Lescure-d'Albigeois (Tarn) construction site: a successful terrace on plots with Pofildeck Jouplast

Installing a wooden terrace on pedestals creates an elegant, easy-to-install and durable outdoor space. This jointless installation method does not require heavy earthworks, promotes the evacuation of rainwater, and provides easy access to networks located under the terrace, such as water pipes or electrical cables. In addition, the adjustable pedestals compensate for uneven ground.

Before tackling the installation steps, focus on JOUPLAST products^® selected to create a terrace with perfect finishes:

• PROFILDECK double-sided aluminum joists^® H55 which allow the self-supporting structure of a terrace to be created on slab, wood, composite or mixed pads.
• Adjustable plots from the “Essential” range (80/140 mm) which guarantee a simple and precise upgrade.
• Insulation mat, for optimal grip and acoustics.
  
• PROFILDECK anti-condensation strip^®, to prevent the risk of mold and extend the life of the terrace.
• PROFILDECK adapter^® for pads which ensures solid and rapid fixing of the aluminum joists to the pads.
  
• FixeGo System^®, for optimal and invisible fixing of terrace slats.

PROFILDECK self-supporting structure^®

Particularly innovative, the PROFILDECK range^® JOUPLAST^®, composed of joists and accessories, guarantees the strength and durability of terraces on pads. Versatile, the joists have a specific side to accommodate the spacers needed to lay slabs and one side for screwing in wooden slats or for clips for composite slats. It is therefore possible to combine different materials – natural stone, porcelain stoneware, wood or composite – to create a unique terrace.

Made from aluminum, a naturally rot-proof and 100% recyclable material, PROFILDECK joists^® are resistant to bad weather and insect attacks, unlike wooden joists which can deteriorate over time. In the case of this work, PROFILDECK^®, used on the wood side, accompanied by its anti-condensation strip for joists, helps to extend the life of the wooden terrace.

Associated with the adjustable pads from the “Essential” range (80/140 mm) JOUPLAST^®, made from recycled polypropylene, the PROFILDECK self-supporting structure^® allows you to considerably increase the lifespan of your terrace, and thus enjoy your exterior for years.

FixeGo^® : a wooden terrace without visible screws!

For a flawless and durable finish, the owner chose to use the FixeGo concept^® JOUPLAST^®, an assembly system which is screwed under the wooden terrace slats.

Innovative product, FixeGo^® is suitable for all types of stable wood (except composite wood). The first advantage offered by this 100% invisible fixing made from recycled polymer is the aesthetic rendering. It ensures perfect and regular spacing between the slats, without the use of traditional screws. The FixeGo system^® This helps to limit water stagnation at the fixing points, which has the effect of increasing the durability of the wooden slats.

Stages of the construction site

Ground preparation: on raw ground or on concrete slab

On raw ground : dig out the soil of its loose topsoil by about 15 cm. Lay down a geotextile. Make a foundation layer composed of 0/31.5 crushed stone. Compact using a vibrating plate.

On concrete slab : remove any pollution (debris, stones, etc.) that could hinder the installation and stable support of the pads. Check the heights available at the thresholds. Ensure that the levels comply with the layout plan and that the lowest point leaves a height under the decking greater than 8,5 cm.

The location of the joists is marked out using a string line, respecting the recommended center distance between joists. It is defined by the thickness and type of slats chosen (on average, it is 50 cm).

The location of the pads on the ground is carried out using a line marking, perpendicular, following the recommended center distance, i.e. 80 cm for private terraces.

Laying the pads and joists

Position the adjustable pads from the JOUPLAST “Essential” range^®, clip the adapters onto the head of the pads, then install the PROFILDECK aluminum joists^® on the adapters by applying pressure. Adjust the height of the pads by turning the nut by hand to the desired level. The joists are then secured and held on the pads by means of the adapters, using self-drilling structural screws.

Unroll the self-adhesive anti-condensation strips on the aluminum profiles, wood side. They prevent moisture from rising between the joists and the terrace boards. These strips also provide better support and perfect maintenance of the wooden boards on the profiles.

For this project, each adjustable pad was installed on a JOUPLAST recycled natural rubber insulation mat.^®. Designed to create a decoupling between the terrace pad and the support on which it is placed, this mat reduces vibrations of the structure and impact noise, while reinforcing the stability of the whole.

Installation of wooden terrace slats

For a neat aesthetic and invisible installation, the wooden terrace slats were installed using FixeGo invisible fixings.^® JOUPLAST^®.

Made up of hand-breakable fasteners and cleats (for the start and end of the terrace), this system allows for a regular space between the slats, allowing air to circulate freely between the slats and the joists. It is also ideal for replacing a damaged slat without having to dismantle the entire terrace.