Fixing & Installation.

These instructions are intended as guidelines only and do not replace professional knowledge. It is assumed that the installer has general construction knowledge and can be considered a professional in their field.

 

Building Codes

Décortech Panels must be fixed in accordance to AS/NZS 2785. Installation is to comply with the following: loadings code AS/NZS 1170.1, the requirements of NZS 4219; related building services installations must comply with clauses 2.22, 2.25 and 2.29.

Shop Drawings

Prior to manufacturing, shop drawings are done for approval for every panel we make to ensure that our panels are made right, first time. This enables you to clearly see what you are getting and to easily make changes. Full assembly drawings are also usually provided allowing you to see the complete wall or ceiling assembly. The shop drawing process has been invaluable to our installers as potentially timely and costly mistakes are picked up on paper and fixed before they become problems during construction. Signed shop drawings will be required prior to manufacturing beginning.

 
 

Fixing Options

  • Battens or studs at 600mm centers maximum, with fixing at 200mm centers maximum around perimeter and 400mm centers maximum through center area of the panel. A good quality construction adhesive may be used to fix the panels if there is no acoustic felt backing.

    We recommend at least a 3-5mm negative detail between all edges of the panels

  • Battens should be at 400mm centers maximum, with fixing at 200mm centers maximum around perimeter and 400mm centers maximum through center area of the panel. We recommend good quality construction adhesive combined with some form of positive fixing i.e. screws or panel pins.

    We recommend at least a 3-5mm negative detail between all edges of the panels.

 
 

Panel Fixing Options

Option 1 – Plain Sheet

Screw fix using countersunk screws 6 or 8 gauge x 30mm long minimum.*

Option 2 – Acoustic Slotted Sheet

For concealed fixing use screws 6 or 8 gauge x 30mm long minimum and screw through the landing at the end of the slots. For surface screw fixing use countersunk screws 6 or 8 gauge x 30mm long minimum.*

Option 3 – Acoustic Sheets with Holes

Use countersunk screws with a head size slightly larger than the hole size and drive in until flush with the surface.*
*Ensure minimum embedment into the framing

Option 4 – Multigroove Sheets

For Multigroove Acoustic panels we recommend use of customized pneumatic staple gun (available for hire from Décortech subject to availability and terms and conditions) or panel pins. Panels should be stapled to timber battens at 300mm centers.

Other

Panels can also be installed using standard fixing systems such as Rondo or USG and drop in ceiling tiles will fit into standard grids.

 
 

  • To minimize the amount of dimensional change that can occur due to changes in panel moisture content and to ensure dimensional stability, condition panels to the environment in which they will be installed by separating individual panels for at least 48 hours prior to use in atmospheric conditions as close as possible to those of the final end use.

  • Inspect panels for any defects or variation from specification before installation. Do not install panels that are of unacceptable quality or that differ in any way from panels ordered. Décortech will not be responsible for installation or removal costs of unacceptable panels. Notify Décortech of any issues within 7 days of receiving panels.

  • Décortech Acoustic Panels are for indoor use only. Before installation the building should be fully closed in and well dried with ambient humidity between 25 – 80%. Maximum humidity in the underlying construction should not be more than 15%. Please note: for areas that have increased moisture or high humidity we recommend Plywood, please contact us for our Plywood options.

  • We recommend cleaning the panels when required with a warm damp cloth. Avoid any solvents or abrasive cleaners.

  • Panels must be installed by qualified tradesmen and handled with care. The product must be stored inside, off the ground, in a dry, well-ventilated area away from extreme temperature fluctuations. It is important to protect the panels during storage by covering and protecting all parts that can be exposed to damage, light or moisture, however, panels must not be left wrapped in a non-breathable material (i.e. plastic) for longer than 4 days. The panels must be stacked squarely on top of one another with a full cover sheet on top. The panels should not be exposed to natural light when being stored as wood is a natural material and changes over time when exposed to UV-light. The Décortech factory applied clear satin finish is also UV based and exposure to light will cause colour variations. Panels should be kept fastened in a flat pack on site to reduce the chance on the sheets bowing and edge discoloration.

  • Décortech Firesafe MDF and standard MDF is not recommended in exposed, damp or wet conditions as they can swell and break when in contact with water. They may warp or expand if not sealed. The Firesafe MDF and standard MDF substrate may have significant colour variations from batch to batch. Décortech Plywood is not recommended in areas where the temperature will reach above 50oC.

 
 

 Please click here to download a printable version of our Installation Guide.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information.

While every endeavour has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it is intended to be used as a guideline only. We reserve the right to amend specifications without notice.