|
| | | | |
|
 | | PROBLEMS WITH FLOATING FLOORS
| | | Stuart MacConnacher | | 13/11/2006 | | |
Poor support damages washing machines - and the floor
Washing machine manufacturers are to discuss problems with floating floors with the building trade. 'If these floors are not properly supported and braced, appliances start to vibrate and become unstable and noisy - and often the result is damage to both the machine and the floor,' said Stuart MacConnacher, Technical Officer at AMDEA, the appliance manufacturers' trade association.
It wants architects, specifiers, flooring manufacturers and house builders to review design requirements where the kitchen or utility room is expected to include washing machines or washer dryers.
Following steadily increasing flows of consumer complaints, AMDEA's home laundry experts met to consider the problem. They concluded that their appliances should be included with products such as storage heaters as needing additional bracing to the sub-floor.
In the case of a floating, or any form of suspended floor, the joists must be constructed so as to support machines that generate centrifugal force and which, when loaded, can reach a load of 175kgs. The area directly beneath should be additionally supported to prevent excessive vibration.
'It has become a significant after-sales issue: consumers often don't realise that the manufacturer's guarantee does not cover damage caused by inadequate flooring,' said Mr MacConnacher. 'Manufacturers' installation instructions make clear that floating floors must be adequately supported and braced if our appliances are to be placed in the room.'
AMDEA will seek to amend Part E of the Building Regulations to ensure that washing machines and washer dryers are considered. It feels the flooring system is basically sound, but that there is a lack of information among the manufacturers and installers about the installation of heavy domestic appliances on them.
The problem is particularly severe in apartment developments, where there is a need to minimise noise levels. Inadequately supported, a washing machine on a floating floor can actually create more noise and vibration - often damaging the machine as well as causing deterioration and eventual breakdown of the chipboard floor.
| |
|
| | | View similar articles: | | |
| | | |
|
 | People who viewed this article were also interested in |  | |  |
|