Autex Acoustics Quietspace Panels Instruction Manual
- October 30, 2023
- Autex Acoustics
Table of Contents
Autex Acoustics Quietspace Panels Instruction Manual
These installation instructions are of a general nature and are designed to assist suitably experienced tradespeople to install Quietspace Panels to a high standard in common applications.
For installation support, please contact your local Autex account manager before you start.
Manufacturer’s documents| Autex recommends that all persons engaged in the installation have full knowledge of the product and installation procedure as set out in the most recent edition of these manufacturer’s install instructions and related documents. Manufacturer’s documents relating to work in this section are:
- Quietspace® Panel Lookbook
- Quietspace® Panel Install Instructions
- Quietspace® Panel Manufacturer’s Guarantee
- Autex Interior Acoustics Care & Maintenance Guide
Copies of the above documents are available from the Autex website www.autexglobal.com
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Other trades| Prior to installation, consultation with other trades such as
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical should be made to establish an order of work
that best suits the site.
Transportation, storage & handling| Quietspace Panels must be transported,
stored, and handled with care. Avoid abrasion, delamination or distortion, and
protect edges from being crushed. Always transport and store Quietspace Panels
on a flat, clean, dry surface. Do not accept damaged product. If product or
packaging arrives damaged, note the condition on the freight documents and
contact Autex immediately. Goods signed as received in ‘good condition’ will
not be the responsibility of Autex. Quietspace Panels are a semi rigid product
that can be damaged if not handled with care. Avoid bending the packs and
panels as this could cause creasing.| Do not store or drop the panels on their
corners or edges as this will cause damage. Boxes and panels should be carried
vertically upright by two people.
The work area should be clean and free of dust and other contaminants that
could soil the Panels. Clean cloth gloves are ideal when handling Quietspace
Panel to ensure panels remain free of handmarks.
Format and finish| Quietspace Panels are supplied as standard 2440 mm (+/- 10
mm) x 1220 mm (+/- 5 mm) sheets to allow trimming to size at installation.
Quietspace Panels are packed in boxes for ease of handling, and each box is
individually labelled with thickness. Please speak to your Autex account
manager to discuss custom length panels if required. Quietspace Panels are
manufactured using nonwoven textile production techniques and finished using
heat lamination. A tolerance of up to +/- 6% is typical on specified
thicknesses. Quietspace Panels are produced as a dualdensity panel to enhance
acoustic performance and increase durability. The high-density face should be
the exposed surface once install is completed, with the softer side facing the
wall or ceiling.| Quietspace Panels are typically supplied ‘nude’ but can also
be supplied factory laminated with Vertiface® fabric. Vertiface fabric has a
pile direction, and all panels must be installed with the pile running in the
same direction to avoid the appearance of colour variation. The pile direction
can be checked by lightly running your hand up, then down the fabric. One way
will feel smooth and the other rough. Autex recommends that the installed pile
runs down. If installing panels that have had Vertiface prelaminated onto the
face, Autex does not recommend butt joining. Butt joined panels are better
suited to the Vertiface Overlay installation method (detailed later in these
instructions).
Protective fabric facing| To help ensure ‘Nude’ Quietspace Panels are kept
clean throughout the installation process, they are factory applied with a
protective spun-bond fabric that is to be removed after the panels are
installed.| As each panel is installed, peel a corner of the spun-bond fabric
and leave hanging until the job is complete to ensure panels are kept clean
through the final finishing stages.
Substrate| Before work commences, all joins, gaps, and cracks in the substrate
must be taped with propriety sealing tapes to eliminate the ingress of dust
and foreign particles travelling from the construction cavity into the
installed product over time. Ensure that the substrates, backgrounds, and
adjoining surfaces will allow work to reach the required standard. We
recommend that surfaces are prepared to a minimum Level 3 finish.| Very porous
surfaces may need to be sealed prior to applying the adhesive. Gloss and semi-
gloss finishes should be lightly sanded and dusted clean prior to application
of the adhesive.
All surfaces must be clean, dust-free, and dry as dust and moisture will
adversely affect the adhesive and may result in lack of adhesion.
