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FAQ
Our frequently asked questions can be found here.
General
Is there a technical sheet on the fire safety of HDM products?
All HDM products have a Declaration of Performance (DOP), where you can find fire safety and other relevant technical information.
Do your products have a PEFC or FSC certificate?
Many products for walls, ceilings, and floors have a PEFC certificate. Many MDF products are 70% PEFC. Because MDF is a composite product, partially made from waste wood, the producers cannot trace the origin of all the wood. This doesn't mean that the remaining 30% is not from sustainable forests, but they cannot prove it. For 70% of the wood, they can. For MDF produced in Europe, this PEFC characteristic is common.
FSC is a certification more commonly used for solid wood from other parts of the world. MDF products do not have a FSC certificate.
FSC is a certification more commonly used for solid wood from other parts of the world. MDF products do not have a FSC certificate.
SPC PRODUCTS (AQUA CLICK TILES, AQUA-STEP XL, AND VINYLUXE)
Which SPC (vinyl) floors can be used in a conservatory? Due to the temperature in such a space, deformation may occur.
Our experience with vinyl floors is that floating installation mainly causes problems in a conservatory. Therefore, we advise gluing the floor to the substrate with Aqua-Step MS polymer glue. This can be done with SPC vinyl floors Aqua Click Tiles and Vinyluxe floors.
The Aqua-Step MS polymer glue is available in a bucket and a cartridge. Which is best for the floor and the wall?
For gluing Aqua-Step panels or tiles to the wall, we recommend using Aqua-Step glue in cartridges. The glue is applied slightly thicker, which can level out small differences in the wall's flatness.
For the floor, we recommend using Aqua-Step glue in buckets. A thin layer of glue is applied to the floor with a glue comb. It is crucial to have a thin, even layer of glue on which the SPC tiles or panels are placed. Applying glue from a cartridge on the floor might cause height differences, resulting in an uneven floor. An uneven substrate can cause issues with the click connection of the panels or tiles.
For the floor, we recommend using Aqua-Step glue in buckets. A thin layer of glue is applied to the floor with a glue comb. It is crucial to have a thin, even layer of glue on which the SPC tiles or panels are placed. Applying glue from a cartridge on the floor might cause height differences, resulting in an uneven floor. An uneven substrate can cause issues with the click connection of the panels or tiles.
Can Aqua-Step panels and tiles be glued to plasterboard?
Aqua-Step panels and tiles can also be glued to plasterboard. It is essential to use the correct glue. We recommend Aqua-Step MS polymer glue.
Can Aqua-Step panels and tiles be fixed to Ytong blocks?
Yes, this is possible with Aqua-Step MS polymer glue, but you must first treat the Ytong blocks with a primer. If not treated, the structure is too porous and will absorb all the glue.
Can Aqua-Step panels and tiles be glued directly to OSB boards?
Can Aqua-Step panels and tiles be glued directly to OSB boards?
Can polymer glue be applied directly to chipboard, or do I need to use a primer first?
Polymer glue can be applied directly to chipboard without the need for a primer.
When can I walk on an SPC floor that has been glued to the substrate?
The glue cures within 24 hours when applied in a 2-3mm thick layer with a glue comb. Therefore, you should wait 24 hours before loading the floor.
How do I remove glue stains from polymer glue on the surface of the panels or tiles?
Glue stains should be removed immediately from the surface of the panels or tiles. Once dried, they are much harder to remove. Dried glue can be best removed with a product like Soudal Adhesive Remover. Always test such products on a sample piece or a less visible spot to ensure that the surface is not damaged.
Can Aqua Click Tiles be used as wall coverings in the shower itself? How are the panels connected in the corners to ensure no water can penetrate? And how are the two sides (beginning and end) finished?
Aqua Click Tiles can be used on the wall in a shower area. The corners and other open spaces should be sealed with moisture-resistant silicone. The sides can be finished with a profile, such as PVC or aluminum. Aqua Click Tiles cannot be used on the floor in the shower; we recommend using a shower tray.
