The performance of floor coverings depends on many variables and not just one. I
teach this to anybody and everybody willing to learn more about the science of floors. This is always an ongoing topic of conversation in the Hodges Wood Products Lab at NC State University. We are constantly evaluating multiple properties of both domestic and international products to help the industry understand the differences between product categories and performance levels. A few years ago, the topic of “water-resistant” came into the mix as one of the properties to be evaluated. Since then, we have worked on different methods to assess this property and to properly understand what this means for in-service applications. Whole plank test Walking around DOMOTEX USA, we will find whole products submerged in fish tanks. The display presents how a product in its manufacturing configuration can be subjected to any amounts of water without changing its dimensions or properties. This display is commonly used for products where no components absorb water. In a laboratory setting, this test could measure dimensional changes like thickness and squareness as well as change in weight. The downside of this test is that no single plank is installed on its own and, in many cases, planks are cut for layout dimensions. This test can also be time dependent. While some products can withstand these conditions for a short period, others can handle much longer. As an alternative to a submerge test, products can also be placed in a high humidity conditioning chamber. Less-than-whole plank test This type of test evaluates the performance of a section of the flooring product. For this reason, the manufactured product receives at least one cut in order to expose the core of the product and show the effect of water or moisture on the properties of the material. This test can evaluate the same properties as a whole plank test except the manufacturing tolerances on the cut edge. The cut on the product also removes any protection that may be present on the joints of the product. Variants of the test include different numbers of cuts. The simplest version involves one cut edge while more complicated tests include the cutting and exposing of all sides and even parts of the top or bottom of the planks. When subjecting the product to water the floor can be fully submerged or partially submerged. Partially submerged methods allow us to determine capillary moisture movement, rate of absorption inwards and differences between the edges and middle of a product. Assembled product test An assembled product test derives from the understanding that a single piece of flooring is not put in service by itself. These types of tests try to replicate in-service conditions to understand the performance level of a product. Settings can be as large as 9’ x 6’, like international methods under different environmental conditions, to multiple T-joints, like the North American Laminate Floor Association’s (NALFA) topical moisture resistance test. This last test looks at the ability of an assembled product to withstand the effects of surface water while holding the water on the surface. While this methodology was developed for floating floors, modifications can be made for other installation methods. Understanding how a flooring system performs versus a single flooring element is of great importance. Products need to perform under service conditions and not in isolation. Floor coverings within the building envelope An important final consideration is to remember that our products live within a larger structure. In both residential and commercial settings, flooring systems have to properly handle moisture and water interactions. Our products are not only exposed to the living/work/recreational environment but are also in contact with subfloor structure, membranes, padding, barriers, heating systems and a variety of elements on top, beneath and around the flooring covering. Different flooring products use different methods to limit the effect of water, but all of these methods have to be in harmony with the building envelope. The whole system must withstand the effect of water or we may be exposing ourselves to unforeseen water problems instead of preventing them. About the Author Guillermo Velarde is the Manager of the Hodges Wood Products Lab within the Department of Forest Biomaterials at NC State University. He is a leader in University-Industry collaborations serving the domestic and international flooring industry. The Hodges Lab holds memberships to NALFA, NWFA, DHA, as well as other suppliers and user associations. Guillermo currently engages with installers and inspectors through trainings and seminars hosted by multiple wood industry associations. Guillermo was recently recognized by Hardwood Floors Magazine as one of the forty under 40 in the Industry (2019). He has partnered with DOMOTEX USA since the inception of the event.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
May 2021
2022 Annual SponsorsTop Videos |