Fix to wall substrate| Quietspace Panels should be installed to a clean, flat,
or gently curved wall substrate that has been prepared in accordance with the
recommendations listed above.
When installing Quietspace Panel on walls, a contact spray adhesive or high
grab MS polymer adhesive is recommended. For ease of installation, we
recommend that you install each Quietspace Panel individually. This includes
the application of
adhesive (contact your local Autex account manager for suitable options) and
rolling the panel.|
Recommended adhesives| Autex Acoustics recommends a contact-type adhesive or
high grab MS polymer adhesive for applying Quietspace Panel to most common
substrates. Contact type adhesives are ideal for applying Vertiface as a
fabric overlay. Prior to
commencing work, we recommend contacting your local adhesive supplier with
samples of the Autex products you are installing and the specification of the
substrates you are installing to.| It is the installer’s responsibility to
ensure that any adhesives used are fit for the intended purpose. It also is
the installer’s responsibility to ensure that
the substrate is fit for the application of adhesives
and Quietspace Panel.
If using adhesives to install Quietspace Panel, we recommend you consult with
your specialist adhesive supplier before you begin. All adhesives should be
used in accordance with the adhesive
manufacturer’s instructions.
Adhere to substrate using contact spray adhesive| Apply the contact adhesive
to the Quietspace Panel and substrate as measured for the panel, ensuring the
adhesive manufacturer’s instructions are followed correctly. Ensure the
adhesive has been tacked-off correctly then fit the Quiespace Panel to the
wall. Where joining Quietspace Panels with a butt-join, it is recommended the
panel is fitted firmly to the join first, then smoothed out to the edges
applying even pressure to ensure adequate adhesive transfer and a strong
bond.| Finally, roll the panels towards the butt joins, then roll the entire
panel to ensure adhesive transfer and a strong bond. Small wallpaper and vinyl
rollers must not be used. A wide roller approximately 100-150 mm is ideal.
Continue as above for all panels until complete.
Adhere to wall substrate using MS polymer adhesive| Refer to the adhesive
manufacturer’s detailed install instructions in the first instance when
available. In the absence of detailed instructions from the adhesive
manufacturer, you may refer to the instructions below. Use a suitable caulking
gun in combination with a compatible nozzle when applying MS polymer adhesive.
A bead size of not less than 6 mm in
diameter is recommended. Apply straight, continuous beads of MS adhesive along
the length of the panel (if panels are to be installed
vertically) or across the width of the panel (if panels are being installed
horizontally) at no more than 300 mm intervals. The outermost adhesive beads
must be placed approximately 30-50 mm away from the edge of the panel to avoid
the adhesive from leaking at the edges when pressure is applied. See Figure 1
for details.
Ensure that the panel is installed before the adhesive forms a skin. Refer to
the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions for the skinning or skin over time.
If the adhesive becomes skinned, it must be removed and replaced with fresh
adhesive prior to the installation of panels. Make sure always that the time
between application of the adhesive and installation to the substrate is
minimised.| Guide the panel evenly into position and press the panel firmly on
the centre, leaving the outer spaces untouched. Using a clean panel roller,
apply enough pressure towards the ends and edges of the panel to ensure
adequate adhesive contact and spread between the panel and the substrate.
Note: If not enough pressure is applied while rolling, there is a high
risk of the panel detaching from the substrate while the adhesive is curing.
Small wallpaper and vinyl rollers must not be used. A wide roller
approximately 100-150 mm is ideal. Where the above recommended bead spacings
do not provide adequate wet grab strength to support the panels whilst the
adhesive cures, either increase the bead size or reduce the spacing between
beads. Continue as above for all panels until complete.
Fix to ceiling substrate| When Quietspace Panels are installed overhead, high
grab MS polymer adhesive is recommended. Note: Mechanical fixings that are
visible after install such as screws are not recommended for Quietspace Panel.
