Technical Information dispelling traditions - Formica

formica_technical.qxd:formica_technical.qxd 28/11/08 16:01 Page 29Compact Laminates in Wet AreasCompact laminates are well suited to wet area applications suchas shower cubicles, swimming pool lockers, etc. providing certainsafeguards are observed.Formica ® Compact Grade Laminate will withstand frequent wettingwith hot or cold water and/or prolonged exposure to high humidity,but is not recommended for applications involving long termtotal immersion.Only standard grade Compact laminates (Formica grades CGSand CBS) should be used in wet areas, as the hygroscopic natureof flame-retardant additives may give rise to surface blisters on FRCompact laminates (Formica grade CGF) if subjected to prolongedexposure to wet conditions.In common with all high-pressure decorative laminates Compactlaminates undergo a certain amount of dimensional movementwhen subjected to changes in humidity. In order to minimise therisk of bow occurring as a result of this movement, the followingpoints should be observed:1. Panels should be cut with the long edge parallel to the lengthof the sheet. Dimensional movement across the width of the sheetis twice as great as it is along the length, so cutting panels with thelong dimension running across the width of the sheet will greatlyincrease the risk of bowing.2. As far as possible the ambient conditions should be the sameon each side of the panel, as it is important that both sides gain orlose moisture at roughly the same rate. Where panels are mountedon a wall or enclose a vanity unit, adequate ventilation must beprovided to ensure that temperature and humidity conditions at thebacks of the panels are essentially the same as those at the front.3. Fixing centres should be sufficiently close to prevent excessivefreedom of movement. Shower cubicle doors greater than1500 mm high should have three hinges.Formica Limited, Coast Road, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE29 8RE. Tel: 0191 259 3000. Fax: 0191 258 2719.Formica is a registered trade mark of Formica Corporation or its subsidiaries.Technical Services Department April 2004.28