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PlycemCA

Contractor Resources

Installation Requirements and Best Practices

Plycem High Performance Subfloor panels are designed for installation over wood or steel framing systems. Proper substrate preparation is critical for optimal performance.

Substrate & Framing Requirements

Plycem High Performance Subfloor is a fiber-reinforced structural cement board. It maintains a typical density of 1.10 kg/dm³ and a flexural strength of 6.5 N/mm².

Structural framing requirements

Physical Properties

  • • Flexural Elastic Modulus: 3.5 kN/mm²
  • • Moisture Movement: 0%
  • • Flame Spread / Smoke Dev: 0 (ASTM E-84)

Certifications

Complies with ISO 8336:2018 (Category A) and ASTM C1186-08 (Type A, Grade I).

Wood Framing Specifications

Maximum spacing for residential subfloor is 61cm (24") on center. All wood members must be kiln-dried with moisture content ≤19%.

Cold-Formed Steel Framing

For exterior walls and kitchens requiring moisture barriers, use 20 gauge steel structure with 40.6cm (16") spacing.

Panel Dimensions & Fastening

ThicknessWeight (lbs)Panels/PalletProduct Codes
20mm (13/16")149.650960140 / 972254
22mm (7/8")164.745960151 / 971677
25mm (1")187.140960159 / 971829
30mm (1-3/16")224.535960162
* Note: Do not fasten screws directly into corners. Maintain at least 7cm from short side and 15cm from long side.

Tongue & Groove System

Structural T&G edges ensure load distribution. For residential subflooring, apply a thin coat of Supreme acrylic adhesive to the sheets before finishing with geotextile membrane.

Tools & Safety

Cutting Equipment

  • Carbide-tipped PCD blades
  • Dust extraction with HEPA filter

PPE Required

Harness, lifeline, and planks are mandatory for Roof Sheating applications.

Floor Finishes

Once dry, install ceramic or porcelain tile using cementitious or acrylic mortar as per manufacturer specs.

Technical Video Resource Center

Featured: High Performance Subfloor (3:36)

PLYCEM® RESIDENTIAL SUBFLOOR
3:14

PLYCEM® RESIDENTIAL SUBFLOOR

Exclusive subfloor for low traffic residential use on level wood or metal structures.

Watch on YouTube
PLYCEM® ROOF SHEATING
2:42

PLYCEM® ROOF SHEATING

Installation of 14mm-17mm boards for structural roof decking with staggered edges.

Watch on YouTube
PLYCEM® DECK
2:14

PLYCEM® DECK

Clip-based exterior structural deck system with 40.6cm maximum spacing.

Watch on YouTube
PLYCEM® EXTERIOR HIDDEN JOINT
2:33

PLYCEM® EXTERIOR HIDDEN JOINT

Sealing for high-performance exterior walls using 20 gauge structural support.

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PLYCEM® INTERIOR EXPOSED JOINT
1:57

PLYCEM® INTERIOR EXPOSED JOINT

Architectural modulation for interior finishes with a minimum 3mm gap.

Watch on YouTube