What Owners and Contractors Need to Know

RF shielding is one of the least understood—and most critical—components of SCIF construction. It is not simply a material choice; it is a system that must perform as designed across the entire facility.

What RF Shielding Actually Does

RF shielding prevents electromagnetic signals from entering or leaving a secure space. This protects sensitive discussions, data processing, and electronic equipment from interception or interference.

Effective shielding depends on:

  • Material selection
  • Continuity across all surfaces
  • Proper bonding and grounding
  • Coordination with doors, frames, and penetrations

Where RF Shielding Goes Wrong

Gaps and Discontinuities
A perfectly shielded wall means nothing if the floor, ceiling, or door breaks continuity.

Improper Door Integration
RF-rated doors must align precisely with shielding systems. Poor installation is a common failure point.

Lack of Field Coordination
Shielding systems installed without coordination with other trades are often compromised before testing even begins.

How Surface Solutions Approaches RF Shielding

Surface Solutions works with R.A. Mayes, a leading RF shielding manufacturer, to integrate shielding into the SCIF envelope—not as an afterthought, but as a core system.

Our focus is on:

  • Engineered shielding layouts
  • Seam and transition integrity
  • Grounding and bonding strategy
  • Installation discipline
  • Documentation for inspection and validation

RF shielding succeeds or fails in the details. That’s where our teams focus.