1. Laying to a Datum

The floor should be laid level to a datum marked in each area by inserting packing pieces in each levelling base to level the battens before the boards are laid. (see fig 1)

Care must be taken before laying commences to ensure that there is sufficient depth to accommodate the flooring system without packing when placed on the highest point of the area.

2. Spacing of Bases

Profloor bases are placed on the subfloor at appropriate centres according to the thickness of battens and to the spacing of battens for the flooring boards to be used:

Recommended spacing between Levelling bases, along the length of the batten.
21 mm thickness battens - 300 mm centres.
33 mm thickness battens - 450 mm centres.
45 mm thickness battens - 600 mm centres. 

3. Spacing of Battens

Spacing for domestic use within dwellings.
18 mm C4 chipboard - batten centres maximum 450 mm.
22 mm C4 chipboard - batten centres maximum 600 mm.
Spacing should be reduced for areas where heavier loading is anticipated. Spacing for plywood is according to manufacturer's recommendations. 

4. Layout

Place bases parallel with all walls around each room keeping a minimum 15 mm from all walls. Bases are positioned lengthways under battens except where a batten at right angles requires support. The base is then rotated 90¼ so that the right angled batten rests on the packing inserted in the base.

At corners one base supports the ends of both battens where they meet and the ends of battens in line are always supported on a base. (see fig 2)

5. Levelling Bases

Having laid out the bases, position the laser levelling staff on the base and place packers under it until the required reading is obtained. (see fig 3)

6. Packers

Packer depths of 5mm, 3mm or 2mm are available for fine adjustment. Packers do not need to be glued (except for the first one with Type H base).

7. Battens

Having placed required packers in each base, place battens between the base upstands and ensure the battens are stable and level before applying Profloor water resistant adhesive to the top - not required with hardwood strip flooring. (see Fig 4) 

8. Flanking Strip

Profloor Flanking Strip minimum 100mm wide x 5mm thick is placed around each wall above the floor surface protruding at least 50mm. (see Fig 5) 

9. Fixing Boarding

Chipboard or plywood should be glued to the battens with Profloor water resistant adhesive which should also be used to bond the T & G joint.

The boards should be nailed or screwed at 300mm intervals along the battens taking care not to penetrate any services crossing the line of battens.
(see Fig 6 and Fig 7) 

10. Expansion

A minimum gap of 10mm should be left between the boarding and all walls to BS 8201 1987.

In larger areas with uninterrupted lengths of floor such as corridors, expansion gaps must be inserted across the area at appropriate intervals in accordance with the floor board manufacturer's recommendations. 

11. Board Ends

Where these fall between battens, place a short length of batten supported by two bases under the joint.  

12. Services

Where services cross the subfloor, these may run under the battens subject to sufficient depth, i.e a minimum of 5mm should be left between the underside of the batten and any service pipes.

Where battens need to be cut to allow pipework to cross, leave a gap of 15 mm either side. The position of bases may have to be altered to accommodate services but spacing should not be increased. (see Fig 8) 

13. Doorways

Where boards are butted together in doorways a batten must be placed across supported by bases so that the board joints meets on a batten. (see Fig 9) 

14. Skirting Boards

Fold the Profloor Flanking Strip down over the edge of the floor and fix the skirting so it rests on the flanking strip.

Trim off surplus flanking strip flush with the face of the skirting board. (see Fig 10)

15. Protection

To prevent damage by following trades, the finished floor should be covered with a protective layer immediately after installation.

16. Mounting Partitions

Where non loadbearing partitions are to be built off finished floor, an additional two line's of battens on bases should be placed under the line of the partition.

Tiling onto Profloor Levelling Systems

The floor finish (usually chipboard or plywood) must be rigid, stable and capable of supporting additional load without flexing, for this reason it is recommended that battens and Levelling Base centres do not exceed 300mm. Sufficient ventilation below the flooring should also be provided. Follow the installation advice given in the User Guide with respect to board fixing. 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 come into contact with the Levelling Bases or the subfloor (alternatively, adhere using an appropriate adhesive). Ensure all junctions are supported. Use a category C2 (flexible) adhesive.

2. Overlay the floor finish with a proprietary decoupling membrane and use a category C2 (flexible) adhesive.

3. Overlay the floor finish 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.