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The problem of ground floor’s finishing usually involves two aspects. First, the desirability of an aesthetic view. The second, and more rational reason, is, naturally, the protection of a house from humidity and temperature variations.

This manual demonstrates that anyone may finish a ground floor. It is simple because EPS boards (foamed polystyrene) are installed using a foam adhesive and boards are installed over the insulation using the same method. 

Wish you a useful and interesting viewing and active discussion in the comments section!

Read more about ground floor’s insulation:
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Masters Club

Created by:

Masters Club Product Manager

Calculate

Calculate the amount of polyurethane adhesive and Zoccolo plate for socle insulation

Wall dimensions (mm)
x
Products needed:
PENOSIL FixFoam:  
Tempsi Zoccolo:  

Products you'll need

Faq

Q:

What can I use to cut the boards into shape?

A:

You can cut the boards using the same kind of tools needed for handling regular wooden particleboards. The Tempsi boards can be sawed, drilled, planished or polished. To remove the dust created during cutting, 10% vinegar solution should be used on the boards before installation.

Where additional cuts need to be made to a board, the pores inside the cut side of the board need to be closed by using a moisture-repellent base paint or primer. This must be done immediately after cutting to prevent the moisture from absorbing into the pores of the board.

Q:

Should I leave a joint between the boards while installing and how big should this joint be?

A:

While installing the boards it is important to leave a 3-to 6-millimetre joint between the boards to allow for the boards to expand

Q:

When should metal or wooden framing be used and when should construction foam be preferred?

A:

Construction foam is generally used when the aim is not ensure a well-vented façade or when the boards are expected to be subject to greater deformations. The use of metal or wooden framing depends on the utilisation age of the building and the most affordable solution available. However, when the design stage is sufficiently thorough and well-planned, metal framing can often prove to be the cheapest option in the end.

Q:

How should the boards be installed?

A:

The Tempsi boards are attached to wooden or metal framing using either stainless screws or clamps. When clamps are used, you need metal profiles with holes to put the clamps in place. The framing of the structure needs to ensure proper ventilation between the boards and the insulation layer. Before installing the boards, the exact location of the boards needs to be marked on the wall. The boards can be installed using construction foam.

Q:

Can I use universal silicone to fill the joints?

A:

No. The only materials that can be used for filling the joints are neutral sealants or silicones, such as Penosil Seal&Fix.

Q:

Does covering the basement floor with cement boards have any advantages compared to plastering?

A:

In addition to the speed and ease of installation entailed with covering the basement floor with cement boards, the strength of the wall is a great advantage compared to plastering as well. However, should anyone cause physical damage to a wall covered with a cement board, the initial appearance can be easily restored by simply replacing the damaged piece of the board.

Q:

What are the characteristics of different Tempsi boards?

A:

The base layer of all the boards is identical but, due to the varying needs of our clients, the boards are enriched with different materials. Tempsi boards are moisture-, mould-, chemical-, fire- and freezing-resistant and display good sound insulation qualities. We have been marketing our products for more than 15 years and thanks to our extensive experience we can offer the most suitable products for every use.

Q:

How far from another should the pieces of framing be installed?

A:

The distance between the pieces of framing must not exceed 625 mm, the recommended distance is 400mm.

Q:

When I use construction foam for installation, how much of it should I apply?

A:

Adhesive foam is applied to the vertical sides of the cement board as one continuous streak, 30 mm away from the edge of the board and at least two more vertical streaks need to be applied in the middle of the board.  The foam needs to be moistened to ensure faster curing and smooth expansion. Before the board is installed, the foam needs to polymerise at least for two, but no more than five minutes, depending on the humidity of the air. Adhesive foam is fully dried after 24 hours.

Q:

Why should I leave a joint between the boards?

A:

Should the board expand or shrink due to changing weather conditions, the joint will not allow the boards to press against one another, thus preventing potential breaking or cracking.

Q:

Is it important how I use the screws when installing the boards?

A:

The order in which the screws are applied and the method used is crucially important: the first screw needs to be attached in the middle of the lathing and screwed directly into the lathing but starting with the second screw, holes need to be drilled into the material before attaching the screws  – these holes need to be1.2 times bigger than the screw tails so that they could slightly move without breaking when the boards expand. The distance between the screws should not exceed 400 mm and you will need approximately 10 screws per square metre.