If I lay a floor with Aqua-step XL panels, what is the best way to glue the butt ends?
On the floor, the Aqua-Step XL panels should be glued with Aqua-Step MS polymer glue (high tack). The butt ends of the panels should be cut straight and placed against each other.
Can Aqua-step tiles and panels be used for the floor of a walk-in shower?
Aqua-Step tiles and panels can be used as shower walls but are not suitable for the shower floor. We recommend using a shower tray. The shower floor must slope to place a drain or grates. When the floor slopes, we cannot guarantee that the click connection will remain completely sealed. The SPC itself is 100% waterproof.
Can Aqua Click Tiles with the Click-4U connection be placed on a wooden framework?
Aqua Click Tiles with a Click-4U connection cannot be placed directly on wooden slats. Because the panels have a waterproof tongue-and-groove click connection, there is no space to fix them with a staple or nail. The panels can be glued to the slats, but the joints may lift, and the adhesion may not be optimal. Therefore, it is not recommended. Aqua-Step products with a Click ’N Screw connection can be screwed onto a framework.
Can I extend my floor onto the wall? Are there products for the bathroom that can be used on both the floor and the wall?
Aqua Step XL (large panels) and Aqua Click Tiles (tiles in various sizes) can be used on both the floor and the wall.
Can an Aqua-Step Vinyluxe floor be used outdoors? I would like to use it on my balcony, which is covered but exposed to outdoor air.
Aqua-Step floors are designed for indoor use and tested for such. They have not been tested for outdoor use, so we advise against using these floors outside. The baseboard could handle it in principle, but the surface is certainly not suitable for outdoor use.
Are only the Aqua Step XL (260 cm) panels suitable for the wall of a shower, or can you also use Aqua Click Tiles (XL) for this? Are both variants 100% waterproof, or should silicone be applied between the joints?
Both AQUASTEP XL and AQUA CLICK TILES can be installed in the shower. The only difference is the size of the products, which results in a different look. Both products are 100% waterproof and unaffected by moisture. These items have a click system, which, when installed correctly, is also watertight. Applying silicone in the click connection is not recommended as there is little space, and silicone stains can easily appear on the surface. The inner corner and other open spaces, such as with the shower tray, should be sealed with moisture-resistant silicone.
Can Aqua-Step SPC tiles and panels be placed on underfloor heating?
Yes, Aqua-Step products are suitable for underfloor heating. The maximum allowed contact temperature is 27°C. Higher contact temperatures can cause problems with the click connection due to expansion and contraction of the board. This issue is mainly present if the floor is laid floating. If the floor is fully glued to the substrate, this will be less of a problem.
Can Aqua Click Tiles or Vinyluxe floors be laid on electric underfloor heating mats?
Yes, it is possible to lay SPC floors on electric underfloor heating mats. A specific underlayment for thin SPC/PVC floors, such as the Secura LVT Click underlayment (minimum 400 kPa), should be used. Additionally, the substrate must be level and pressure-resistant (non-springy).
I am interested in your products because I value environmentally friendly and non-toxic materials. However, I am worried they might feel like plastic, and I wonder about their durability and warranty.
Aqua-Step products do not feel like plastic because SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) mainly consists of limestone (calcium carbonate, 80%) with only a small part of PVC and additives. As a result, SPC products feel more like tiles or natural stone (such as marble) than PVC. SPC products have a long lifespan, being durable and stable with a durable surface. The products come with a 15-year warranty.
Is it possible to attach a radiator (for towels) to a wall with Aqua Click Tiles or Aqua-Step XL/Boards?
This is possible if the following conditions are met:
Do not attach the radiator directly to the panels. Drill holes through the panels and use screws and plugs to secure the radiator firmly to the wall behind.
Ensure the wall where the Aqua-Step tiles or panels will be attached is dry.
Degrease the wall (substrate) and the back of the Aqua-Step tiles/panels before applying the glue for optimal adhesion.
Can SPC be used as a kitchen wall and countertop? Is it resistant to grease and heat, scratch-resistant, and how does it handle acids like vinegar and cleaning products?
