth is 154mm.
• T: represents the HadleySFS track section. The section is always un-lipped.
• S: indicates that the track section is slotted to accommodate movement.
• 70: the width of the section flange is 70mm.
• 20: the section gauge is 2.0mm. The final two digits indicate the thickness in tenths of a millimetre.

Why choose HadleySFS?

HadleySFS combines high-quality SFS framing systems with technical expertise and support throughout the project. From selecting the right system to technical design and installation, Hadley’s team supports you in finding the right solution for your project.

All HadleySFS framing systems comply with the relevant requirements for fire safety, acoustic and thermal performance, in accordance with the latest building regulations. System performance has been validated by independent UKAS-accredited laboratories. This includes fire ratings in accordance with BS EN 1364-1 and acoustic ratings in accordance with BS EN ISO 717-1:1997, BS EN 1991 and BS EN 1993.

Hadley’s in-house technical design experts have extensive knowledge of the construction industry, SFS framing systems and drylining applications. In addition to technical guidance and system specifications, Hadley can provide fire and acoustic test data and acoustic calculations to help you select the right steel framing system for your project.

All HadleySFS systems are also backed by the 60-year HadleySpec Performance Warranty, providing additional confidence in the performance and reliability of the system.

Benefits of our SFS framing systems

Rapid installation: the dry building envelope can be installed quickly, allowing internal trades to start earlier.
Reduced cost and weight: SFS can help reduce costs and structural weight compared with other construction methods.
Less cutting on site: materials can be ordered to the required length.
BBA certification: the systems have been independently certified.
Technical support: Hadley provides an in-house design and detailing service.
Insured design service: the design service is covered by Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance.
60-year warranty: all Hadley SFS systems are backed by the HadleySpec Performance Warranty.

SFS technical resources

Hadley provides technical resources to help you select and specify the right SFS framing system for your project. These resources include load and span tables, technical specifications and other information to support the design and specification of HadleySFS systems. For guidance on the load and span capabilities of HadleySFS sections, see the SFS Load & Span Tables.

Discuss your project today

Contact our specialists to discuss your project requirements and find the right SFS system for your needs. Our team is here to provide technical guidance and support throughout your project.

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What is SFS?
SFS stands for Steel Framing System. An SFS steel frame system is a lightweight structural framing system made from cold-rolled galvanised steel sections. Steel framing is used to create walls and other structural elements in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
What is SFS used for?
SFS is used for a wide range of construction applications, including infill walls, continuous walling, load-bearing structures and high bay separating walls. The lightweight steel sections provide a strong and flexible solution for different types of steel framing projects, from new buildings to extensions and existing structures.
What are the different types of SFS systems?
The main types of SFS systems are Infill, Continuous Walling, Load Bearing and High Bay Walling. Each system is designed for a different application. Infill is used between floors and the primary structure, while Continuous Walling is installed externally and oversails the primary structure. Load Bearing SFS can form the structural frame of buildings up to three storeys, while High Bay Walling is designed for tall separating walls in warehouses up to 20 metres high.
Is SFS a sustainable construction method?
SFS can support more sustainable construction by using lightweight, recyclable steel and helping to reduce material use and construction waste. Steel sections can be manufactured to the required length, reducing cutting and waste on site. The lightweight nature of SFS can also help reduce the structural load on a building and, in some applications, the requirements for foundations.