The R Channel (part number: SWSR) is
an ambidextrous multi-use extrusion. It
can be installed on either side of the Master Frame Extrusion and used as a
mounting flange, a starter strip, or as a
seam cover in-between panels. This
page explains R channel usage as a
seam cover only. Starter strip or
mounting flange usage is detailed
under installation suggestions pages.

(4 photos below: R Channel installed onto Master Frame Extrusion)

Please Select: R Channel is to be used as...

• ...a vertical seam cover for two adjoining panels.
• ...a horizontal seam cover for two stacked panels.
• ...a vertical seam cover for three adjoining panels.
• ...a vertical seam cover for four or more adjoining panels.

Used as a vertical seam cover for two adjoining panels...

Pay careful attention to your sizing calculations. You must not only size your panels to fit within the opening but you must also account for the space the R channels will require for installation.

To achieve a proper fit and to allow for adequate installation clearance of the R channel, each frame will need the width reduced width by 1/4". This reduction is to take place after you have made all panel sizing calculations. The 1/4" reduction - per frame - will only provide for R channel installation.

   

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Used as a horizontal seam cover for two stacked panels...

Stacked panels are typically panels where 1) the width is far wider than the height, 2) individual panels are stacked on top of each other, and 3) the R channel would be installed in a horizontal orientation. 

Of all of the mounts and panel installation practices, those utilizing a stacking method will be more prone to failure. Stacking should be limited in use and should not be used to stack more than two panels. Stacked panels should never be over 60" in height.

Pay careful attention to your sizing calculations. You must not only size your panels to fit within the opening but you must also account for the space the R channels will require for installation.

To achieve a proper fit  (which needs to be a tight fit) each frame will need to be reduced width by 1/8". This reduction is to take place after you have made all panel sizing calculations. The 1/8" reduction - per frame - will only provide for R channel installation in-between a two panel stack.

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Used as a vertical seam cover for three adjoining panels...

Pay careful attention to your sizing calculations. You must not only size your panels to fit within the opening but you must also account for the space the R channels will require for installation.

To achieve a proper fit and to allow for adequate installation clearance of the R channels, each frame will need to be reduced. The reduction calculation is 1/4" per R channel.  Note the details included below: Panel 1 has one R channel on the right upright, Panel 2 has one R channel on each upright, and Panel 3 has 1 R channel on the left upright. This totals 4 R channels - at 1/4" per R channel - or a required TOTAL reduction of 1".

This total reduction may be made to 1 panel, 2 panels or to all 3 panels. It is normally desirable to spread the reduction out equally over each panel. However you decide to allocate the reduction it must equal the TOTAL required reduction. For example:

• Panel 1 - 1/4" / Panel 2 - 1/2" / Panel 3 - 1/4"
• Panel 1 - 0" / Panel 2 - 1" / Panel 3 - 0"
• Panel 1 - 1/2" / Panel 2 - 0" / Panel 3 - 1/2"
• etc.

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Used as a vertical seam cover for four or more adjoining panels...

Pay careful attention to your sizing calculations. You must not only size your panels to fit within the opening but you must also account for the space the R channels will require for installation.

To achieve a proper fit and to allow for adequate installation clearance of the R channels, each frame will need to be reduced. The reduction calculation is 1/4" per R channel. Note the details included below: Panel 1 has one R channel on the right upright, Panel 2 has one R channel on each upright, Panel 3 has one R channel on each upright, and Panel 4 has 1 R channel on the left upright (For the purposes of this explanation, the R channel shown on the right side of Panel 4 - in the detail - is to be disregarded). This totals 6 R channels - at 1/4" per R channel - or a required TOTAL reduction of 1-1/2".

This total reduction may be made to 1 panel, 2 panels, 3 panels or  to all 4 panels. It is normally desirable to spread the reduction out equally over each panel. However you decide to allocate the reduction(s) it must equal the TOTAL required reduction. For example:

• Panel 1 - 1/4" / Panel 2 - 1/2" / Panel 3 - 1/2" /  Panel 4 - 1/4"
• Panel 1 - 1/2" / Panel 2 - 0" / Panel 3 - 1/4" /  Panel 4 - 3/4"
• Panel 1 - 0" / Panel 2 - 1" / Panel 3 - 1/2" /  Panel 4 - 0"
• etc.

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