The Aqua-Step SPC products are suitable for flooring, walls, ceilings, and facades. They have not been tested for use as kitchen countertops, so we cannot guarantee this application. It is suitable as a kitchen (splash) wall. SPC can withstand heat, and using it behind an induction or electric stove is no problem. Using it behind a gas stove is not recommended.
The surface is resistant to stains, grease, and chemicals. Various cleaning products, such as vinegar and HG stain remover, have been tested on the surface without effect. It is always wise to test a cleaning product on a small corner since manufacturers can change the composition of their products, affecting their performance.
The surface is resistant to stains, grease, and chemicals. Various cleaning products, such as vinegar and HG stain remover, have been tested on the surface without effect. It is always wise to test a cleaning product on a small corner since manufacturers can change the composition of their products, affecting their performance.
Do I need a special installation kit to lay an Aqua Click Tiles or Vinyluxe floor floating?
Laying an Aqua Click Tiles or Vinyluxe floor floating is simple. No special installation kit is needed. Following the guidelines below will help you achieve a good result:
Ensure a level substrate. Under a straight batten of 1 meter, unevenness should be
no more than 3 mm.
Use the right underlayment, which should be suitable for SPC floors (such as this: Secura LVT Click Smart). The floor must not be springy. The compressive strength of the underlayment should be at least 400kPa.
The end connection has a "push down" connection. To connect it well, it must be tapped in with a block. You can see this clearly in this video: Installation Video.
Ensure a level substrate. Under a straight batten of 1 meter, unevenness should be
no more than 3 mm.
Use the right underlayment, which should be suitable for SPC floors (such as this: Secura LVT Click Smart). The floor must not be springy. The compressive strength of the underlayment should be at least 400kPa.
The end connection has a "push down" connection. To connect it well, it must be tapped in with a block. You can see this clearly in this video: Installation Video.
Can acetic silicone (e.g., Weber seal S) be used on SPC products?
Acetic silicone contains acetic acid. Acetic acid keeps the silicone colorfast longer but has a strong smell and is quite aggressive during curing. Professional caulkers almost always use neutral silicone, which we also recommend for our SPC (vinyl) products.
Can an Aqua-Step windowsill be used in a new house?
Aqua-Step SPC windowsills can also be used in a new house. In a new house, the space under the window frame is usually filled to the desired height with an insulation board (6cm). The windowsill is then glued on top of that substrate (5mm thick).
Can Aqua Click Tiles be painted over?
The top layer of AQUA CLICK TILES is developed to prevent adhesion. Therefore, painting these tiles is not easy. If you wish to paint them, you must first apply a primer before finishing. However, we do not recommend this as we cannot guarantee it.
Can SPC products for interior use be stored outside in a container?
We do not recommend storing SPC products under poor conditions. Although SPC properties are excellent regarding cold and heat, the effects are difficult to predict, especially when the substrate has a different expansion coefficient, such as OSB or ceramic tiles.
Warranty cannot be provided in such cases. Typically, these products are stored in a conditioned environment between 15-25 degrees to minimize shrinkage and expansion during processing.
Warranty cannot be provided in such cases. Typically, these products are stored in a conditioned environment between 15-25 degrees to minimize shrinkage and expansion during processing.
How should Aqua Click Tiles or Aqua-Step panels be maintained/cleaned?
In most cases, wiping with a damp cloth is sufficient to clean the tiles or panels. For more intensive cleaning, they are resistant to a lot of chemicals, but not all. The following products have been tested:
For normal cleaning, we recommend a mild cleaning agent. We have tested the following:
Ajax
Glassex
Blue Wonder (floor cleaner)
For intensive cleaning, we have tested the following:
HG mold remover (moisture & weather spots)
HG stain remover
HG Limescale Foam Spray
Antikal
Cleaning vinegar
All the above products did not cause any damage of the surface. Use these products according to the manufacturer's instructions.
As manufacturers can change their products' composition, always test them on a less visible spot first to ensure no damage to the surface.
Can Aqua-Step panels and tiles be placed in a sauna?