When visible mechanical fastenings or screws are desired, consult your Autex
Acoustics account manager for details on how to properly install Quietspace
Panel using mechanical fixings. Quietspace Panel should be installed to a
clean, flat, or gently curved ceiling substrate that is prepared in accordance
with the recommendations listed above. For ease of installation, we recommend
that you install each Quietspace Panel individually. This includes the
application of a suitable high-quality adhesive (contact your local Autex
account manager for suitable options) and rolling the panel. Refer to the
adhesive manufacturer’s detailed install instructions in the first instance
when available. In the absence of detailed instructions from the adhesive
manufacturer, you may refer to the instructions below.
Use a suitable caulking gun in combination with a compatible nozzle when
applying MS adhesive. A bead size of not less than 6 mm in diameter is
recommended. Apply a straight continuous bead around the perimeter of the
panel, leaving a 30-50 mm gap at the corners and ensuring that the perimeter
bead is 30-50 mm away from the edges of the panel to avoid the adhesive from
leaking at the edges when pressure is applied. Apply internal, continuous
beads along the length or across the width of the panel at no more than 300 mm
intervals. The internal beads should finish approximately 100 mm away from the
perimeter beads. Please refer to Figure 2 for details.| Ensure that the panel
is installed before the adhesive forms a skin. Refer to the adhesive
manufacturer’s instructions for the skinning or skin over time. If the
adhesive becomes skinned, it must be removed and replaced with fresh adhesive
prior to the installation of panels. Make sure always that the time between
application of the adhesive and installation to the substrate is minimised.
Guide the panel evenly into position and press the panel firmly on the centre,
leaving the outer spaces untouched. Using a clean panel roller, apply enough
pressure towards the ends and edges of the panel to ensure adequate adhesive
contact and spread between the panel and the substrate.
Note: If not enough pressure is applied while rolling, there is a high
risk of the panel detaching from the substrate while the adhesive is curing.
Small wallpaper and vinyl rollers must not be used. A wide roller
approximately 100-150 mm is ideal. Where the above recommended bead spacings
do not provide adequate wet grab strength to support the panels whilst the
adhesive cures, either increase the bead size or reduce the spacing between
beads. We recommend the use of temporary bracings or double-sided tape to hold
the panels in place until the adhesive is completely cured. Continue as above
for all panels until complete.
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Cutting Quietspace Panels| Cutting and machining techniques should be trialled
on an off-cut prior to cutting panels to ensure the highest quality finish.
Mechanical cutters such as a straight knife cutting machine are ideal for
cutting and trimming Quietspace Panels. Caution should be taken to avoid
overheating during cutting as this may cause the Panel fibre to melt or fuse
slightly on the heated contact points. Bring the blade to full speed before
starting the cut. Secure the Quietspace Panel during cutting to minimise
vibration. Follow manufacturers operating and safety instructions, and ensure
the use of all appropriate safety equipment and practices when using machine
cutters.| Serrated Swibo type knives, insulation saws, and heavy-duty snap-off
blade knives can also be used to trim panels to size, and cut holes for
services. All cutting tools must be sharp to help ensure an easy, tidy cut.
Caution should be taken with all cutting tools and equipment. Follow
manufacturers use and safety instructions, as well as site and individual safe
working practices and requirements.
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Inspection| Before starting the installation of Quietspace Panels check again
that the materials have been supplied as ordered and are free from damage or
faults. Check colours and product labels to ensure the product has been
supplied correctly. Any variations or faults must be reported to Autex prior
to commencing the installation. No claims will be accepted where the job
continues with obvious faults, and no consultation with Autex has taken place.
If you cut or install the product, you have accepted the quality.
Where more than one box of Quietspace Panel is required, ensure they are from
the same batch as indicated on the product label on each box.| Due to batch to
batch variations, we do not recommend joining the different batch lots as this
could result in colour variation. Batch numbers should be recorded for future
reference. Variation in thickness and colour fibre blend are inherent features
of this type of product. Some variation from panel to panel can occur, and
each panel should be checked prior to installation. To accommodate these
variations installation may require on-site adjustment by the installer to
achieve a flush and professional finish.
