Manufacturer's Documents
Autex recommends that all persons engaged in installing Cube have full knowledge of the product and installation procedure as set out in the most recent edition of the manufacturer's instructions and related documents.
Manufacturer's documents relating to work in this section are:
- Autex Cube™ Data Sheet
- Autex Cube™ Manufacturer's Guarantee
- Autex Cube™ Install Instructions
Copies of the above literature are available on request or from the Autex website.
Devices Generating Heat
Localised high temperature conditions may be present in the following situations which may be detrimental to wall and ceiling linings:
- Radiant heaters
- Lighting
- Heat pumps
- Reverse cycle air conditioners
- Solid fuel stoves
For information on the suitable spacing of devices refer to the installation instructions from the device supplier.
All appliances including lamps, luminaires and their associated ancillary gear should be installed so as not to cause the Cube surface temperature to rise above 176°F.
Inspection
Before starting the installation of Autex Cube, check again that the materials have been supplied as ordered and are free from damage or faults. Check colors and product labels to ensure the product has been supplied correctly.
Where multiple sheets of Cube 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 color variation.
For best results, ensure Cube panels are applied with the same side facing throughout the job. Look for the label 'This side to the wall' for easier identification.
Any variations must be reported to Autex prior to commencing the installation. No claims will be accepted where the job continues with obvious faults, and no consultation with Autex has taken place.
Transportation, Storage & Handling
Cube must be transported, stored and handled with care. Cube should be kept dry and stored indoors. Avoid delamination or distortion and protect edges from being crushed.
Do not accept damaged product. If the product arrives damaged note the condition on the freight documents and contact Autex immediately. Goods signed as receipted in 'good condition' will not be the responsibility of Autex.
Always transport and store Cube on a flat, clean and dry surface.
On-site Panel Care
Cube panels are 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. Clean cloth gloves are ideal when handing Cube to avoid soiling.
Recommended Adhesive
Autex recommends a contact-type adhesive or high grab polymer construction adhesive for applying Cube to most common substrates. Prior to commencing work, we recommend contacting your local adhesive supplier with samples of the Autex products you are installing and the specification of the substrates you are installing to.
It is the installer's responsibility to ensure that any adhesive is 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 Autex Acoustics products. For information regarding adhesive suppliers, please contact your Autex account manager.
Substrate Preparation
Before work commences, all joins, gaps and cracks in the wall/ceiling substrate must be taped with propriety sealing tapes to eliminate the ingress of dust and foreign particles traveling from the cavity into the installed product over time. Ensure that the substrates, backgrounds and adjoining surfaces will allow work to reach the required standard.
Autex recommends that the wall/ceiling surfaces be 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.
Install Cube - General
Autex Cube should always 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. Autex Cube panels are supplied at the dimensions stated on the supplied datasheet. We recommend working within dimensions that allow trimming to size. Cube factory edges are not always 100% square so trimming, squaring or chamfering of the panel edges may be required. Always do a 'dry fit' first before gluing to ensure there are no undue gaps in panel joins or at junction points.
We recommend you "measure twice and cut once".
Adhesives should be applied strictly in accordance with the adhesive manufacturer's instructions. Refer to the product label or the technical datasheet for spread rates, tack-off times, application methods and equipment required.
Adhesive spills or surface contamination should be cleaned immediately ensuring fabric care instructions on the Cube Data Sheet are followed.
The job should be progressively checked for appearance, installation quality and adequate adhesion. Any variations in color or appearance must be notified and discussed with your Autex account manager. No claims will be accepted where the job continues with obvious faults, and no consultation with Autex has taken place.
Install Cube - Walls
Autex Cube should be installed to a clean, flat wall substrate that is prepared in accordance with the recommendations listed above. Cube Panels come with a sticker on the side that needs to be installed to the wall. If a protective spun bond layer is applied, this will need to be removed prior to installation.
The arrow ensures all panels are installed in the same direction to prevent any perceived color variation when installing panels side by side.
When installing Cube on walls, a contact spray adhesive, trowell on, or high grab polymer construction adhesive is recommended. For ease of installation, we recommend that you install each Cube panel individually. This includes the application of adhesive (contact your local Autex account manager for suitable options) and rolling the panel.
Adhere to Substrate Using Contact Spray Adhesive
Apply the contact adhesive to the Cube panel and substrate as measured for the Cube panel, ensuring the adhesive manufacturer's instructions are followed correctly.