Q:

Should I use something to fill the joint?

A:

Using joint tape in linking areas gives the building an aesthetic appearance and avoids the moisture and UV-rays from getting behind the boards, thus protecting both the insulation layer as well as the framing.

Q:

Can everyone install Tempsi boards?

A:

Yes, it is a quick and easy job. However, we do advise you to do it in a group of three since this makes it even easier.

Q:

Do the Tempsi boards  ‘breathe’?

A:

No. But the Tempsi boards are generally used in well-ventilated façade constructions.

Q:

Are the joint cover strips the same colour as the cement boards?

A:

They cannot be exactly the same colour since the pebble gravel boards are covered with natural pebble gravel, the colour of which is never identical to that of a painted surface.

Q:

How long is the warranty period for Tempsi boards?

A:

At the moment, the warranty period is 15 years since this is how long we have been selling our boards. The warranty period is likely to be renewed with every additional year.

Q:

Should the boards be braced after installation?

A:

The boards can be modestly braced after installation but putting the boards under excess pressure should be avoided.

Q:

What type of and how big screws should I use?

A:

We advise using stainless screws, preferable in the size of 3.5x40 mm. Self-drilling screws with a double thread, fortified tip and a countersink head with blades for cutting the hold needed are a very good option as well.

Q:

Why should I use joint flashings?

A:

To prevent water from penetrating through the surface of the joints.

Q:

Can I install the boards on curved surfaces as well?

A:

The boards cannot be installed on curved surfaces.

Q:

Are the Tempsi boards resistant to heat, can I use them for covering stoves and fireplaces?

A:

Yes, the fire resistance class of the Tempsi boards corresponds to the European standard EN 13501-1:2007. However, it is crucial to follow the standards applicable in Estonia as well and when used on stoves and fireplaces, the boards need to be always attached on a framing.

Q:

What are the Tempsi boards used for?

A:

The cement particleboards enriched with natural pebble gravel are generally used on the façades of buildings but also in the construction of floors, interior walls, firewall constructions, ceilings and roofs. The boards are ideal for improving the appearance of a building’s basement floor and covering the insulation layer.

Q:

Do the boards require special care after installation and how should it be organised?

A:

The Tempsi boards are resistant to varying weather conditions and do not fade in colour over time. No special care is needed but you should check from time to time for potential displacement or breaks. In case of discovering any faults, you can conveniently replace the deformed board only as there is no need for replacing the entire structure.

Q:

What is enriching?

A:

As added value, we offer you the chance to buy boards enriched with pebble gravel, get them cut to customized dimensions and enable you to chose between different colours. In addition to the visual advantage, adding pebble gravel also provides the boards with an additional protective layer, which protects the base layer perfectly from excessive moisture and unwelcoming weather conditions.

Q:

Why should I use ‘breathing’ wall solutions?

A:

A ‘breathing’ house does not mean that the wind would be blowing through its walls but, instead, in the case of a ‘breathing’ house the walls allow for the moisture to exit through the insulation layer, thus minimizing the chance of mould being formed.

Q:

How to protect a gravel board from graffiti?

A:

Tempsi offers an anti-graffiti paint for its gravel boards, which makes it considerably easier to remove graffiti from the boards.

Q:

How to clean construction boards?

A:

The boards can be cleaned with a high-pressure washer. Mineral particles can be removed with a soda solution. Before cleaning any soiled spot on the boards, we recommend testing the cleaning method on a concealed area of the façade.

Q:

In which colours can the boards be bought?

A:

The colour range is very wide and you should consult with the reseller or manufacturer for more detailed information.

  • What can I use to cut the boards into shape?
    Q:

    What can I use to cut the boards into shape?

    A:

    You can cut the boards using the same kind of tools needed for handling regular wooden particleboards. The Tempsi boards can be sawed, drilled, planished or polished. To remove the dust created during cutting, 10% vinegar solution should be used on the boards before installation.

    Where additional cuts need to be made to a board, the pores inside the cut side of the board need to be closed by using a moisture-repellent base paint or primer. This must be done immediately after cutting to prevent the moisture from absorbing into the pores of the board.

