Where and how to install an RF shield
From location to design, many factors can make or break a shield in the first few years of use, even before installation takes place, and should be considered very carefully.

For example, installing a shield on the outside wall or ceiling with windows will leave it more exposed and susceptible to the elements, increasing the risk of water damage.
“Whether it be copper or aluminum or even mesh for that matter, temperature differences on the inside versus outside, buildings with hydrostatic pressure, or unwanted building equipment-plumbing leaks are all concerns for moisture that can lead to oxidation and depending on what kind of shield material your shield is made of, the oxidation will begin degrading your shield system more rapidly,” says David Geiger, vice president of Americas sales at ETS-Lindgren.

He suggests that if a shield must be on the outer wall, supervision of the temperature is a must. “You want to look to treat that air between the shield system and the parent building or somehow maintain the temperature in that space between the space and the shield.”

Exhaust pipes, which can accumulate condensation from cold weather, can also create problems in this location with water dripping down to the shield. Pipe breaks and roof leaks also pose high risks here.

Checking the site and condition of the shield is the best way to combat this issue, but location alone is not enough to protect shields from water damage. The design of the shield is also essential.

For instance, a monolithic or bonded floor system is better for MR rooms because they protect more against moisture compared to MDF boards or floors that consist of wood in the composition and will absorb more water.

The designs of the room and shield are becoming more complex and can present even greater challenges with the involvement of building codes with providers constantly required to stay updated on new regulations when building or renovating property, such as the recent addition of rules governing seismic activity.

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