Flooring Testing

Prime Testing Group Limited offers the following testing services:

EN 13501-1

Fire classification of construction products and building elements. Classification using test data from reaction to fire tests

EN ISO 11925-2

Reaction to fire tests. Ignitability of products subjected to direct impingement of flame. Single-flame source test

EN ISO 9239-1

Reaction to fire tests for floorings. Determination of the burning behaviour using a radiant heat source

ASTM D2240

Standard Test Method for Rubber Property - Durometer Hardness

ASTM C1028

Standard Test Method for Determining the Static Coefficient of Friction of Ceramic Tile and Other Like Surfaces by the Horizontal Dynamometer Pull-Meter Method

DIN 51130

Testing of floor coverings - Determination of the anti-slip property - Workrooms and fields of activities with slip danger - Walking method - Ramp test

ISO 10874

Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings – Classification

ISO 24343-1

Resilient and laminate floor coverings - Determination of indentation and residual indentation - Part 1: Residual indentation

ISO 24346

Resilient floor coverings - Determination of overall thickness

ISO 24344

Resilient floor coverings - Determination of flexibility and deflection

BS 4551

Mortar. Methods of test for mortar and screed. Chemical analysis and physical testing

CE Marking of Wood Floorings

CE marking of wood flooring is based on the harmonized standard EN 14342:

EN 14342 Wood flooring and parquet. Characteristics, evaluation of conformity and marking

EN 14342 establishes the characteristics, evaluation of conformity, and marking for wood flooring products. It applies to various types of wood flooring, including solid wood, engineered wood, parquet, and laminated wood flooring.

EN 14342 provides a comprehensive framework, while related standards address moisture control, dimensional stability, fire resistance, chemical emissions, mechanical strength, slipperiness, and thermal conductivity:

Moisture Content – EN 13183-1

Dimensional Requirements – EN 13647

Reaction to Fire – EN 13501-1

Emission of Formaldehyde – EN 717-1

Emission of Pentachlorophenol – CEN/TR 14823

Breaking Strength – EN 1533

Slipperiness – CEN/TS 15676

Thermal Conductivity – EN 12664 / EN ISO 10456

Moisture Content in accordance with EN 13183-1

EN 13183-1 specifies the oven-dry method for determining moisture content:

1. Sample Preparation: A wood specimen is weighed before drying.

2. Drying Process: The sample is placed in an oven at 103°C ± 2°C until it reaches a constant weight.

3. Final Measurement: The dried sample is weighed again, and moisture content is calculated using the formula:

Acceptable Moisture Range:

- Solid wood flooring: 6% - 9%

- Engineered wood flooring: 7% - 11%

Dimensional Requirements in accordance with EN 13647

EN 13647 specifies measurement procedures for:

- Thickness: Measured using a caliper.

- Width and Length: Assessed using precision measuring tools.

- Squareness and Straightness: Evaluated using reference edges.

Tolerance Limits

- Thickness variation: ±0.2 mm

- Width variation: ±0.3 mm

- Length variation: ±0.5 mm

Reaction to Fire in accordance with EN 13501-1

Fire Classification

EN 13501-1 classifies wood flooring based on its flammability, smoke production, and burning behavior.

Fire Resistance Ratings

- Bfl-s1: Low flame spread, minimal smoke production.

- Cfl-s1: Moderate flame spread, minimal smoke production.

- Dfl-s1: Higher flame spread, minimal smoke production.

Testing Methods

- Ignition Test: Determines how quickly the material ignites.

- Flame Spread Test: Measures the rate of fire propagation.

- Smoke Density Test: Evaluates smoke emissions.

Release of Formaldehyde in accordance with EN 717-1

Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can cause respiratory issues. EN 717-1 limits formaldehyde emissions in wood flooring.

Testing Method - Gas Analysis Method: Measures formaldehyde concentration in a controlled chamber.

- Acceptable Limits:

- E1 Class: ≤ 0.124 mg/m³

- E2 Class: 0.124 - 0.3 mg/m³

Emission of Pentachlorophenol in accordance with CEN/TR 14823

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a toxic chemical previously used in wood preservatives. EN 14823 restricts its presence in wood flooring.

Testing Method - Uses gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect PCP levels.

- Acceptable Limit: ≤ 5 ppm (parts per million)

Breaking Strength in accordance with EN 1533

Breaking strength determines the load-bearing capacity of wood flooring.

Testing Method - Three-Point Bending Test: Applies force to a wood sample until it fractures.

- Acceptable Strength:

- Solid wood: ≥ 40 MPa

- Engineered wood: ≥ 30 MPa

Slipperiness in accordance with CEN/TS 15676

Slipperiness affects traction and slip resistance, crucial for preventing accidents.

Testing Method - Pendulum Test: Measures slip resistance using a swinging arm.

- Acceptable Slip Resistance:

- Dry conditions: ≥ 36 PTV (Pendulum Test Value)

- Wet conditions: ≥ 25 PTV

Thermal Conductivity in accordance with EN 12664 / EN ISO 10456

Energy Efficiency: thermal conductivity affects heat retention and insulation in buildings.

Testing Method - Heat Flow Meter Method: Measures heat transfer through wood flooring.

- Acceptable Thermal Conductivity:

- Solid wood: 0.14 - 0.17 W/mK

- Engineered wood: 0.10 - 0.15 W/mK