Hardly any work place today is imaginable without voluminous computer and communication systems. Also air-conditioning, ventilation and lighting systems become more and more extensive. Due to new developments in the office- and communication technique, constantly changing organizational patterns as well as common changes in the utilization of rooms, higher demands are being placed on the flexibility of the access flooring systems. Today, the access floor as a solution to the various technical and aesthetic demands on the market receives and ensures investments through quick amortizations.

Access floor systems offer:

·         Maximum flexibility; maintenance, installation and conversion projects can be executed quickly,

·         Floor can be walked on immediately,

·         Pre-manufactured components parts for dry assembly,

·         Easy access to all areas of the communication and in-house technique. Non-destructive, without noise, dust and interference of the workflow,

·         Optimum amount of spare room for future modifications,

·         Optimum space for large dimensioned air conditioning units, extinguishing systems, and electrical distributors.

The important criteria for choosing an access floor system are the: load-bearing capacity, fire protection, electrostatic behavior and sound absorption.

Load-Bearing capacity

The expected point load determines the requirements for the load-bearing capacity. The nominal point load of a panel is the decisive value for the valuation of the load-bearing capacity

Fire protection

When talking about fire protection we distinguish between building material class and fire resistance class. The building material class (for example B1) only values the single panel; the fire resistance class takes the whole system into account.

The value F30 for example guarantees that the whole system will resist a fire in the cavity for 30 minutes.

Electrostatics

Electrostatics loads are generated through friction. Those are not only unpleasant for people but can also affect the function of many electronic devices. The right choice of floor covering in connection with the access floor system provides for the discharge of the loads over the grounded access floor construction.

Q: What finishes are available for use in a Computer Room?
A: HPL (high pressure laminate) is the standard used in most computer rooms. Some projects require a conductive vinyl or conductive HPL.

Q: What product should be used in a general office application needing a raised floor for Wire Management?
A: For an office application a concrete-filled product in a corner-lock application is best. Senway offers several load ratings which allow you to tailor the system to the projects needs.

Q: What is the lowest height I can install for access flooring?
A: 2-5/8" is the lowest finished floor height. However, since most concrete slabs aren't perfectly level, a minimum of 4" is recommended.

Q: Are Computer Floors only used in certain types of projects?
A: Originally they were only installed in computer rooms. However, in the past 15 years they have evolved into the general office area and are now being designed into a project throughout the facility. Office buildings, schools, hospitals, Internet facilities and libraries are a few of the applications utilizing access flooring.