It depends on whether it is intended for the sauna cabin itself or the surrounding area. They cannot be placed in the sauna cabin as these rooms are heated to high temperatures (up to 90 degrees), and the board may not withstand this. However, they can be placed in the surrounding area as it does not get as hot. Since it can get wet there, the floor must be glued to the subsurface (not floating).
Wand en plafondpanelen
Can Avanti Acoustic panels be installed in a bathroom, considering the sound-absorbing layer behind the panels?
Avanti Acoustic panels can be used in the bathroom with the "Avanti Absorber". Direct contact with water should be avoided, so the application is limited to the ceiling. The black "Non-woven INSULATION FABRIC" should also be used between the panels and the Avanti Absorber.
Is it necessary to use a vapor barrier or permeable film under MDF wall and ceiling panels?
Since HDM panels may only be used indoors, it is not necessary to use an additional film. The panels have only decorative value and are mounted directly on battens.
Are the dimensions of the MDF wall and ceiling panels gross dimensions (including tongue/groove) or net dimensions?
All specified dimensions of the wall and ceiling panels are gross dimensions, i.e., the complete panel's dimensions. For the net dimensions, also known as the working dimensions, click here.
Is it possible to fix rails with curtains or other heavy objects to an MDF ceiling?
When hanging heavy objects from the ceiling, they must be screwed into the battens on which the panels are fixed. The rails with curtains should be attached to the underlying batten frame.
Can MDF wall and ceiling panels be used as a ceiling in a room with an indoor pool? The humidity in this room is controlled and never exceeds 65%.
If the humidity does not exceed 65%, MDF ceiling panels Avanti Pro12 can be used. The maximum distance between the battens on which the panels are fixed must be strictly adhered to, and the panels must be fixed with screw clips EC3/5, which must be screwed.
Can a convector/radiator be placed against MDF wall panels?
With prolonged, constant heating, the adhesive may eventually dry out, causing the foil on the panels behind the radiator to come loose.
Can Pan O quick XL panels for the ceiling be temporarily removed to access water pipes, electricity, and air conditioning?
Removing the panels to access pipes is possible if you use clips (PCS3 EXTRA including screws, item 551035 or 551038) instead of screws or staples. You must first remove the trim along the edges, so it's better to screw the trim rather than glue it. Alternatively, you could buy "reserve" trims to replace the old ones if needed.
Can Avanti Pro panels be used in a bathroom?
The Avanti Pro series panels are ideal for the bathroom. They are based on 12mm MDF and finished with a Renolit-Alkorcell foil (vinyl). This surface is smooth and sealed, making it more resistant to mold growth and easy to clean. The bathroom should, of course, be well-ventilated with a fan.
Can Avanti Aqua panels be used in a bathroom?
The Avanti Aqua series panels are specifically designed for bathrooms. They have an high compression HDF base plate and foil on the front and back of the panel for optimal moisture resistance. The bathroom should, of course, be well-ventilated with a fan.
Can Avanti Aqua panels be used in a ceiling with infrared panels?
If the IR panels only radiate heat downward and the panels themselves do not get warm, they can be fixed to an Avanti Aqua ceiling.
How large should the expansion gap be for a ceiling or wall of MDF panels?
In most cases, a 10mm expansion gap around the wall or ceiling is sufficient. A larger expansion gap is recommended in humid conditions (such as in a new house or bathroom) or in the case of large spans (more than 8 meters).
Should there always be a small gap left between the trim and the ceiling or wall?
A gap should always be left between the panels and the wall, ceiling, or floor to allow for expansion. When installing MDF (or HDF) panels in the bathroom (or other humid rooms) or a new house, a small gap should also be left between the trim and the ceiling and wall for air circulation.
In dry rooms (in existing buildings), this is less important, and the trims can be placed almost against the wall or ceiling. Ensure the wall or ceiling is straight. If not, it is better to place the trim straight on the panels, leaving a gap between the wall or ceiling where needed.
