| Expansion/Contraction Issues |
TOPAKUSTIK products are manufactured from MDF (medium density fiberboard). These boards contain 8 - 10 % humidity content during manufacturing. The products are precision manufactured in our factory with computer controlled machinery. Because of the grooving and perforation, the surface area can double or triple, depending on the type of Topakustik product. Because of differences in humidity at the warehouse and the job site and variable humidity conditions in the warehouse or job site, the dimensions can change quickly before installation. According to the specifications of the MDF producers, the expansion and contraction of the MDF substrate can be as much as 4 mm per meter (0.048" per foot) in extreme conditions. It is mandatory to check the air humidity during storage and installation. Woodworking industry standards specify the following ranges in humidity and temperature:
air humidity |
minimum 35 % |
maximum 60 % |
temperature |
minimum 18° |
maximum 30% |
If these standards are adhered to by the installer of the TOPAKUSTIK products, the maximum dimensional change of the MDF substrate amounts to 1 mm per meter (0.012" per foot). If the TOPAKUSTIK products are mounted in the winter time, for example, with dry climatic conditions, an expansion joint must be provided corresponding to the dimension of the Topakustik product. If the products are mounted in spaces with high air humidity, the application of special humidity resistant cores is absolutely required. Different climatic conditions in the room and the hollow space between the suspended TOPAKUSTIK planks or panels and the mounting substrate, can result in a convex or concave warping of the product. This circumstance must be considered by the installer, and addressed by using suitable fastening or reinforcement of the product. Topakustik products must be acclimatized for 3-4 days in the installation area before installation.
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A soft brush attachment to a vacuum cleaner can be used to remove any remaining manufacturing wood dust. Installation pencil lines can be removed with a soft eraser. After installation, surfaces may be cleaned with lukewarm water, containing a mild detergent applied with a damp cloth and wiped with a soft dry cloth.
Do not use any coarse towels or brushes which could scratch the surface or undiluted detergents or organic solvents.
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Topakustik products are available in any desired natural wood veneer. The veneer appearance is influenced by the cut and the composition. Since wood is a natural product, color and texture variation within a species is common and exact matching of each plank or panel in an order may not be possible. A standard high-quality, semi-gloss varnish is provided on all orders. Samples should not be used as a reference for color and finish luster. A submittal will be provided for approval for each project, which attempts to match the species, color and luster requested. Topakustik planks are provided with the straightese and plainest rift veneers possible. For panels, patterned veneers will be cut to match the width. All paint coating is done with state-of-the-art spray robotics, providing a quaranteed even application. Due to the grooves, the color appearance is different from that of a smooth wooden surface. Topakustik products are also available in white, birch and beech melamine coatings. Other melamine finishes are available for quantities above 1600 sq. ft. (150 sq. meters). |
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