Page 4 - 2018-12-CFR Volume 123 - Indentations in Resilient Hard Surface Flooring - December 2018

assume that the rolling load would have the same
limits. Be that is it may, if the end user can see
indentations in the material of their new vinyl floor-
ing the indentation exists. And their seeing inden-
tations, regardless of what the rating is, is reality.
If they couldn’t see indentations, they wouldn’t be
complaining about them.

Indentations are usually seen shortly after the
flooring is installed and put into use in health care
where the vinyl or rubber flooring is subjected to
rolling and static loads. In other applications of
LVT or LVP, indentations are likely to be seen
when furniture is moved or, in the case of apart-
ments, when a tenant moves out. These are un-
sightly conditions that don’t make the end user or
owner happy. Never mind what caused the condi-
tion, it’s something they didn’t expect and don’t
want to have to contend with. The immediate
thought is that the flooring is defective, or the in-
stallation caused the problem.

It is critical to understand the dynamics of the roll-
ing and static load (wheels, weight distribution,
etc). There is definitely an upward limitation/max
weight capacity that a directly adhered resilient
floor can handle.

How about if the floor is floating and has a dense
core, regardless of what the core is? This type of
floor in a hospital under heavy rolling loads would
not be a wise decision, not so much for the inden-
tations but for the force exerted on the engaging
system which would be taxed by rolling load. In
other areas and apartments, it would certainly
make sense.

Whatever the application, it is always wise and
prudent to do a mock up installation that would be
subjected to the same conditions of use as would
be expected and anticipated during the time of in-
stallation. In addition, it would be a good idea to
have the flooring tested in an independent lab,
with and without the adhesive and, if the flooring
was going to be used with rolling loads, tested with
the same type wheels and anticipated weights as it
would be subjected to when installed. We can do
that for you.

As with all flooring, there is always a product that
will work for whatever the application is. The key
is to select, specify and install the appropriate
product. This can always be done if you look at
the flooring ahead of time, logically and realistical-
ly, so you can prevent any failures after installa-
tion. A little more money spent on the front end

4 Commercial Flooring Report December 2018