Autex Acoustics ReForm Panels and Solutions for NZ User Guide

: June 1, 2024
: Autex Acoustics

Table of Contents

ReForm™
- Install Instructions
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

ReForm™

Install Instructions

These installation instructions are of a general nature and are designed to assist suitably experienced tradespeople to install ReForm™ to a high standard in common applications.

For installation support, please contact your local Autex Acoustics account manager before you start.

Manufacturer’s documents

Autex Acoustics 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:

ReForm Lookbook
ReForm Install Instructions
ReForm Manufacturer’s Guarantee
Autex Acoustics Care and Maintenance Guide

Copies of the above documents are available from the Autex Acoustics website www.autexglobal.com

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 and handling

ReForm must be transported, stored, and handled with care. Avoid abrasion, delamination or distortion, and protect edges from being crushed. Always transport and store ReForm 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 Acoustics immediately. Goods signed as received in `good condition’ will not be the responsibility of Autex Acoustics.

ReForm is 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 ReForm to ensure panels remain free of handmarks.

Format and finish

ReForm is supplied as standard 2440 mm (+/- 10 mm) x 1220 mm (+ 5 mm/- 0 mm) sheets to allow trimming to size at installation. ReForm is packed in boxes for ease of handling, and each box is individually labelled with thickness. Please speak to your Autex Acoustics account manager to discuss custom length panel if required.

ReForm is manufactured using nonwoven textile production techniques and finished using heat lamination. A tolerance of up to +/- 6% is typical on specified thicknesses.

ReForm is available either nude or with a flatpile Vertiface® finish. When installing flatpile Vertiface finished panels, the Vertiface should be the exposed surface once install is completed, with the ‘raw’ side facing the wall or ceiling.

Where multiple panels of ReForm are required, it is important to check that all product is supplied from one batch. Due to batch-to-batch variation, we do not recommend joining different batch lots as this could result in colour variation.

Adhesive free mounting with SpinFix™

For adhesive free installations, please refer to the SpinFix™ Install Instructions, or discuss options with your Autex Acoustics account manager.

Adhesives

Water-based spray application or solvent type contact adhesives are ideal for adhering ReForm to most common substrates.

Construction adhesive is ideal for a long-term secure bond to ceilings and for heavier weight panels. When using construction adhesives, we recommend the use of either temporary mechanical fixings or a contact adhesive over the majority of the ReForm leaving areas of construction adhesive free of contact adhesive to adhere the panel to the substrate while the construction adhesive cures.

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 ReForm.

If using adhesives to install ReForm, 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.

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.

Cutting ReForm

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 ReForm. 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 ReForm 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.

Heavy-duty snap-off blade knives can also be used to trim panels to size and cut holes for services. Autex Acoustics hole cutters are perfect for cutting 30 mm circular holes. All cutting tools MUST be sharp (replace blades as regularly as required) 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.

Inspection

Before starting the installation of ReForm 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 Acoustics prior to commencing the installation. No claims will be accepted where the job continues with obvious faults, and no consultation with Autex Acoustics has taken place. If you cut or install the product, you have accepted the quality.

Where more than one box of ReForm 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 ReForm – general

ReForm 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.

ReForm is supplied to allow trimming to size. We recommend that all panels are measured and squared-up prior to beginning the installation.

ReForm 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 Acoustics 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 Acoustics account manager. No claims will be accepted where the job continues with obvious faults and no consultation with Autex Acoustics has taken place.

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.

Fix to wall or ceiling substrate

ReForm should be installed to a clean, flat, or gently curved wall or ceiling substrate that has been prepared in accordance with the recommendations listed above.

Due to the nature of the product, we do not recommend butt joining panels. Ideally panels should be installed with either an equally spaced negative detail between panels, or trims around individual panels. This needs to be considered when installing ReForm to walls at lower levels as the panel edges are not designed to be regularly touched, for example in a school environment.

We recommend that each ReForm is installed individually. We recommend nearly full coverage of contact adhesive in conjunction with construction adhesive every 200 mm. Ensure to leave space for the construction adhesive when applying contact adhesive – this is necessary for the construction adhesive to bond directly with the panel. The purpose of the contact adhesive is to ensure the ReForm remains in place while the construction adhesive cures. Contact adhesive alone may not be sufficient for a strong, long term bond for ceiling applications.

Apply the adhesive to ReForm, and the substrate as measured for the ReForm, ensuring the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions are followed.

Care should be taken not to apply excessive adhesive along joins as this can leak at the edges when pressure is applied. Ensure the adhesive has tacked-off correctly, then fit the ReForm to the wall/ceiling. In some situations extra support may be needed while adhesive cures.

Roll the ReForm from the centre of the panel towards the edges, then roll the entire ReForm to ensure adequate adhesive transfer and a strong bond. Small wallpaper and vinyl rollers should not be used. A wide roller approximately 200-300 mm is ideal.

Continue installation of all ReForm until the job is complete. Certain situations such as installing to battens may require mechanical fixing. Please contact an Autex Acoustics account manager to discuss.

Install ReForm – edging profiles

ReForm can be installed using edging profiles. Edge profiles can be selected according to the desired look. An example of an appropriate edge profile would be equal angle UA6877 (or similar).

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 ReForm panels to fit.

Apply adhesives and fit the ReForm 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.

The Autex Acoustics spine trim (Type EM) can be used between panels but we recommend prior consultation with your Autex Acoustics account manager to understand the limitations. In instances when the spine trim is appropriate, panels should be butt joined and the spine trim friction fitted.

Install ReForm - negative detail

ReForm is 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.

ReForm 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 ReForm to fit. Apply adhesives and fit the ReForm 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 ReForm at lower levels, especially in a school environment, using a negative detail is not recommended. In these sort of environments edge trims should be used. Panel edges should be covered by appropriate trims to protect them from potential pulling.

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 Acoustics account manager on request.

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. All offcuts should be returned to Autex Acoustics for recycling in accordance with Autex Acoustics Takeback Programme.

Service

For more information, contact your Autex Acoustics account manager or visit our website www.autexglobal.com

• autexsglobal.com

New Zealand
702-718 Rosebank Road,
Private Bag 19988
Avondale 1746, Auckland
T 0800 428 839
T +64 9 828 9179
www.autexacoustics.co.nz
Australia
285 Swan Street,
Richmond, VIC 3121
T 1800 678 160
T +61 3 9450 6700
www.autexacoustics.com.au
United Kingdom
Unit J4, Lowfields Way,
Lowfields Business Park,
Elland, West Yorkshire
HX5 9DA
T +44 0 142 241 8899
www.autexacoustics.co.uk
United States
1630 Dan Kipper Drive,
Riverside, CA 92507
T +1 424 203 1813
www.autexacoustics.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 2023 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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