Install Quietspace Panels – general| Quietspace Panels should be installed in
accordance with these Installation Instructions and as per the specification
detail and customer requirements. If there is conflicting information, you
must seek clarification from all appropriate parties before proceeding with
the work. It is imperative that the installation is planned before cutting and
installing any product. Measure the installation area and check against plans
and details. Consider the placement of smaller panel(s); either at one end or
two equal smaller panels at each end to mirror either side. Most walls are not
perfectly level or straight, and this will need to be managed as part of the
install. Quietspace Panels are supplied to allow trimming to size. We
recommend that all panels are measured and squared-up prior to beginning the
installation. Quietspace Panels should be installed vertically (portrait) on
walls unless project specifications and requirements state and require
otherwise. Adhesives should be applied strictly in accordance with the
adhesive manufacturer’s instructions. Refer to the product label or the
technical data sheet for spread rates, tack-off times, climatic requirements,
application methods,`and equipment required. Adhesive spills or surface
contamination should be cleaned immediately following Autex Care and
Maintenance instructions.| The job should be progressively checked for
appearance, installation quality, and adequate adhesion. Any variations in
colour or appearance must be notified and discussed with your Autex account
manager. No claims will be accepted where the job continues with obvious
faults and no consultation with Autex has taken place.
When installing Quietspace Panels at lower levels, especially in a school
environment, the overlay method should be used. In addition panel edges should
be covered by appropriate trims to protect the from potential pulling. It is
important that all Quietspace Panels covered with Vertiface fabric are fitted
with the pile running in the same direction, as this will avoid the appearance
of colour variation. You must consider this before you cut panels to the
required size. The pile direction can be checked by lightly running your hand
up, then down the fabric. One way will feel smooth and the other rough. Autex
recommends that the pile runs down. Colour variation can occur panel to panel.
To minimise colour variation panels should be laid out and checked for
variation prior to cutting and fitting. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in an unsatisfactory finish.
Install Quietspace Panels – edging profiles| Quietspace Panels can be
installed using edging profiles. Plan the installation before beginning by
marking out the position of all edge profiles and panel joins, following
project plans and specifications. Fit all edging profiles to the wall square
and true using adhesive and screws as required. Allow any adhesive to properly
cure before installing panels. Measure and cut Quietspace Panels to fit.|
Apply adhesives and fit the Quietspace Panel to one edge then press firmly
across the entire panel to fit inside all edging profiles. Roll the entire
panel to ensure good adhesion and strong bond.
Fit the panels individually and continue until complete.
Install Quietspace Panels – butt joining| While it is not recommended in most
situations, Quietspace Panels can be butt-joined. Quietspace Panel thicknesses
can vary by up to 6% of declared thickness, so we recommend that the
thicknesses of all panels are checked prior to cutting and installing. We
recommend trialling the fit of each panel before the application of adhesive.
If thickness variances are found, some panels may need packing to achieve a
flush finish. Use builder’s paper strips on the back of the panel to pack it
out as required. Take care to avoid adhesive leakage at the joins when
pressure is applied.| Measure and cut Quietspace Panels to fit. Apply
adhesives and fit the Quietspace Panel to one edge then press firmly across
the entire panel. Roll the panel from the centre out to the joins, and then
roll the entire panel to ensure good adhesion and strong bond. Fit panels
individually and continue until complete. It is difficult to completely hide
joins when butt joining Quietspace Panels so we recommend having a small area
installed and approved by the client before proceeding.
Install Quietspace Panels – negative detail| Quietspace Panels are ideally
installed with a negative detail between adjoining panels. Design and
installation using a sufficient negative detail will significantly reduce the
appearance of any panel thickness variations and speed up the install. Rule of
thumb is that the negative detail should be equal to the panel thickness.
Quietspace Panel thicknesses can vary by up to 6% of declared thickness, so we
recommend that the thicknesses of all panels are checked prior to cutting and
installing. We recommend trialling the fit of each panel before the
application of adhesive. If thickness variances are found, some panels may
need spacing to achieve a flush finish. Use builder’s paper on the back of the
panel to space it out as required. Take care to avoid adhesive leakage at the
joins when pressure is applied.| Plan the installation before beginning by
marking out the position of all panel joins, following project plans and
specifications. Measure and cut Quietspace Panels to fit. Apply adhesives and
fit the Quietspace Panel to one edge then press firmly across the entire
panel. Roll the panel from the centre out to the edges, and then roll the
entire panel to ensure good adhesion and strong bond. Fit panels individually
and continue until complete. When installing Quietspace Panels at lower
levels, especially in a school environment, using a negative detail is not
recommended. In these sort of environments the overlay method should be used.
