Page 1 - 2017-06-CFR Volume 105 - Update - What to Include in a Flooring Specification - June 2017

Volume 105—June 2017

This article is an update from the original of September 2012. A lot has changed in the industry since
2012 with flooring materials and substrate conditions. What is and what is not understood about them.
Also, one of the fastest growing aspects of our business is reviewing and updating specifications provid-
ed to us by clients. Even writing complete specifications from the concrete, to the flooring, and every-
thing in between. Most of these specifications that are provided to us have outdated information, are
poorly researched, and irrelevant to many of the concerns that should be addressed. Or worse yet,
specifications that will actually compromise the success of the flooring project. Unfortunately ,it seems,
not enough thought is given to the downside risks of a project or to the guidelines and pertinent infor-
mation that should be contained. Things wind up in the spec due to someone influencing the architect to
use a particular material, process or whatever that may result in a failure. These are often concrete ad-
ditives or topical treatments advertised to mitigate moisture, that don’t. In fact, they compromise the
concrete and the flooring installation. Highly burnished concrete that nothing will stick to and concrete
not having enough time to cure, as well as many other things. With the changes that have occurred in
the flooring industry over the last few years, which continue at an increasing rate, it is imperative the
spec writer be informed and up to date. Flooring materials have changed and continue to do so. It
seems, new backings are introduced almost daily and new yarn systems are being fed into the market
place. New installation systems for soft and hard surface products almost rival the number of products
on the market. Substrate issues and mitigation systems for moisture and alkalinity are coming out of the
wood work and adhesives that claim to be resistant to moisture and alkalinity abound, the majority of
them have limitations that are not heeded.

Flooring products are being used that are not made in the US
so they must be tested in the US to insure they actually are
produced to the manufacturer’s specifications and as repre-
sented. Products with recycled content still present a chal-
lenge due to planar (flat) and dimensional stability issues.

1 Commercial Flooring Report June 2017