Delivery & Site Handling

• The EPS components are shrink-wrapped and bonded in cube packs but otherwise unprotected, therefore care shall be taken during transit and storage to avoid damage.
• The EPS components shall be stored in clean, dry conditions, stacked on a flat base, clear of the ground (to avoid contamination), protected against prolonged direct sunlight and secured to avoid wind damage; care must be taken to avoid contact with organic solvents.
• The EPS components shall be protected from being dropped or crushed by objects; care shall be exercised when storing large quantities on site.
• The EPS components shall not be exposed to open flame or other ignition sources and be stored away from flammable material such as paint and solvents.
• To ensure maximum performance of the component when installed, on site precautions shall be taken to protect it from contaminants.

Site Preparation

• The final minimum void depth shall be increased appropriately where clay soil of low, medium or high volume change potential exists, to prevent problems associated with heave; the minimum void depth shall be in accordance with Table 7 of NHBC Standards Chapter 4.213.
• Where there is good natural drainage or site drains are provided to prevent water collecting and standing, the ground level beneath the floor does not need to be raised to the external ground level.
• The ground beneath the floor should be free of topsoil and vegetation; oversite concrete or other surface seal is not required, but material added to bring the solum to an even surface must be hard and dry.
• Typically, a minimum void of 150 mm (225 mm in heavy clay soils) must be maintained between the underside of the polystyrene and the ground surface; this should be confirmed with local authority building control and/or NHBC inspector.
• A continuous damp-proof course should be laid along the support wall below the floor in accordance with BS 810220.

Installation Guide

• Build up inner leaf of blockwork and allow adequate time to cure prior to floor being installed
• To create the start/end units, cut full units in half on the pre-cut line. This creates a male/female unit which are to be positioned at either ends of the bay. Note the end unit may need cutting further once all the panels are in position. This will be noted on the beam layout drawing. Push fit the starter units to the wall ensuring a tight fit. The position of the starter units is denoted by cross hatching on the beam layout.
• Lay the full/half units denoted by 545 or 275mm on the drawing. Finish by cutting the penultimate row of infills or cut the end unit further. This will be shown on the beam layout.
• Fit the loadbearing rails to the tops of the beams
• Install the Psi Strips (perimeter edge strips) prior to the concrete topping being poured.