The Technical Guide Home Page
 Introduction
Since our first written
guide back in the early 1990's, new products, equipment, methods
of laying and changes in building techniques have been developed.
The timber flooring market has grown dramatically
and with it, new ideas, new floor layers and self builders with
a need to understand and identify the technical aspects and potential problems in the field of wood flooring.
Much of the
information in this internet guide is the result of new research
and experience. A typical example would be the new approach
to acclimatisation.
Because the wesite is easy to revise, this guide will always contain the most
recent information. It should be taken as the best guide to
technical information for our solid hardwood floors.
In addition to this internet Comprehensive Guide and the
Technical Summary, we also provide a printed A5 Brief Technical Guide and printed fitting instructions which are sent with the flooring.
All these guides are based on common sense, best practice, science, theory and research where possible.
It is important that the floors are installed by experienced and competant craftsmen who can measure and assess site conditions and fit the floor accordingly.
Factors for Success.
The three most important factors in the long term performance and
stability of a new solid hardwood floor are the correct site conditions, the correct timber moisture content and professional
installation.
The process of installation is straight forward provided that both the specifier
and installer are competent and understand the technical factors
which influence the floor.
During and following installation there
are a number of technical conditions which must be met if floors are
to perform satisfactorily. It is important that these technical
aspects are considered at the planning stage so that the correct
sub-floor/hardwood floor combination can be chosen.
Problems are usually caused by incompetant
installation and incorrect site conditions.
This technical guide is very comprehensive and covers
virtually all topics governing the performance of our hardwood floors.
Because we have very exacting quality control, it has been possible to
be reasonably accurate when compiling this guide, but the information
may not be applicable to other products with a different specification
or less than acceptable quality control.
Please use the drop down menu or the headings below
to navigate through the guide. Below is a summary of the topics
in each section:-
Grades
& Flooring Range - This section explains quality control and
how various factors affect the performance of the floors, the types of
flooring we make and the grades.
Site
Conditions and Other Factors - This fully explains the importance
of the moisture content of the wood, relative humidity and how to
measure both. It discusses how timber is affected by site conditions, the
effects of types of heating, humidity, temperature and damp in the
fabric of the building. It considers concrete sub floors, potential
problems and case studies.
Laying Guidelines - This section considers acclimatization,
general laying methods with different sub floors, expansion and
contraction, good practice and the use of damp proof membranes.
Finishing and Maintaining your Floor - This covers surface
preparation, the types of finishes and basic maintenance of solid wood
floors.
Site Survey
Section- This is an in-depth look at how to survey and
monitor site conditions prior to laying. It covers equipment, survey
methods, interpreting the results and predicting movement in the
floors.
An Explanation of Terms - This explains the meaning of words and phrases used on
this web site.
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27/01/2006
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