Understanding The Concept Behind Raised Floor Systems
Raised floor systems, also known as access floors, are basically an elevated structural floor that is stabilized on top of a solid substrate, which is generally a concrete slab.
This creates a gap which is ideal for running electrical wiring and HVAC ducts. The structural floor comprises panels on a grid supported by adjustable vertical pedestals. These, in turn, are affixed to the subfloor by means of either mechanical fixings or adhesives.
Thanks to the adjustable pedestals, the gap between the elevated floor and the subfloor can be between 3 and 48 inches.
Typically, the panels are 2 feet by 2 feet and are composed of a cement or wood core clad in steel or aluminium. The panels are compatible with several flooring finishes, such as vinyl, linoleum, laminate, carpet, rubber, and stone or Panele ceramic tiles.
It is crucial to implement value engineering and life cycle cost analysis that will help find a balance between aesthetics, cost, durability and maintenance along with the purpose of the raised floor to determine what finishing materials will work best for a particular project.
It is interesting to note that running cables and electrical wiring through the accessible space between the panels and the subfloor facilitates easy access and flexibility. What's more, the wiring can be rerouted, repaired, and upgraded without construction and minimal interference to the business' everyday activity.
When brought in combination with modular electrical systems and modular walls, the entire building can be reconfigured in much lesser time than it usually takes. Besides, you can also expect much more efficient heating and cooling of a building with raised flooring systems.
Also, is highly beneficial for data centres and communication facilities. Computer systems can rest on perforated tiles so that conditioned air is accessible for each unit. Thanks to the increased efficiency and accessibility, access floors prove to be an ideal alternative to suspended ceilings, pre-cast trunking, and dado trunking.
Be it any building, a raised flooring system can be highly advantageous due to its flexibility and efficiency which benefits the potential occupants. What's more, they need not feel constricted by certain aesthetic designs since there are a number of finishing options for access floors.
You can easily check out the best raised floor suppliers in Dubai with just a few clicks.