The mezzanine floor is a semi-permanent structure that can be built inside an existing building to create another floor between existing floors and the roof. It is a cost-effective way to add space inside an existing structure. The mezzanine floors are a cost-effective way to double the floor area available in your building.
They can be used as storage, plant support structures (raised storage platforms), working areas, production areas, office spaces, or retail space. Mezzanine systems are very versatile and can be used to double the amount of floor space.
A Mezzanine floors is not just a solution to expand your business, it’s also a way of consolidating a small and cost-effective office by making the most out of available space. Why not consider combining two locations into one by installing a mezzanine level to create the required additional floor space?
What to think about before you buy a Mezzanine Flooring
Height of Headroom
For any mezzanine, the headroom available is of paramount importance. A minimum height for the roof is usually around 4500mm. The minimum height required to provide adequate headroom for both the first and second floors is 4.500m.
The Loading
The design of mezzanine flooring is based on the needs and requirements of customers, as well the Building Regulations. Loadings on mezzanine floors start at 2.5kn/m2 or 250kg/m2 in light offices that do not have partitions. They can go up to very heavy weights, but this is only for specialist applications. A common design would load the floor around 5kn/m2 (5kg/m2) and be suitable for most uses. It is also important to consider the deflection or bounce that can be accommodated in the design. Deflection is allowed in the design of most mezzanines due to their light weight. However, it can be decreased by lowering the limit for the amount of deflection.
Use
Use of a mezzanine is very important, as it will influence the Building Regulations. In order to ensure that disabled people can access the mezzanine, it must meet the requirements of Part M. This can usually be done by installing a staircase that is suitable for (PartM). Mezzanine floors that are used to work or sell products will have more strict fire safety requirements and exits than platforms for storage. The risk of each mezzanine is assessed and the design is based accordingly.
Access/Escape
A staircase is usually used to reach mezzanine floor. It is important to consider the best location for this staircase to fit your needs. However, it should be placed in close proximity to exits to help minimize travel distances. Building Regulations dictate maximum travel distances. Therefore, additional staircases may be necessary on large mezzanine floor.
Mezzanine support legs
They are usually independent structures that are not attached to the structure and are supported by their own columns. Position and frequency can be adjusted to suit site conditions or customer needs. The more columns you have in your design, the cheaper the building will be.
Decking surface
There are many mezzanine decking options available. The most common is 38mm high-density particle board. It’s extremely flexible and durable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Plywoods, steel and other decking surfaces are also available.
How to choose a supplier
Central Mezzanines has been a leader in British mezzanine manufacturing for many years. Our own design and manufacture team allows us to provide mezzanine products that not only meet the individual needs of our clients, but are also competitively priced to ensure customer satisfaction while meeting the Building Regulations.