Ensure the adhesive has been tacked-off correctly then fit the Cube panel to the wall. Where joining Cube panels with a butt-join it is recommended the panel is fitted firmly to the join first, then smoothed out to the edges applying even pressure to ensure adequate adhesive transfer and a strong bond.
Finally, roll the Cube panels towards the butt joins, then roll the entire Cube panel to ensure adhesive transfer and a strong bond. Small wallpaper and vinyl rollers must not be used. A wide roller approximately 4" - 6" is ideal.
Continue as above for all panels until complete.
Adhere to Substrate Using High Grab Polymer Construction Adhesive
Refer to the adhesive manufacturer's detailed install instructions in the first instance when available. In the absence of detailed instructions from the adhesive manufacturer, you may refer to the instructions below.
Use a suitable caulking gun in combination with a compatible nozzle when applying polymer construction adhesive. A bead size of not less than 1/4" in diameter is recommended. Apply straight, continuous beads of polymer construction adhesive along the length of the panel (if panels are to be installed vertically) or across the width of the panel (if panels are being installed horizontally) at no more than 23.5" intervals. The outermost adhesive beads must be placed approximately 1.25" - 2" away from the edge of the panel to avoid the adhesive from leaking at the edges when pressure is applied. Apply additional anti-pillowing 4" long beads between the continuous beads. See Figure 1 for details.
Figure 1 Description: Illustrates adhesive application for wall installation. Shows a panel with perimeter beads placed 1.25" - 2" from the edges and corners. Continuous internal beads are applied at maximum 23.5" intervals, with additional 4" anti-pillowing beads between them.
Ensure that the panel is installed before the adhesive forms a skin. Refer to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for the skinning or skin over time. If the adhesive becomes skinned, it must be removed and replaced with fresh adhesive prior to the installation of panels. Make sure always that the time between application of the adhesive and installation to the substrate is minimized.
Guide the panel evenly into position and press the panel firmly on the center, leaving the outer spaces untouched. Using a clean panel roller, apply enough pressure towards the ends and edges of the panel to ensure adequate adhesive contact and spread between the panel and the substrate.
Note: If not enough pressure is applied while rolling, there is a high risk of the panel detaching from the substrate while the adhesive is curing.
Small wallpaper and vinyl rollers must not be used. A wide roller approximately 4" - 6" is ideal.
Where the above recommended bead spacings do not provide adequate wet grab strength to support the panels whilst the adhesive cures, either increase the bead size or reduce the spacing between beads. Continue as above for all panels until complete.
Install Cube - Ceilings
Autex Cube can be installed to a flat ceiling substrate or direct fixed to battens.
When Autex Cube panels are installed overhead, high grab polymer construction adhesive is recommended.
Note: Mechanical fixings that are visible after install such as screws are not recommended for Autex Cube. When visible mechanical fastenings or screws are desired, consult your Autex Acoustics account manager for details on how to properly install Cube using mechanical fixings.
Fix to Ceiling Substrate
Autex Cube should be installed to a clean, flat ceiling substrate that is prepared in accordance with the recommendations listed above. For ease of installation, we recommend that you install each Cube panel individually. This includes the application of a suitable high-quality adhesive (contact your local Autex account manager for suitable options) and rolling the panel.
To ensure a tidy and flat installation, additional battens may be required, refer to 'Fix to battens' section.
Refer to the adhesive manufacturer's detailed install instructions in the first instance when available. In the absence of detailed instructions from the adhesive manufacturer, you may refer to the instructions below.
Use a suitable caulking gun in combination with a compatible nozzle when applying construction adhesive. A bead size of not less than 1/4" in diameter is recommended. Apply a straight continuous bead around the perimeter of the panel, leaving a 1.25" - 2" gap at the corners and ensuring that the perimeter bead is 1.25" - 2" away from the edges of the panel to avoid the adhesive from leaking at the edges when pressure is applied. Apply internal, continuous beads along the length or across the width of the panel at no more than 11.8" intervals. The internal beads should finish approximately 4" away from the perimeter beads. Please refer to Figure 2 for details.
Figure 2 Description: Illustrates adhesive application for ceiling installation. Shows a panel with perimeter beads placed 1.25" - 2" from the edges and corners. Continuous internal beads are applied at maximum 11.8" intervals, finishing approximately 4" away from the perimeter beads.
