Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions. For full information we recommend you download the brochure.  You can also visit the WPIF and BBA websites.
 
 
Are Caberfloor products E1 low formaldehyde emission?
Yes - Caberfloor P5 and Caberdek all meet the requirements of latest E1 definition when tested according to EN120.
 
How should Caberfloor be fixed to joists?
The panels can be screwed or nailed to joists, battens or existing timber floors. Angular ring shank nails have superior holding power. Panels should be nailed at 200 - 300mm centres along the edges and 300mm elsewhere along the joists. Fixing should be at least 9mm from the edge of the panel and nails should be 10 gauge. In practice this equates to 3 fixings on short ends and 2 fixings at intermediate joist positions.
 
What joist centres are recommended for 18 and 22mm Caberfloor?
In connection with joist centres, the maximum spans are 450mm for 18mm and 610mm for 22mm. These are for domestic applications only. For commercial applications 22mm P5 may be used at a maximum span of 450mm.
It is more usual to use 400 or 600mm joist spacing as they "fit" the most commonly used board lengths of 2400mm.
 
What happens if 18/22mm is laid on the wrong joist centres?
The immediate effect would be a more "springy" floor. It is not expected that failure would occur in domestic circumstances, however it must be recognised that NHBC guarantees may not apply and hence the client may wish to put the floor in order. This would be our recommendation in this instance.
 
How durable is Caberfloor P5?
The durability of Caberfloor P5 Moisture Resistant is excellent. This is due to specially developed melamine fortified resins being used during the construction process.
On exposure to intermittent rain and dampness the product retains a high percentage of its original strength. It is recommended that Caberfloor is installed in dry conditions. It is important to understand that P5 Caberfloor is not ‘waterproof’ and should never be used as such. The product's durability is designed to accommodate temporary adverse weather on-site.
 
What happens if Caberfloor P5 is exposed to water?
It is common in new build situations for boards to increase in moisture content. Fortunately, this behaviour is predictable and as a guide an increase in moisture of 3% increases length and width by 1%. This is normal and given building operations continue 12 months per year - levels do tend to be higher in October to March in the UK compared to the summer months. Typical levels of moisture content in flooring panels in an unheated building tend to be up to 15%. Intermittent heating will typically reduce this level to 9 to 12% and a typical further reduction would be 7 to 9% in a continuously centrally heated space.
 
What expansion gap should be allowed?
Recommended expansion gap is 2mm per metre run. The usual practice is to leave this gap at the perimeter so it can be covered by skirting boards. A 2mm gap must also be provided at any abutments, i.e. internal partitions, door thresholds or pillars.
 
What about expansion gaps in corridors?
In corridors it is necessary to allow the normal perimeter gap (2mm per m) and intermediate gaps every 10m, if applicable.
 
If a large area is involved, what expansion gap is recommended?
For every metre above 12m, the expansion gap should be increased by 1mm all round.
 
e.g. if a floor measures 15x15m the expansion gap would be (12x2) + (3x1) = 27mm all round and at any abutments. This means leaving a 27mm expansion gap all round. For large floor areas an intermediate expansion gap may be left which can be subsequently filled with compressible materials or proprietary cover strips.
 
How long can Caberdek be left open to the elements during construction?
When laid in accordance with our fixing instructions Caberdek provides a safe working platform during construction prior to roof installment. This period can be up to 45 days.
We recommend that Caberdek is laid and fixed in dry conditions. If excessive wetting occurs, ensure that any 'ponding' is cleared. Also ensure all board joints and perimeters are taped using Caberdek tape. This is available in 2 widths - 45mm and 75mm
 
Does Caberdek come with any guarantees?
Yes – it is BBA approved.
 
Gluing the underside of the board to the top of the joist is becoming more common practice on site - do you recommend this?
Yes. This practice reduces the chance of squeaking associated with joist shrinkage. Gluing the panel allows the board to move with the joist.
 
Caberdek tape protects the board joints and perimeter. a) Why is this and b) how many rolls are required per pack of boards?
Taping joints provides superior moisture protection compared to glue alone. On a scale of 1 to 10 we rate a well taped joint at 9 to 9.5 and a well glued joint at 5 to 6. We have Caberdek Fixing kits available designed to comprehensively cover 50m2 area. This equates to ½ pack or 35 boards.