Page 1 - 2017-07-CFR2

Volume 106—July 2017

Let’s start with the explanation of each of these descriptions for
modular flooring material be it in the form of a carpet tile or hard
surface luxury vinyl tile or plank with our focus being on Luxury

vinyl plank and tile.

Dimensional stability is the ability of the material to hold its shape.

Dimensional stability means the product will not grow or shrink –

expand or contract. It will stay the same size as when it was

made whether a 24” x 24” inch carpet tile or a 12” x 12” vinyl tile Planar Change
or a 6” x 48” vinyl plank or a board of wood or WPC or laminate.

Staying the size as specified by the manufacturer is what it should

do.

Planar stability is the ability of the material to lay flat and level, Dimensional Stability
that is, not curl up on the ends or the sides. When the material is
installed on the floor it should stay there without lifting up at all. In
the case of vinyl planks which are long the material will have a
great deal of “drape” the product will conform to the surface it is
installed on which itself should be flat and level. All modular floor-
ing material especially Luxury vinyl plank or tile which is basically
a vinyl flooring material – the luxury part has to do with the look –
should stay flat on the floor. Unfortunately that doesn’t always
happen and it’s creating havoc in the industry, failures of the floor-

ing and claims and complaints that reach massively large losses.

I wrote about planar stability in the CFR in 2013 but both of these Radiant Heat Test
issues have reached epidemic proportions especially Luxury vinyl
plank. The installers, adhesive and acclimation are being blamed July 2017
for what is often the inherent inability of these products to lay flat
or remain dimensionally stable. Having said this there are certain-
ly issues relative to the installation, environment, acclimation and
levelness that can affect the material. Lest you think vinyl flooring

1 Commercial Flooring Report