Volume: 88 |  Issue: 1 |  Download

Certified Testing of floor coverings and related materials is becoming a bigger part of our business. Most of the testing we do is in conjunction with our associated NVLAP certified testing lab. There are ASTM and AATCC tests we normally conduct but very often the tests conducted, after seeing the concern issues at the installation site, are hybrids of certified tests as we attempt to duplicate conditions being experienced in the field by clients complaining of product failures of varying kinds. In addition we conduct testing for coefficient of friction and slip resistance in the field. We also have the ability to conduct materials analysis tests which are often used to determine, for example, why an adhesive may have failed or a topping for a substrate is ineffective or creating a problem. Recently, because of the formaldehyde concerns in wood flooring products, testing equipment has been installed and technicians trained to conduct these tests. Much of this work is very sophisticated and elaborate testing equipment performed by very skilled technicians.