In addition panel edges should be covered by appropriate trims to protect the
from potential pulling.
Vertiface/Felt (fabric) overlay| Nude Quietspace Panels can be overlaid with
Vertiface Felt fabric. Ensure the protective spun-bond facing has been removed
before overlaying fabric. Install Quietspace Panels with a 2-3 mm negative
detail to all panel joins, following the ‘negative detail’ installation
recommendations above. This will help minimise visible lines telegraphing
through the Vertiface fabric overlay. All panel joins should be bridged by a
self-adhesive cloth tape. Tip: use a strip of the protective layer glued in
place with the contact adhesive to tape the joins. Gaps greater than 3 mm are
not recommended, and the panel should be repositioned and or trimmed to ensure
the gap width is correct. Cloth tape should be approx 100 mm wide, be well
secured, and suitable for the intended use. Measure and cut Quietspace Panels
to fit. Apply adhesives and fit the Quietspace Panel to one edge then press
firmly across the entire panel. Roll the panel from the centre out to the
edges, and then roll the entire panel to ensure good adhesion and strong bond.
Fit panels individually and continue until complete. Tape all joins in
preparation for fabric overlay. We recommend minimising horizontal joins by
ordering custom length Quietspace Panels. Please speak to your Autex account
manager for advice. Vertiface should be installed in vertical drops unless
specified or otherwise required. Vertiface fabric has a pile direction, and
all drops must be installed with the pile running in the same direction to
avoid the appearance of colour variation.| The pile direction can be checked
by lightly running your hand up, then down the fabric. One way will feel
smooth and the other rough. Autex recommends that the pile runs down. Measure
and plan the installation area and check against plans and details. Consider
the placement of vertical joins, including smaller drops; either place at one
end, or place two equal smaller drops at each end to mirror either side. Most
walls are not perfectly level or straight, and this will need to be managed as
part of the install. Vertiface fabric can be installed using spray application
contact type adhesive. Apply adhesive in accordance with the adhesive
manufacturer’s instructions, and hang the first Vertiface drop from the top
down, smoothing out from the centre. Roll the entire drop using light pressure
to ensure a good bond. Successive drops should be hung in sequence from the
roll, slightly overlapping and double-cut by cutting through both layers of
fabric using a sharp, heavy-duty wide snap-off blade knife and straight-edge.
Use an alloy flat bar or similar behind the cut to protect the Quietspace
Panel.
Remove the trimmings and roll using light pressure to ensure a good bond.
Immediately clean any excess adhesives from the join. Joins should be
vertical, clean and flat with no gaps, bubbles, or visible compression marks.
Continue with successive drops until complete.
Fixtures| Remove cover plates, light fittings, and other fixtures as the
work proceeds. Replace, plumb, square and true to line as the work is
completed. Packers may be required behind certain fixtures. Further details of
these can be obtained from your Autex account manager on request.
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Replace| Replace damaged or marked elements.
Clean Up| Clean up as the work proceeds.
On completion| Leave work to the standard required by following all
listed procedures. Leave work secure, smooth and free of air bubbles,
wrinkles, gaps, stains, and blemishes. Remove debris, unused materials, and
waste from the site.
Service| For more information, contact your Autex account manager or
visit our website www.autexglobal.com
Autex is an ISO certified organisation encompassing Quality (ISO 9001),
Environmental (ISO 14001), and Health and Safety (ISO 45001).
Brand names and logos are registered or unregistered trademarks owned or used
under license by Autex Industries Limited or other members of the Autex Group.
© Copyright 2022 Autex Industries Ltd. All rights reserved. It is the user’s
responsibility to
determine if the product and information presented in this document is
suitable for the intended application by engaging a suitably qualified
consultant. The information contained in this document is correct to the best
of our knowledge at the date of its publication. To verify that this document
is the most current publication please check our website or contact your Autex
account manager.
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