Fermacell
Fermacell
Delivered in thicknesses of either 20 mm (2E11) or 25 mm (2E22), Fermacell is a twin layered, low thermal resistance gypsum flooring board that provides an excellent intermediate surface to sit between the heating panels and the final floor finish.
The lap joint construction used in Fermacell boards allows the installer to form his own strong joints within the floor and minimises waste. The boards are cut to size and dry laid before two beads of proprietary adhesive are applied to the joints. Specialist screws are used to fix the joints together whilst the glue cures. Suitable for residential and light commercial loadings, Fermacell boards can be used for virtually all floor finishes and within bathrooms.
Huge Improvement over Timber Materials
The benefits are twofold: Fermacell has less than half the thermal resistance of cheaper alternatives such as flooring grade chipboard or plywood and so provides a significant improvement to the underfloor heating system’s heat output performance. The other significant advantage is mass: this lends the floor construction solidity and also greatly improves the floor’s acoustic performance, particularly when installed in conjunction with our recycled woodfibre Ideal ECO Heating Panel.
The Perfect Partner for Residential Underfloor Heating
We produce Fermacell boards in a slightly smaller board size of 1200 mm x 600 mm x 20 mm which makes them easier to handle and more tolerant of installation over joisted floors. Its smooth and dust-free finish presents a surface that is easy for finished floor installers to work with.
Jupiter have tested the loading capacity of Fermacell 2E11 boards in conjunction with Kingspan Kooltherm insulation and our SYSTEM IDEAL range. Test results have provided a 2 kN point load – suitable for all residential applications.
Fermacell:
Datasheet
Fermacell:
Installation Guide
The first row of Fermacell requires its 50 mm lap joint to be cut off so that both the 10 mm layers are in contact with the wall.
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The cut edge should then be offered up against the perimeter insulation.
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Dry lay all boards – two or three rows are recommended – before applying any adhesive.
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It is highly recommended to mark the underlying pipe positions with a marker pen to avoid damage later when fastening boards together.
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Apply Fermacell glue as per instructions on bottle.
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Cut boards to size for small infill areas.
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Even small infill areas should incorporate the 50 mm lap joint.
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Screw boards together along the joints using the supplied 19mm screws (2E11). Note the boards are only screwed together and NOT down.
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Fermacell should not be installed in temperatures below 10 °C.
Fermacell:
Post-installation Guidelines
Once installed, Fermacell requires 72 hours to become fully load bearing.
Fermacell 2E11 boards are capable of accepting foot traffic typical of a building site and, provided that certain precautions are followed, then our system can be used as a working surface before the final floor finishes are fitted.
The system can be used as a working surface if the following precautions are observed:
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Site traffic thoroughfares should be protected with 1 x 18 mm ply. Sweep the floors before laying the ply.
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The floor system can accept typical site foot traffic after 24 hours at 20° C.
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Ladders should be used on 1 layer of 18 mm ply after 24 hours.
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Towers and scaffolding should be erected on 1 layer of 18 mm ply after 72 hours.
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Pallet trucks with load should be used only on 2 layers of 18 mm ply after 72 hours.
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Excess glue should be scraped off after 24 hours.
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The heating system can be turned on after 72 hours – no heating up protocol required.
The Fermacell is at risk of damage if the following points are not observed:
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Pallet trucks of ANY kind should NOT be used directly on the system.
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DO NOT apply heavy/point loads at the edge of the system.
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DO NOT allow scissor lifts or cherry pickers to be used.
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DO NOT proceed with final floor installation on damaged areas.
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DO NOT allow any foot traffic on the system before the 24-hour cure time.
Fermacell:
Fitting Floor Finishes
Fermacell flooring elements are suitable as a substrate for engineered boards as well as mosaic or herringbone parquet.
Fermacell flooring elements are NOT suitable as a substrate for solid timber flooring (inc. parquet & solid strip flooring) unless it is laid as a floating floor or using special installation techniques. Please contact Fermacell for further technical advice.
Laminated, engineered timber floor, including parquet can be laid as a floating or bonded floor (refer to manufacturers recommendations).
Mosaic parquet should be installed in a box or herringbone pattern to ensure that there is sufficient allowance for movement of the timber in all directions.
With these type of floor finishes it is not necessary to fill Fermacell joints or fill visible screw heads.
Moisture and humidity conditions should always be taken into account when installing timber products.
Primers, sealers and adhesives with lower water content are recommended and should be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is recommended that the underfloor heating is switched off when installing the floor finish.
Fermacell:
Case Study
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