Page 3 - 2017-07-CFR Volume 106 - The Difference Between Dimensional and Planar Stability - July 2017
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Some issues that can affect the flooring material are:
High amounts of natural products included in the
core material affected by changes in relative hu-
midity in the slab and ambient air space.
Uncontrolled environment (cold going to hot and
vice versa)
High amounts of passive solar heat directly on
the floor – a further comment about this later
Aftermarket radiant heating systems generating
high amounts of heat equating to compressed
edges
Underlayment not properly acclimated, either too
wet when installed or high variance in the sub-
floor…again high swings in heat and humidity
which can affect the substrate material and hence
the flooring or the underlayment itself being un-
stable or moving.
Uneven tension in the flooring material is com-
mon and can be created by the core material, the
print layer (decor’ paper), wear layer, and ure-
thane if applied.
And let’s not forget chemical adhesive removers
or abatement chemicals which can affect the
flooring whether glued direct or floating.
Radiant Heat Test
If the substrate is not level and flat it will cause the
flooring material to run off and can result in gaps or
spaces especially with plank material. I don’t care if
you’re gluing it or floating it. If the substrate isn’t flat
it will affect your installation of these materials. And
this statement goes for any modular flooring materi-
al. I know some manufacturer/suppliers will tell you
3 Commercial Flooring Report July 2017
