A DETAILED GUIDE ON RAISED FLOOR SYSTEMS

A raised floor also referred to as an access floor is usually constructed above a flat solid floor creating a void between both floors. The void is meant to provide a way for distributing construction materials and services including electricity supply to the entire parts of the building, water supply and drainage, heating, ventilation and air conditioning services. Some people like to call it a false floor because it is not an actual floor. The raised floor system comprises of a number of pedestals that are mounted on the concrete floors and stabilized using adhesives and mechanical fixings. These pedestals are movable. Hence, the floor system can be as low as 3 inches above the concrete and as high as 48 inches. 

History of raised floors

Raised floors emerged in the 1960s as people tried to find an ideal solution to environmental concerns within large computer rooms. There was need for sufficient air-conditioning systems to provide enough air circulation in the mainframe computer rooms. The raised floors used simple steel plates with simple structural designs supported by the flat floors. The constructional designs have evolved overtime with better technologies being incorporated for durable construction designs. Concrete materials are been used for proper ventilation systems. The improved technologies also allows flexibility features in building services with removal floor panels for quick maintenance. This thus makes it to make repairs or any improvements in the building services without disrupting the furniture or the partition walls.

Parts of raised floor systems

There are 6 major components of a raised floor systems which includes the raised floor panel, perforated panel, the base, head, pedestal assembly and the stringer.

a.Raised floor panel 

The raised floor panel forms the flat surface of the access floor. It is usually about 24’’ × 24’’ in size and it is constructed using steel materials. Concrete materials are used to fill the panel making it durable and flexible in case some improvements need to be done on the building services installed in the panel. Aluminum can also be used for reinforcement purposes. These floor panels are usually availed in different designs and materials and therefore you can choose the best materials that suits your needs and conforms to your budget as well.

b:raised floor pedestal 

The pedestal part of the raised floor provides structural support for the raised floor. They are commonly referred to stands, legs, jacks or stanchions. The pedestal connects the floor base and the head allowing enough space for any building materials that needs to be installed beneath the floor. Different floor pedestal may vary depending on the floor system installed in the building. The pedestals are flexible for any adjustments providing vertical support structure for the raised floor. 

c:Raised Floor stringer

The stringers are also essential parts in the raised floor construction as they aid in joining the pedestals forming a framework for a strong floor panel. They are also referred to as connecting rods or grids and aids in providing a lateral stability especially for deep voids in raised floor constructions. The stringers can be made of aluminum channels or square tube depending on the raised floor design. They can be fastened at both ends with a screw to firmly connect to the pedestals. Basically the stringer provides additional support for the raised flooring.

Besides knowing the various components that make up the flooring system, you need to get a clear understanding for the entire flooring process as well.

Need for raised floors

There are quite a number of benefits why you may need to install raised floors in your building. We will discuss some of the major applications of these raised floors in various buildings. Raised floor systems are most useful in offices, data centers and in homes. 

Offices

Access floors make it possible for office occupants to enjoy clean air and favorable room temperatures. Such floors are known for proper cold air distribution. This significantly saves companies the costs of energy and purchasing and maintaining air conditioners and fans. The floors can allow underground wiring to take place and you can add an unlimited number of equipment. 

Data centers 

Technology spaces such as data centers have a heavy need for raised floor systems but needs vary with the data center. If data center servers get heated, floors need to have perforated tiles where cold air passes through making the places cooler. Where hot air passes, maintenance tiles can be installed in cold air passages to make data centers warmer. Most data centers need access floors since they need to do a lot of cabling which is quite impossible on regular concrete floors. In addition, this saves on costs and time of installation. The floors make cabling much easier leaving data center floors very be neat and rooms with enough lighting. 

At home

Raised floor systems can be applicable at home in the living rooms since there are also equipment and occupants need comfort. The need for access floors in your home may match that of your office since there may be a home office where you like to work, or study. You might also need to install more electronic equipment in your home. More cabling is necessary in this case and is better done underground than on the walls. 

Flooring process

If you need quality raised floor installations then you need to ensure that you get the right tools and equipment. There are quite a number of choices to consider when it comes to deciding on the most suitable tools for the raised floor installations. Therefore you may need an expert to guide you through the best construction tools to choose. The right tools may however depend on a range of factors including the flooring application type, the cooling system, wiring needs to be installed in the floor panel and the weight capabilities of the tools used in the flooring process. You need to acquire quality tools and equipment that can support the entire flooring system.

The flooring process may vary depending on the area where the panels are being installed. It is therefore important to get sufficient knowledge on how to effectively install the raised floors in the various parts of the building. A fully experienced contractor may help you work out everything effectively and also provide appropriate solution when a challenge occurs during the installation process.

Installing raised floors requires you to follow the steps below:

Check the room prior to installation

It is important to first assess whether the access floor system you want to install is compatible with the room dimensions and configurations. You could check how much variation there is between sub floor level and the elevator, door sills, and concrete ledges with the help of a laser that you will to mark the areas that will receive the floor. If based on your assessment, the floor cannot be installed, some corrections may have to be made. 

Position the pedestals

The points you have marked will serve as the starting points or traces of the grid. Use them to place the columns. Use adhesives to stabilize them. A spatula or brush can be used to apply adhesives. 

Position the cross-section stringers

Cross-section stringers are rods you will use to join the pedestals you have just positioned. Joining is done using screws or bolts. This will help in supporting the panels. Before placing the panels, the stringers should be screwed onto the pedestals. 

Use gaskets on the stringers

Gaskets are meant to reinforce the function of the stringers. The most preferable material for them is PVC since it is rigid. 

Levelling the floor

The raised floor is too levelled such that it is parallel to the initial floor. If the structure is not even, the floor panels will reflect that unevenness. This might make future installation of equipment very problematic. 

Panel placing

Panels should be placed correctly using panel lifters. You will know it has happened if the pieces fit perfectly into the assembled structure. Remember to make sure the stringers are screwed firmly on the pedestals before placing the panels. 

Completion of the floor system

The floor is complete if every step has been carefully followed. 

Advantages or raised floor system

•Flexible to changes and easy to fix

The raised floor is ideal in case a tile breaks or you need to fix some problems altering the functioning of the air condition or cables installed in the panel. You do not need to replace all tiles to fix the problems as only a single tile need to be fixed as compared to dealing with a regular floor tile.

•Easy access

The raised floors makes it easy to access serves installed in the panels without disrupting other parts of the floor area. You can also label the different areas where the saves are installed for easy access.

•A better look

A raised floor gives a good look to the building with cables and all types of wiring running through these panels. The floor space will thus be organized in an orderly manner giving a good look for the entire building.

Raised floors can really revolutionize the construction industry. Embracing them means a lot in terms of costs.