  • Should I leave a joint between the boards while installing and how big should this joint be?
    Q:

    Should I leave a joint between the boards while installing and how big should this joint be?

    A:

    While installing the boards it is important to leave a 3-to 6-millimetre joint between the boards to allow for the boards to expand

  • When should metal or wooden framing be used and when should construction foam be preferred?
    Q:

    When should metal or wooden framing be used and when should construction foam be preferred?

    A:

    Construction foam is generally used when the aim is not ensure a well-vented façade or when the boards are expected to be subject to greater deformations. The use of metal or wooden framing depends on the utilisation age of the building and the most affordable solution available. However, when the design stage is sufficiently thorough and well-planned, metal framing can often prove to be the cheapest option in the end.

  • How should the boards be installed?
    Q:

    How should the boards be installed?

    A:

    The Tempsi boards are attached to wooden or metal framing using either stainless screws or clamps. When clamps are used, you need metal profiles with holes to put the clamps in place. The framing of the structure needs to ensure proper ventilation between the boards and the insulation layer. Before installing the boards, the exact location of the boards needs to be marked on the wall. The boards can be installed using construction foam.

  • Can I use universal silicone to fill the joints?
    Q:

    Can I use universal silicone to fill the joints?

    A:

    No. The only materials that can be used for filling the joints are neutral sealants or silicones, such as Penosil Seal&Fix.

  • Does covering the basement floor with cement boards have any advantages compared to plastering?
    Q:

    Does covering the basement floor with cement boards have any advantages compared to plastering?

    A:

    In addition to the speed and ease of installation entailed with covering the basement floor with cement boards, the strength of the wall is a great advantage compared to plastering as well. However, should anyone cause physical damage to a wall covered with a cement board, the initial appearance can be easily restored by simply replacing the damaged piece of the board.

  • What are the characteristics of different Tempsi boards?
    Q:

    What are the characteristics of different Tempsi boards?

    A:

    The base layer of all the boards is identical but, due to the varying needs of our clients, the boards are enriched with different materials. Tempsi boards are moisture-, mould-, chemical-, fire- and freezing-resistant and display good sound insulation qualities. We have been marketing our products for more than 15 years and thanks to our extensive experience we can offer the most suitable products for every use.

  • How far from another should the pieces of framing be installed?
    Q:

    How far from another should the pieces of framing be installed?

    A:

    The distance between the pieces of framing must not exceed 625 mm, the recommended distance is 400mm.

  • When I use construction foam for installation, how much of it should I apply?
    Q:

    When I use construction foam for installation, how much of it should I apply?

    A:

    Adhesive foam is applied to the vertical sides of the cement board as one continuous streak, 30 mm away from the edge of the board and at least two more vertical streaks need to be applied in the middle of the board.  The foam needs to be moistened to ensure faster curing and smooth expansion. Before the board is installed, the foam needs to polymerise at least for two, but no more than five minutes, depending on the humidity of the air. Adhesive foam is fully dried after 24 hours.

  • Why should I leave a joint between the boards?
    Q:

    Why should I leave a joint between the boards?

    A:

    Should the board expand or shrink due to changing weather conditions, the joint will not allow the boards to press against one another, thus preventing potential breaking or cracking.

  • Is it important how I use the screws when installing the boards?
    Q:

    Is it important how I use the screws when installing the boards?

    A:

    The order in which the screws are applied and the method used is crucially important: the first screw needs to be attached in the middle of the lathing and screwed directly into the lathing but starting with the second screw, holes need to be drilled into the material before attaching the screws  – these holes need to be1.2 times bigger than the screw tails so that they could slightly move without breaking when the boards expand. The distance between the screws should not exceed 400 mm and you will need approximately 10 screws per square metre.

  • Should I use something to fill the joint?
    Q:

    Should I use something to fill the joint?

    A:

    Using joint tape in linking areas gives the building an aesthetic appearance and avoids the moisture and UV-rays from getting behind the boards, thus protecting both the insulation layer as well as the framing.

  • Can everyone install Tempsi boards?
    Q:

    Can everyone install Tempsi boards?