Ensure that the panel is installed before the adhesive forms a skin. Refer to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for the skinning or skin over time. If the adhesive becomes skinned, it must be removed and replaced with fresh adhesive prior to the installation of panels. Make sure always that the time between application of the adhesive and installation to the substrate is minimized.
Guide the panel evenly into position and press the panel firmly on the center, leaving the outer spaces untouched. Using a clean panel roller, apply enough pressure towards the ends and edges of the panel to ensure adequate adhesive contact and spread between the panel and the substrate.
Note: If not enough pressure is applied while rolling, there is a high risk of the panel detaching from the substrate while the adhesive is curing.
Small wallpaper and vinyl rollers must not be used. A wide roller approximately 4" - 6" is ideal.
Where the above recommended bead spacings do not provide adequate wet grab strength to support the panels whilst the adhesive cures, either increase the bead size or reduce the spacing between beads. We recommend the use of temporary bracings or double-sided tape to hold the panels in place until the adhesive is completely cured.
Continue as above for all panels until complete.
Fix to Furring
To ensure a tidy and flat installation, make sure the furring surfaces are flat and flush as Cube panels will show any undulation caused by mismatched joints or protruding fixings.
Furring strips should be 1.4" minimum width and centers should be set at no more than 11.8" to reduce the potential of the Cube panels pillowing or sagging. Apply a continuous bead of construction adhesive along the length of the furring strip. A bead size of not less than 1/4" in diameter is recommended. Leave a gap of approximately 1.25" - 2" between the adhesive beads and the edge of the panel. Where panels butt, allow a minimum 1.40" fixing area for each edge of the Cube panel to ensure the edges can be securely fixed. This may require double-furring strips.
Figure Description: Illustrates furring strip layout. Shows furring strips at 11.8" maximum centers, with adhesive beads applied along their length, leaving a 1.25" - 2" gap from the panel edge.
Ensure that the panel is installed before the adhesive forms a skin. Refer to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for the skinning or skin over time. If the adhesive becomes skinned, it must be removed and replaced with fresh adhesive prior to the installation of panels. Make sure always that the time between application of the adhesive and installation to the furring strips is minimized.
Using a clean panel roller, apply enough pressure towards the ends and edges of the panel to ensure adequate adhesive contact and spread between the panel and the furring strips.
Note: If not enough pressure is applied while rolling, there is a high risk of the panel detaching from the furring strips while the adhesive is curing.
Small wallpaper and vinyl rollers must not be used. A wide roller approximately 4" - 6" is ideal.
We recommend the use of temporary bracings to hold the panels in place until the adhesive is completely cured.
Continue as above for all panels until complete.
Cutting Cube
When cutting Autex Cube, use a circular saw with a narrow blade with a minimum of 80 teeth. This will ensure a smooth cut. You may want to duct tape the saw's shoe so that it doesn't scratch the surface as you cut. Alternatively Cube can be cut with a steady hand, straight edge, and a sharp utility knife. Lay Cube face-side down and cut from the back to the front.
Mark off the line you want to cut using masking tape.
Alternatively, you can use a reverse toothed high carbon steel jigsaw blade with ground teeth which cuts down rather than up, so top surface maintains its finish. This is the best option for making curved cuts.
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.
Note: All electrical plumbing, fire safety appliances and fittings should only be removed and reinstalled by an appropriately qualified person.
Penetrations
The fire and acoustic performance of walls and ceilings can be reduced by penetrations for plumbing, electrical switches, light fittings etc. For walls or ceilings that require a Fire Resistance Level (FRL) and or are acoustically sensitive, it is recommended that, wherever possible, such penetrations are avoided. Where penetrations are necessary only appropriately rated proprietary sealants and fittings should be used.
If unsure, we recommend consultation with an appropriately qualified person is undertaken to ensure the building's performance objectives are maintained.
Replace
Replace damaged or marked elements.
On Completion
Leave work secure, smooth and free of air bubbles, wrinkles, gaps, stains and blemishes and to the standard required by following procedures.
Clean adjoining surfaces of any adhesive. Remove debris, unused materials and waste from site.
Service
For more information, contact your Autex account manager or visit our website www.autexglobal.com
Contact Information
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.
