Multipanel™ Walls Classic, Plus, Create & Photo Wall Range Installation Guide

The following is an installation guide for fitting Multipanel® CLASSIC RANGE, PLUS RANGE, PHOTO WALL

Pre-installation check-list

1. Inspect panels for any flaws, defects or damage*
2. Check colour and sheen levels match between all panels.
3. Check colour and sheen levels match between all profiles.
4. If panels are being fitted by a tradesman, colours should be approved by end user.
5. Condition panels at room temperature for 48 hours.
6. Read installation guidelines.

*Panels are supplied with clear protective polycoating to the face, and white laminate to the rear. The clear polycoating should be carefully peeled back to

inspect the surface, and replaced for installation. This is particularly important where polycoating has text over-printed. Once installation has commenced

the panels are deemed to have arrived in perfect condition, any of the above reported after installation will not be covered by your warranty.

Conditioning and Storage

Prior to installation, it is strongly recommended that panels are conditioned in the room (or similar

environment) where they will be installed for 48-72 hours.

Panels should not be stored in areas of high humidity, and should never be stored outside. Multipanel®

must always be stored flat and horizontal to prevent bowing, and must not be rested at an angle against

walls, or between supporting structures, e.g. tressels

Multipanel® High Grab Panel Adhesive should always be stored in cool dry conditions between 5-25°c.

If Adhesive has been subject to extremes of temperature, it should be conditioned at normal room

temperature for 48-72 hours.

Wall Preparation

plywood walls providing they are sound. Alternatively softwood grounds can be applied over poor surfaces,

set at 60cm vertically and 80 cm horizontally, or as close to these settings as is appropriate for

the job – it’s better to have an additional ground than too few.

clean and dry.

Handling and cutting panels

handling and fitting panels. Appropriate PPE such as safety eyewear should be worn when cutting panels.

from the back, decorative face down to prevent chipping of the laminate surface

thickness of aluminium profiles and the space between walls and profiles. Sizes are shown on the next page.

Fixing panels and profiles

All panels must be properly sealed at all vertical edges, whether they are being attached to

profiles, shower enclosures or hydro-locked. Panels must also ALWAYS be silicone sealed

at the base, whether using Multipanel® seal kit, with or without extrusions. Inadequate

sealing will invalidate your warranty. If the seal starts to deteriorate, it must be re-sealed

immediately, and not allow moisture to penetrate joints or junctions.

should be fixed to the wall or end grounds with countersunk screws, or adhesive and a bead

of silicone sealant applied to the channel.

Multipanel®

and push firmly against the wall.

Fixing hydro-lock panels

Prior to installation, it is strongly recommended that hydro-lock panels are conditioned in the

room (or similar environment) where they will be installed for 48-72 hours. This is particularly

important in cold conditions. Hydro-lock tongue and groove panels should be dry jointed

prior to final installation to ensure a sufficiently flush and tight joint will be achieved between

all panels. Hydro-lock panels MUST be silicone sealed at all vertical joints, as well as at all

extrusions, joints and at the bottom of the panel.

should be at 400 – 600mm centres with the bottom screw a maximum of 35mm from the

bottom edge of the panel.

allow for this when calculating panel requirements, e.g,

• 2400x598mm = 2400x579.5mm finished face size.

• 2400x1200mm = 2400x1181.5mm finished face size.

When fitting panels into an extrusion, the protruding tongued or grooved edge should be cut off.

panels to the wall/frame, pilot bore the recess in the groove where screws are to be located.

(failure to pilot bore may result in the panels splitting). Pack between back of panel and wall

as necessary to avoid distortion to the Hydro-lock joint when screw fixing. Fix through the back

flange of the grooved edge with countersunk screws - the screw head should fit into the recess

on the back of the tongue . Ensure that screws are turned until they are just under

the flush to prevent any obstruction to the tongue of the next panel to be fitted.

Apply masking tape to the two meeting edges of the decorative face to protect the

laminate face. Apply a narrow bead (2-3mm) of silicone sealant to the front shoulder of

the tongue.

too little may affect water-tightness.

fixed panel. Ensure the tongue is fully inserted into the groove before snapping it back to

the wall,  otherwise it may damage the joint.

face immediately.

Shower trays and baths

tray or bath. See separate installation guide.

shower tray or baths, sealing the gap with silicone sealant.

Wet areas

In wet areas, we recommend the use of an aluminium Type X base profile. Height adjustments

should be made where the panel meets the ceiling. Floor covering material should continue

into the wall/frame, and apply silicone sealant to the base and the back of the profile.

Window detail

At windowsills, a Type E quadrant end cap should be used between panels, and mitred

in the corners.

Fitting valves and controls

When cutting apertures or drilling into Multipanel®, a 2mm clearance gap should be left

around all edges, and sealed with silicone sealant.

Adhesives and Sealants

Multipanel® Panel adhesive and sealant are available to order from your distributor or local

show room.

Aftercare Sealants

Once installed, your Multipanel® requires minimal maintenance. Multipanel® should be

cleaned with warm water and a non-abrasive mild detergent. Scouring products or similar

products should not be used, and doing so may invalidate your warranty.

DOMESTIC WARRANTY

Grant Westfield Ltd offers a 10 year warranty that Multipanel® panels will not crack, blister or delaminate and will remain watertight if fitted and sealed

in accordance with our published recommendations.

In the event of a successful claim under your Multipanel® guarantee we will replace the panels, but will only cover any claims for consequential costs

under exceptional circumstances where a defective panel prohibits ordinary use of the surrounding area.

This guarantee does not cover failure of the product due to:

• Faulty installation

• Incorrect maintenance or storage - panels should not be leaned against walls, or balanced between tressels. If panels

have been stored in extremely cold conditions, they should be conditioned at room temperature for 48 hours prior to installation.

• Damage or misuse

Prior to installation the following checks should be carried out and any queries reported, as claims of this nature will not be covered:

• Colour matching and sheen levels between all panels and profiles

• If panels are to be fitted by a tradesman - colours should 1st be approved by the customer

• All products have arrived in good condition

• Dry fit hydro-lock tongue and groove jointed boards prior to final installation to ensure a flush finish and ensure tightly

butted joints

• Flaws or defects in laminate - although unlikely. Where protective poly coating has text over printed, this should be

removed to check the laminate.

This guarantee does not confer any rights other than those set out above and claims for consequential loss or damage are excluded. This guarantee does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer