The Advantages of Raised Access Flooring
In our world that
is ever changing and becoming frequently more reliant on technology, the need
for accessibility in order to run cabling, piping and utilities has never been
more important. Such places as server rooms, IT classrooms and hospitals are
just a few examples of areas that require large amounts of cabling to be run throughout
the room and building. So where do we run these cables or utilities? The simple
answer is raised access flooring!
What is a Raised Access Floor?
Raised access
flooring, also known as raised floor systems or access flooring, involves an
elevated floor surface that is supported by steel pedestals.
The space between the floor and the structural subfloor creates an accessible
void, providing plenty of room for housing electrical, data, and HVAC services.
This design allows you to hide your services safely and cleanly below your
raised floor.
Where Would You Use Raised Access Flooring?
1. Commercial
Spaces:
Office
Buildings: Raised access
flooring is a go-to choice for new and refurbished offices. It enables easy
reconfiguration of workstations, accommodates changes in cabling and power
requirements, and enhances airflow and temperature control.
Data Centers: Given the sensitive and technologically
advanced nature of data centres, access flooring panels offes a highly efficient
solution. It supports the heavy electrical and data infrastructure while
maintaining excellent air circulation to keep equipment cool and running
efficiently.
Server Rooms: Similar to data centres, server rooms in
various facilities benefit from raised access flooring, as it allows for a neat
and organised layouts of servers and cables, simplifying maintenance and
upgrades when needed.
2. Educational
Institutions:
Universities and
Schools: Educational
facilities often have evolving technological needs, making raised floors an
ideal choice. It facilitates easy installation of power outlets, data ports,
and multimedia connections in classrooms and computer labs.
3. Science Labs:
Science labs require
many services that must be always accessible in case of emergencies. A raised
access floor will allow for quick access without having to demolish or rip up a
whole floor.
4. Hospitals
& Healthcare Facilities:
Hospitals and
Clinics: In healthcare settings, raised access flooring simplifies the
installation of complex medical equipment, electrical systems, and data
networks. It also ensures a clean and hygienic environment, supporting the
necessary maintenance and upgrades required in the medical field.
5. Retail
Spaces:
Retail Stores and
Shopping Centres: Retail spaces can be transformed using raised access flooring
to conceal power and data cables, creating a sleek and uncluttered appearance.
This enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space while maintaining
functionality. Almost every shop on the high street takes card payments, and
with this system in place, they will need space to run network and data cables
discreetly, but allowing for access if any down time was to occur.
6. Industrial
Spaces:
Manufacturing
Facilities: Raised access flooring in manufacturing plants allows for organized
wiring and facilitates the integration of machinery, ensuring a smooth and
efficient workflow.
When Would You Use Raised Access Flooring?
Raised access
flooring is particularly used when:
Flexibility and
Adaptability are essential:
Raised floors offer the flexibility to reconfigure spaces easily, accommodating
changes in layouts, equipment, or technology without major structural
alterations.
Efficient Cable
Management is needed: The
system provides a designated space for concealing and managing electrical and
data cables, reducing trip hazards and simplifying maintenance.
Improved Airflow
and Ventilation are required:
The void created by the raised floor allows for efficient airflow, enhancing
temperature control and creating a more comfortable working environment.
Quick Access to
Services is necessary:
Raised access flooring enables quick access to services like electrical
outlets, data connections, and HVAC systems for maintenance and repairs.
Enhanced
Aesthetics and Acoustics are desired: The clean, uniform appearance of raised flooring contributes to a
visually appealing environment. Additionally, it can aid in sound absorption,
improving acoustic qualities within a space.
To conclude all of
the above, our raised access flooring is a versatile solution that caters to a
wide range of industries, applications and projects. Its ability to adapt,
improve functionality, and enhance the overall efficiency of a room makes it a
preferred choice for modern architectural and design endeavours.
To explore how
raised access flooring can optimise your project, then get in touch with our
team today.