In dry rooms (in existing buildings), this is less important, and the trims can be placed almost against the wall or ceiling. Ensure the wall or ceiling is straight. If not, it is better to place the trim straight on the panels, leaving a gap between the wall or ceiling where needed.
Is it necessary to fix the butt ends of the MDF panels to the batten frame?
The butt end of the MDF panels should also be fixed to a batten. This is absolutely necessary for very wide panels (50-60 cm wide), and it is less important for narrower panels.
Can MDF panels be used on a boat if there is regular condensation on the panels?
Due to the condensation that can regularly occur on a boat, we recommend using Aqua-Step SPC panels. These panels are completely waterproof and, therefore, more suitable for the conditions on a boat.
How do you make a batten frame for wall and ceiling panels?
Battens (approx. 22 x 50mm) are placed perpendicular to the panel length, with the distance between them depending on the type of panel. For example, a batten distance of 40cm center-to-center for 10mm MDF panels.
They are screwed to the wall or ceiling with plugs and screws (screws min. 4.5 x 60mm, screw distance approx. 50cm).
Ensure the substructure is level. Uneven walls and ceilings may require filling under the battens.
What batten distance is recommended for installing Pan O’quick 6mm panels?
For installing Pan O’quick 6mm panels, we recommend a batten distance of 25 cm center-to-center. With a greater distance, there is a risk that the ceiling will not remain flat due to the thin panels. The panels can be fixed with nails, staples, screw clips EC2/5, or Cle 2mm clips.
Can a MDF ceiling be installed above a freestanding built-in stove? What radiant temperatures can MDF panels withstand?
Installing regular wall and ceiling panels above a stove indeed carries some risk. In principle, the panels can withstand 50 degrees, but prolonged exposure may cause the foil to come loose over time. For such applications, we recommend Avanti Pro 12 panels. These panels have a Renolit Alkorcell foil (vinyl) top layer, which is attached to the 12mm MDF base plate with much stronger adhesive. These panels are better suited to these conditions.
Can HDM wall and ceiling panels be used to finish the inside of a skylight or light street?
No, these panels are not suitable for that. HDM panels have a foil surface applied to the MDF with a hot melt adhesive. This adhesive can withstand higher temperatures to some extent (e.g., with LED recessed lighting), but prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as in a skylight, can cause the foil to come loose over time. The sides of a skylight are better finished with plywood and heat-resistant paint.
Can the MDF wall and ceiling panels be painted?
HDM wall and ceiling panels are not designed to be painted, and doing so voids the warranty. If you choose to paint at your own risk, you could try painting the regular foil panels (such as Avanti, Avanti Exclusive, and Pan O’quick) directly with water-based paint. For painting Avanti Pro12 panels, which have a vinyl surface, a primer should be used first.
Can Pan O’quick XL 2600 x 510 x 8 mm panels only be used as wall panels or are they also suitable as ceiling panels?
In principle, Pan O’Quick panels can be applied to the ceiling as they have a tongue-and-groove connection on the ends. However, we do not recommend it due to the panel's weight. Therefore, we advise using Pan O’quick XL 1300 x 510 x 8 mm for the ceiling.
What is the batten distance for installing Pan O’quick XL 1300/2600 x 510 x 8 mm panels?
The batten distance for installing Pan O’quick XL 8mm panels (130x51cm and 260x51cm) is a maximum of 50 cm center-to-center.
Can Pan O’quick XXL panels (or other wall and ceiling panels) be applied directly to chipboard without a batten frame?
The panels can be applied directly to chipboard. Our advice for Pan O’quick XXL panels is to screw them (every 15 cm) or use clips (every 25 cm). The advantage of clips is that the panels can still move slightly. We do not recommend gluing the panels.
Farmwood
Can Farmwood panels be fixed to the ceiling?
Farmwood panels are wall panels and are not suitable for the ceiling.
Can Farmwood panels be used outdoors?
Farmwood panels are designed for indoor use only.
Can Farmwood panels be glued to a flat surface?
Farmwood panels can be glued. Use an MS polymer adhesive like Aqua-Step glue in a cartridge for this.
Is your question not listed here? No problem, contact us!