Raised access flooring: Your questions, answered

If you’re considering a raised access flooring solution for your office, data warehouse or factory floor, then the chances are you have plenty of questions. Here we summarise some of the most commonly asked questions by our clients (and if you can’t find yours here, simply get in touch with the team and we’ll happily help).

What are the benefits are choosing raised access flooring?

Raised access flooring creates a helpful space below flooring which can be used for a number of requirements, including:

– Complex systems of data cabling

– The accommodation of a telecoms system

– Significant electrical power

– HVAC management/environmental control and air conditioning

– Fire detection/ emergency management

What are the different types of raised access flooring?

There are two core forms of raised access flooring:

– Gravity or ‘loose lay’ flooring – This is where the various floor panels simply rest, but are not soldered, to the pedestals. This form of flooring offers fast access to the space below the flooring.

– Lock down/screw down flooring – This form of flooring is where the floor panels are soldered or screwed into place. This form of system is more robust than gravity or ‘loose lay’ flooring, offering a solid floor that doesn’t move underfoot.

Does raised access flooring require much maintenance?

No, generally they don’t. However maintenance requirements do differ from product to product, and each form of flooring will be accompanied with their own instructions.

Do raised access flooring products adhere to any set industry standards?

Yes, in fact there are many, briefly comprising of:

PSA MOB PF2 PS/SPU – Outlined by the Property Services Agency (PSA), this standard defines the performance specifications of raised access flooring.

NBS K41 – As defined by The National Building Specification, this standard describes proper design, supply and installation of raised access flooring.

BS EN 12825 – This European standard, issued in 2001, classifies raised access flooring products by structural performance.

What are the different heights that are available?

The core solutions range in height from 70mm to 1200mm, although bespoke access flooring can be designed to be either higher or lower than these ranges.

How long does the average raised flooring solution last?

The floor panels of raised access flooring solutions are typically guaranteed for 25 years, whilst the supporting components generally last for around 50 years.

If you’re considering raised access flooring, or still have questions about your options, get in touch with the Fieldmans Access Floors team. Call us and let’s talk: 020 8462 7100, or send our team a message via email, on: .