BASE TRACK | STARTER TRACK | BASE RAIL | BASE PLATE | STARTER PROFILE

BASE TRACK | STARTER TRACK | BASE RAIL | BASE PLATE | STARTER PROFILE

Base Track also called starter track, baserail or base plate, is a perforated moulding starting tray, resistant to corrosion and atmospheric factors used in thermal insulation systems as a cover for the lower part of the thermal insulation material of EPS polystyrene or mineral wool against mechanical damage and against penetration into the insulation of rodents. In fact, the tracks are used to perform a starting point just above damp proof cause (DPC) to hold the insulation boards and fix drip beads to ensure water flows away in the correct manner.

It also prevents penetration of cold air between the wall and the insulating boards and forms a barrier for rodents and insects, which can nest in the insulation. The track must be ideally leveled, otherwise the error will be increasing as we move up with the next boards. Starter tracks should be installed horizontally against a flat surface, with any gaps filled with expanding foam. This trim is an essential part of most EWI systems and it is easy to spot a job that hasn't used a starter track. Aluminium moulded profiles are mechanically fixed to the substrate and should be of similar width to that of the EPS board. The type of fixing used to secure the base track differs depending on the substrate usually at 300mm maximum centres. Connectors are used to attach lengths together. For uneven substrates use spacers to bridge the gaps to provide a solid fixing. For solid walls, hammer screw fixing, 6 x 35mm are usually sufficient.

TYPES OF BASE TRACK

The starter track comes in either Aluminium, Stainless steel and Galvanised steel. While the aluminum version is the cheapest option available offering 100% resistance to corrosion, galvanised surface finish track is a middle price profile, much less expensive than stainless steel. All of the box shaped profiles come in thicknesses of insulating panels 25mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, 90mm, 100mm, 110mm, 120mm, 130mm, 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm, 190mm, 200mm, 210mm, 220mm, 230mm, 240mm and 250mm. While uPVC base tracks come in 2m length, Wemico® aluminium base track profiles come in 2500mm length. 

UPVC BASE TRACK

uPVC Starter Track is mainly used for insulation thickness of 50-90mm, 100-160mm or 170mm-240mm depending on the track depth selected. It comes in 2m long pieces.

VENTED BASE TRACK

Building Regulations demand different air flow rates within the cavity of Timber Frame structures. Vented tracks have been introduced to overcome this issue with the addition of slots at the rear of the profile sections at different centres to deliver the different airflow rates that are required. Ventilation rate per 2500mm length is 1837.675mm2 and 735.07mm2 per 1000mm. Building Regulations also demand different air flow rates within the cavity of Steel Frame structures. In this case: 2500mm length is 382.85mm2 and 153.141mm2 per 1000mm.

FLEXIBLE BASE TRACK

Flexible (Flexi) Slotted Base Track is a resistant to corrosion and atmospheric factors flexi base trim designed for curved walls in EWI (external wall insulation) systems and thin coat rendering. Flexible rail is made of a self-hardening aluminium alloy with magnesium and silicon additives. It is distinguished by its excellent formability and high corrosion resistance. To install a crinkle crankle flexi profile, slit the rear mounting leg and then bend the profile around the curvature of the walls.

HEAVY DUTY BASE TRACK

Heavy Duty Base Track is 1.2mm thick, high quality solution where both the strength of steel and corrosion resistance are required to meet the strict recommendations of insulated render systems manufacturers. 

BASE RAIL WITH PVC NOSING DRIP BEAD 

Track with PVC nosing-drip bead is designed to water to drip down. Without a drip, the rain water can pool and cause damp problems in external wall insulation system.

STARTER TRACK INSTALLATION

Before starting the external wall insulation works, the height of the plinth should be determined and it should be marked with a horizontal line. The track should be installed at a height of approximately 350-400mm from the ground level. Then trim should be fastened to the base with an expansion plug, using at least 10 fixings per 2500mm length. The batten should always be fastened in the first and last holes. The end of the base rail at the wall corners, where two profiles connect, should be cut at an angle of 45 degrees. Track must be installed perfectly horizontally to facilitate the correct installation of the thermal insulation boards. Any deviation from the horizontal will result in gaps between the insulation boards.

 ALUMINIUM BASE RAIL - BASE TRACK EXTERNAL WALL SYSTEMS

VENTED ALUMINIUM BASE TRACK - STEEL FRAME

HEAVY DUTY BASE PROFILE TRACK - GALVANISED STEEL

HEAVY DUTY BASE PROFILE WITH PVC DRIP BEAD - STAINLESS STEEL

ALUMINIUM STARTER TRACK FOR CURVED WALLS - FLEXI TRACK

STAINLESS STEEL BASE BEAD - BASE TRACK EWI

ALUMINIUM BASE RAIL TRACK CLIP

BASE RAIL TRACK CLIP WITH 100MM MESH

STAINLESS STEEL BASE RAIL TRACK CLIP

STARTER TRACK PLASTIC CONNECTING CLIPS

HEAVY DUTY BASE PROFILE WITH PVC DRIP BEAD - GALVANISED STEEL

ALUMINIUM STOP TRACK - EWI EXTERNAL WALL SYSTEMS

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Video credit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1juCG6adcI&t=129s