The way that you arrange your infrastructure dictates how your company communicates and solves problems. Globally, information technology (IT) has a more than $5 trillion value as a field. This market is filled with creative and useful ways for you to arrange your networks safely and effectively. Installing a raised access floor, also called a false floor, is one of the best decisions that you can make. What is a False Floor?
Learn the Benefits and Uses of a False Floor
A raised flooring system, also known as a false floor, is a set of panels installed on a supporting under-structure to create a space between the sub-floor and the raised access floor. This space is primarily used for cable management and air distribution, allowing for the efficient arrangement of network wiring, cables, and pipes and controlling and directing air. Raised access floors are widely used in various environments, including data centers and computer rooms, control rooms, office, education, electrical rooms, casinos, dispatch centers, and clean rooms.
What are the Benefits of Raised Floor?
Here are some of the benefits of using a raised access floor system:
- Optimization and maximization of floor space and square footage
- Efficient cable installation by aligning cables under the floor panels
- Lowered risk of injury, reducing litigation liabilities
- An aesthetically pleasing flooring option
- Easier access to wires and cables for repair work
- Raised floor systems keep rooms cooler and are energy efficient
- Flexibility with room layout options
- Air distribution and giving users access to direct airflow where needed
What Type of False Floor Should I Choose for My Application?
Raised flooring systems come in various options. Consider these factors before installing a raised access floor:
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- Concrete, Hollow Steel, Calcium Sulphate, Wood Core, and Aluminum panels
- Ramps and Steps, Grommets and Air Gaurds, and Electrical floor boxes
- Floor Finishes – High Pressure Laminate, Carpet
- Wiring needs, such as routing, consolidating, data center creation, and distribution
- Airflow panels, HVAC, and air distribution requirements.
What are the Steps to Install Raised Flooring System?
- Concrete, Hollow Steel, Calcium Sulphate, Wood Core, and Aluminum panels
- Ramps and Steps, Grommets and Air Gaurds, and Electrical floor boxes
- Floor Finishes – High Pressure Laminate, Carpet
- Wiring needs, such as routing, consolidating, data center creation, and distribution
- Airflow panels, HVAC, and air distribution requirements.
What are the Steps to Install Raised Floor?
Installing a raised floor system involves several steps and considerations. Here are the key aspects to consider:
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- Planning and design: Before installation, it’s crucial to plan and design the layout of the raised access floor system. Determine the finished floor height, the type of panels, and any necessary accessories like cable management and air conditioning. The raised floor and supporting understructure should meet your application’s requirements and load-bearing requirements.
- Preparation of the subfloor: The subfloor must be prepared before installing the raised access floor system. This involves removing any existing flooring, and cleaning the subfloor. The subfloor should be free from any debris, bumps, or cracks that may cause unevenness in the raised floor system.
- Installation of pedestals: The pedestals are the foundation of the raised access floor system. They are installed on the subfloor using adhesive and provide support for the floor panels. Use a laser to ensure that the pedestals are level and installed evenly. Each pedestal should be adjusted to the correct elevation and measured before applying any adhesive. You can use a 10-foot leveling bar to double-check.
- Installation of stringers: Stringers are horizontal support members that connect the pedestals and provide additional strength to the floor system. Stringers are secured to the pedestals using screws.
- Installation of panels: The panels are the visible part of the raised access floor system. They are placed on top of the pedestals and stringers. In most cases, some panels must be cut to fit the layout, and any necessary holes for cables, pipes, or air vents must be made. Ensure the panels fit snugly and don’t slip or rock back and forth.
- Testing and inspection: After installing the raised access floor system, it’s essential to test the floor to ensure there’s no swing or sound when people walk on the floor. You may want to perform additional load testing, electrical and data testing, and visual inspections. After thoroughly inspecting the work, have a licensed general contractor provide a formal inspection.
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Pro Access Floors has more than 25 years of raised floor experience. They offer an extensive inventory of raised flooring systems, both new and refurbished. Companies like Walmart, Microsoft, Ford, Disney, BMW, Intel, eBay, Verizon, and Bank of America have all relied on Pro Access Floors for their false floor expertise.
If you’re interested in installing a raised flooring system start with our Raised Access Floor Checklist or contact Pro Access Floors at (858) 566-9000 for a free consultation.