Working conditions on building projects across the UK are cleaner and safer thanks to Caberdek, the premium protected flooring board from leading engineered wood-based panel manufacturer, Norbord.

Caberdek is a high density particleboard designed and manufactured specifically for flooring applications. Like its sister product – the hugely successful Caberfloor – Caberdek offers consistency, strength and a precision tongue-and-groove profile for quick and accurate installation.

Caberdek is bonded with a highly moisture-resistant resin to give a P5 rating for maximum moisture resistance and compliance to the EN312-5 manufacturing standard. The P5 Caberdek green finish further distinguishes the board from other grades and is specified (as P5) by NHBC for all new builds.

Caberdek combines the benefits of Caberfloor P5 with a waterproof slip-resistant film adhered to the surface of the board. This ribbed, protective surface performs three vital functions: firstly, it protects the board from water damage while following trades move in to complete the building; secondly, it provides a safe working platform for anyone working within the unfinished building; thirdly, it leaves a clean floor for the client.

The board’s protective film is highly resistant to impacts, punctures and tears. It will stand up to intensive foot traffic and helps prevent damage from minor knocks and scrapes. “It also protects the floor from spillages and splashes which are inevitable with wet trades such as painting and plastering”, says Norbord Technical Sales Manager, Jim Caldwell. “When the building’s finished, you just peel off the protective film to reveal a pristine floor”, he adds.

Whilst Norbord recommends minimal exposure to the elements and the removal of ponded water, external weathering tests at the company’s Cowie plant showed no significant deterioration in boards fully exposed, with no trafficking, for up to 90 days. This test was with all boards, with T&G joints glued and taped and perimeter edges correctly fitted using Caberdek protective tape, as per product installation instructions. Taking into account the effects of site trafficking, a maximum of 45 days exposure is the application recommendation.

Caberdek has become a firm favourite, particularly in the housebuilding sector. “Both large and smaller housebuilders use Caberdek every day, in preference to other products”, says Mr Caldwell. “It is the UK’s leading brand of moisture-resistant flooring and is widely used in the new-build housing association, commercial and refurbishment sectors as well as in private housebuilding,” he adds.

The use of modern structural adhesives (Caberdek Fast Fix PU) which bond the board to the top of joists has been a success story. This simple site methodology and material improves the racking performance of the floor deck by up to 70%. Annoying floor creaks are reduced and the risk of costly call-backs or remedials due to shrinkage factors is virtually eliminated.

Caberdek provides a safe working platform as outlined within the Construction Design and Management Regulations 1994 and NHBC standard. When correctly installed, Caberdek helps guard against slips and trips, contributing to “fall protection” measures required under the latest regulations.