What is a raised floor system?

A raised floor system is the use of post (steel pedestal base), stringers, and panels in the building of a data center or office building requiring the floor to be higher above the existing subfloor. Furthermore, HVAC systems (Air conditioning) conditioned air require raised floors in the plenum space. In fact, the system delivers cool air to electronic equipment in data centers or to people in office buildings.

Installation

The installation occurs after laying the construction of a concrete slab foundation in the first place. Moreover, computer rooms require raised floor systems to hide & avoid running wires and cabling above floor surface as well as structural integrity. The use of floor grommets allow wires and cabling to rise through the subfloor via higher floor heights. Type of access computer flooring finishes are available in a wide range of materials. In conclusion, all floor panels are covered with carpet or durable high pressure laminates and are capable of handling robust weights and load ratings. Solid floor tiles cover vast areas per square foot while perforated panels deliver cool air to chosen hotspots. Types of solid flooring offered panel materials are typically hollow steel, filled steel cement or woodcore filled.

System applications

• Office environment buildings
• Casinos
• Data centers
• Computer rooms
• Server rooms
• Medical facilities
• Labs & Cleanrooms
• Schools
• Industrial sites
• Airports
• Security buildings
• Control rooms
• Telecommunications facilities

 

Raised floor vs access floor. What’s the difference?

Raised floor and access floor are both terms for an elevated flooring system that sits above a solid concrete or slab foundation. These systems provide easy access to the subfloor underfloor air distribution and its components, which is crucial for maintaining efficient operations. In data centers, conditioned air can be distributed through these raised floors above the concrete floor, improving airflow and cooling. The standard square foot measurements for access floor tiles are typically 24″x24″, and they can be easily lifted using double cup floor tile pullers or carpet floor tile pullers.

How Raised Access Flooring Works

Panel Surface Materials

Data centers typically choose HPL surfaces for their anti-static and cleanroom properties. However sometimes, users choose to cover the tiles with solid carpet. While not typically recommended for data centers, carpeted raised floors remain a practical option in commercial and office applications. Though it is best to avoid fully carpeted, permanent installations to ensure continuous access to the subfloor and its critical components beneath the raised floor. With modern floor tiles, any carpet can be glued to the tile surface, maintaining a seamless appearance. These high-quality tiles can last up to 50 years, making them a durable and long-term solution for data centers and other load bearing facilities.

Finally, choose a cost effective product that functions well and matches your computer systems environments requirements. Choose elements like cable trays for cable management that fit most types of raised floors. Air distribution of a raised access flooring system is integrated using perforated computer flooring panels.  The experts at DCFT are ready to guide you through choosing the correct system to meet your facilities needs and your areas codes and standards requirements. Contact Us for a quote today.