FDT floor ducting is designed for use when installing pipework within solid floors to provide a practical, effective and versatile solution that is also aesthetic and allows simple access for maintenance, inspection or pipework repairs.
Manufactured from 22-gauge (0.76mm) hot dipped galvanised mild steel (to BS 2989: 1982 class Z2), the metal tray incorporates return flanges along each side, which support the pre-cut 12mm thick decorative plywood cover (to BS 1203: 1979), so that it is flush with the finished floor level.
FDT ducting is fully compliant with water bylaws and BRE recommendations relating to the installation of pipes within solid floors, as embedded pipes can be prone to leaks, which may be difficult or expensive to rectify if they are not contained in a suitable floor duct.
Where thermal insulation is required, this can be achieved with the use of a proprietary split tube pipe sleeve or, where space is limited, the duct tray can be filled with loose-fill insulation.
Similarly, if pipes pass through a sound resisting floor, they should not be in contact with the duct, but should be surrounded by 25mm of insulating material and all gaps should be sealed. In addition, fire-resistant barriers are required where ducts pass through building compartments and an intumescent fire barrier is recommended.
A range of dedicated FDT accessories is available which include corners, tees, stop-ends and butt joint plates. Corners/tees are supplied in a perforated 1250mm lengths for separation on site. Each 625mm length can then be used to form a 90° corner or a tee junction, which requires the use of additional ducting.
Butt joint plates and stop-ends should be selected to suit the ducting size, whilst stop-ends should also be fitted prior to screeding.