    A:

    Yes, it is a quick and easy job. However, we do advise you to do it in a group of three since this makes it even easier.

  • Do the Tempsi boards  ‘breathe’?
    Q:

    Do the Tempsi boards  ‘breathe’?

    A:

    No. But the Tempsi boards are generally used in well-ventilated façade constructions.

  • Are the joint cover strips the same colour as the cement boards?
    Q:

    Are the joint cover strips the same colour as the cement boards?

    A:

    They cannot be exactly the same colour since the pebble gravel boards are covered with natural pebble gravel, the colour of which is never identical to that of a painted surface.

  • How long is the warranty period for Tempsi boards?
    Q:

    How long is the warranty period for Tempsi boards?

    A:

    At the moment, the warranty period is 15 years since this is how long we have been selling our boards. The warranty period is likely to be renewed with every additional year.

  • Should the boards be braced after installation?
    Q:

    Should the boards be braced after installation?

    A:

    The boards can be modestly braced after installation but putting the boards under excess pressure should be avoided.

  • What type of and how big screws should I use?
    Q:

    What type of and how big screws should I use?

    A:

    We advise using stainless screws, preferable in the size of 3.5x40 mm. Self-drilling screws with a double thread, fortified tip and a countersink head with blades for cutting the hold needed are a very good option as well.

  • Why should I use joint flashings?
    Q:

    Why should I use joint flashings?

    A:

    To prevent water from penetrating through the surface of the joints.

  • Can I install the boards on curved surfaces as well?
    Q:

    Can I install the boards on curved surfaces as well?

    A:

    The boards cannot be installed on curved surfaces.

  • Are the Tempsi boards resistant to heat, can I use them for covering stoves and fireplaces?
    Q:

    Are the Tempsi boards resistant to heat, can I use them for covering stoves and fireplaces?

    A:

    Yes, the fire resistance class of the Tempsi boards corresponds to the European standard EN 13501-1:2007. However, it is crucial to follow the standards applicable in Estonia as well and when used on stoves and fireplaces, the boards need to be always attached on a framing.

  • What are the Tempsi boards used for?
    Q:

    What are the Tempsi boards used for?

    A:

    The cement particleboards enriched with natural pebble gravel are generally used on the façades of buildings but also in the construction of floors, interior walls, firewall constructions, ceilings and roofs. The boards are ideal for improving the appearance of a building’s basement floor and covering the insulation layer.

  • Do the boards require special care after installation and how should it be organised?
    Q:

    Do the boards require special care after installation and how should it be organised?

    A:

    The Tempsi boards are resistant to varying weather conditions and do not fade in colour over time. No special care is needed but you should check from time to time for potential displacement or breaks. In case of discovering any faults, you can conveniently replace the deformed board only as there is no need for replacing the entire structure.

  • What is enriching?
    Q:

    What is enriching?

    A:

    As added value, we offer you the chance to buy boards enriched with pebble gravel, get them cut to customized dimensions and enable you to chose between different colours. In addition to the visual advantage, adding pebble gravel also provides the boards with an additional protective layer, which protects the base layer perfectly from excessive moisture and unwelcoming weather conditions.

  • Why should I use ‘breathing’ wall solutions?
    Q:

    Why should I use ‘breathing’ wall solutions?

    A:

    A ‘breathing’ house does not mean that the wind would be blowing through its walls but, instead, in the case of a ‘breathing’ house the walls allow for the moisture to exit through the insulation layer, thus minimizing the chance of mould being formed.

  • How to protect a gravel board from graffiti?
    Q:

    How to protect a gravel board from graffiti?

    A:

    Tempsi offers an anti-graffiti paint for its gravel boards, which makes it considerably easier to remove graffiti from the boards.

  • How to clean construction boards?
    Q:

    How to clean construction boards?

    A:

    The boards can be cleaned with a high-pressure washer. Mineral particles can be removed with a soda solution. Before cleaning any soiled spot on the boards, we recommend testing the cleaning method on a concealed area of the façade.

  • In which colours can the boards be bought?
    Q:

    In which colours can the boards be bought?

    A:

    The colour range is very wide and you should consult with the reseller or manufacturer for more detailed information.

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