1. Laying Procedure
Profloor Activ Deck panels must be supported at all perimeters. The support at room perimeters must be fitted on site using Profloor Flanking/Support Strip. This strip combines perimeter support and isolation of the flooring system from the adjacent structure. Remove a 50mm wide strip of fibre from the edges of the Profloor Activ Deck panels which abut the room perimeter.
Profloor Flanking/Support Strip should be attached to the floor around the perimeter to support the exposed area of the panel. (see figure 1) When laying in a refurbishment situation with door facings in position, the application is simplied by cutting 40mm off the bottom of the facings. This allows the Profloor Flanking/Support Strip and board to slip underneath.
Profloor Flanking/Support Strip is supplied, normally 150mm wide, and can be supplied with or without 50mm double sided tape.
2. Installation
Commence laying Profloor Activ Deck panels in the corner furthest from the point of access. Apply the Profloor Flanking/Support Strip and ensure it is positioned between the perimeter structure and the Profloor Activ Deck panel. Lay the Profloor Activ Deck panels, along the full length of the room, ensuring the exposed edge is properly aligned to allow a straight joint for the next line of panels.
3. Profloor Activ Deck Panel Stagger
Profloor Activ Deck panels, in adjacent rows, should be staggered by a minimum of 400mm. The offcut from the previous row should be used at the start of the next row, provided that it is not less than 400mm. (see figure 2)
4. Expansion of Floor Material
Allow for the possible expansion of the Profloor Activ Deck panel by leaving a gap between the free edge of the panel and the perimeter wall or other abutment. This gap should be calculated as 1mm per linear metre of flooring and in no circumstances should be less than 10mm. (See figure 1)
5. Fixing Profloor Activ Deck
Mechanical fixings must not be used to fix main flooring panels. Apply Profloor Adhesive to the T&G joints of all Profloor Activ Deck Panels before butting them together. (see figure 3) Remove any surplus adhesive, before it dries, from the surface, with a damp cloth.
6. Services within Flooring System
It is imperative that all services are in place prior to laying the Profloor Activ Deck panels. Services cannot be accommodated between Profloor Activ Deck and the sub-floor. Where access is required to services below the subfloor, the Profloor Activ Deck panel can be cut to suit.
7. Doorways
Where Profloor Activ Deck panels are butted together, without the tongue and groove, ie. in doorways, a Profloor Support Strip must be attached to the end of each board. This is the only situation where mechanical fixings may be used. (see figure 4)
8. Skirting Boards
At the perimeter, fold the Profloor Flanking/Support Strip over onto the Profloor Activ Deck, apply weight to compress the system (the Tradesman's weight is normally sufficient) and fix the skirting so that it rests on the Profloor Flanking Strip. Trim the edge of the Profloor Flanking Strip flush with the skirting.
9. Protection
To prevent damage by following trades, the finished floor should be covered with a protective layer immediately after installation
Tiling onto Profloor Deck Systems
The floor finish must be rigid, stable and capable of supporting additional load without flexing, for this reason it is recommended that Hi-Load variants are used in areas to be tiled. Consideration to under-tile ventilation should be given. Follow the installation advice given in the User Guide with respect to panel jointing. There are three basic alternative methods to follow: -
1. Overlay the floor finish with 6mm (minimum) dry exterior grade plywood, which has been fully sealed. Screw down the plywood at 300mm intervals, ensuring fixings do not penetrate the resilient layer or come into contact with the subfloor (alternatively, adhere using an appropriate adhesive). Ensure all junctions are supported. Use a category C2 (flexible) adhesive.
2. Overlay the panels with a proprietary decoupling membrane and use a category C2 (flexible) adhesive.
3. Overlay the panels with a proprietary tile backer board and install following the manufacturers’ instructions. Use a category C2 (flexible) adhesive.
A CG2 (flexible) grout is recommended with all of the above methods. There are many factors to consider when deciding which method is best suited for your particular circumstances, please consult the manufacturer of the tile, adhesive & grout for further recommendations.
Tiling should be installed in accordance with BS 5385. If in any doubt, seek professional advice.