A15 - INSTALLATION REVIEW GUIDES - OVERVIEW
A15-1 Installation review guides
A15-2 Review guide information required
A15-3 Recommendations
A15-2 Review guide information required
A15-3 Recommendations
Preface:
This reference guide covers the Installation Review Guides for resilient, carpet, hardwood, laminate, and other flooring types included in the Reference Manual.
1 . INSTALLATION REVIEW GUIDES
.01 INSTALLATION REVIEW GUIDES
The following Installation Review Guides are provided for use by an NFCA authorized inspector:
B04C1 Resilient Sheet Flooring
B04C2 Resilient Tile Flooring
B04C3 Resilient Specialty Flooring
C04C1 Carpet Flooring
C04C2 Carpet Tile Flooring
D04C1 Solid Hardwood Flooring
D04C2 Engineered Hardwood Flooring
E04C Laminate Flooring
F04C1 Bamboo Flooring
F04C2 Cork Flooring
.02 FLOORING INSTALLATION INFORMATION
This section deals with flooring installation location / installation review information.
Inspection / Claim No.: This is the number assigned by the Provincial Floor Covering Association.
Inspector: The name of the individual assigned or hired to inspect the work.
Inspection Date: The date of the inspection in day / month / year format (e.g., 10 June 2006).
Installation Date: The date of the installation in day / month / year format (e.g., 10 June 2006).
Project Name: This is the project name (from drawings) e.g., Jones Residence, 1st Street School, etc.
Project Address: The actual site address of the installation. This must include the unit number for apartments, etc.
Product Location: This is the area or areas where the flooring material is installed (e.g., living room). If more than in one location use second line.
Owner's Name: This is the Owner's name for single residences or may be a company name for multi-family residences, offices, education or health facility, etc.
Owner's Phone Number: This is the Owner's contact number (e.g. site phone for residence) or a company phone when there is no individual owner as yet, i.e. a development company. Additional contact numbers could be added (e.g. Owner's cell number).
Flooring Contractor: This is the name of the company installing the work.
Contact: This is the contact person of the floor installation company. If the specific installer is known this should be noted as well.
Phone: This is the Flooring Contractor's contact number.
Review Report: Check Review Report number: 1 (pre-installation review), 2 (interim review), or 3 (final review). Refer to last page and note report date and Inspector's name again.
.03 FLOORING REVIEW CHECK LISTS
The applicability of Items indicted on the review form must be indicated as "Not Applicable" (i.e., doesn't apply), "Acceptable (i.e., meets manufacturer and NFCA requirements) or "Not Acceptable" (i.e., doesn't meet manufacturer and NFCA requirements) or "Apparent Cause". A "Brief Explanation" particularly if installation is not acceptable is necessary.
Note: All inspection evaluations must be based on Industry recommendations and minimum NFCA standards. All materials and installation must be as specified. Substitutions are not permitted unless pre-approved by the Consultant or Owner.
This reference guide covers the Installation Review Guides for resilient, carpet, hardwood, laminate, and other flooring types included in the Reference Manual.
1 . INSTALLATION REVIEW GUIDES
.01 INSTALLATION REVIEW GUIDES
The following Installation Review Guides are provided for use by an NFCA authorized inspector:
B04C1 Resilient Sheet Flooring
B04C2 Resilient Tile Flooring
B04C3 Resilient Specialty Flooring
C04C1 Carpet Flooring
C04C2 Carpet Tile Flooring
D04C1 Solid Hardwood Flooring
D04C2 Engineered Hardwood Flooring
E04C Laminate Flooring
F04C1 Bamboo Flooring
F04C2 Cork Flooring
.02 FLOORING INSTALLATION INFORMATION
This section deals with flooring installation location / installation review information.
Inspection / Claim No.: This is the number assigned by the Provincial Floor Covering Association.
Inspector: The name of the individual assigned or hired to inspect the work.
Inspection Date: The date of the inspection in day / month / year format (e.g., 10 June 2006).
Installation Date: The date of the installation in day / month / year format (e.g., 10 June 2006).
Project Name: This is the project name (from drawings) e.g., Jones Residence, 1st Street School, etc.
Project Address: The actual site address of the installation. This must include the unit number for apartments, etc.
Product Location: This is the area or areas where the flooring material is installed (e.g., living room). If more than in one location use second line.
Owner's Name: This is the Owner's name for single residences or may be a company name for multi-family residences, offices, education or health facility, etc.
Owner's Phone Number: This is the Owner's contact number (e.g. site phone for residence) or a company phone when there is no individual owner as yet, i.e. a development company. Additional contact numbers could be added (e.g. Owner's cell number).
Flooring Contractor: This is the name of the company installing the work.
Contact: This is the contact person of the floor installation company. If the specific installer is known this should be noted as well.
Phone: This is the Flooring Contractor's contact number.
Review Report: Check Review Report number: 1 (pre-installation review), 2 (interim review), or 3 (final review). Refer to last page and note report date and Inspector's name again.
.03 FLOORING REVIEW CHECK LISTS
The applicability of Items indicted on the review form must be indicated as "Not Applicable" (i.e., doesn't apply), "Acceptable (i.e., meets manufacturer and NFCA requirements) or "Not Acceptable" (i.e., doesn't meet manufacturer and NFCA requirements) or "Apparent Cause". A "Brief Explanation" particularly if installation is not acceptable is necessary.
Note: All inspection evaluations must be based on Industry recommendations and minimum NFCA standards. All materials and installation must be as specified. Substitutions are not permitted unless pre-approved by the Consultant or Owner.
2 • REVIEW GUIDE INFORMATION REQUIRED
.01 SUBSTRATE
This section deals with substrate type and condition at the time of flooring installation and/or at time of inspection for materials already installed.
Substrate level: This is the level of the substrate (i.e., below, on, or above grade).
Substrate system / type: This is the actual substrate construction / material (e.g. concrete slab / topping, wood framing / plywood / OSB sheathing, etc. Note type under "Brief Explanation".
Underlayment type / material: This is not the substrate but "additional" applied materials such as panel type underlayment (plywood) or resilient / acoustical underlayment such as those used under laminate flooring, etc.
Substrate condition: This is the physical condition of the substrate system, notably rigidity, smooth, dry, and clean surface, etc. all in accordance with NFCA requirements.
Level tolerance: Check and verify if this is within NFCA requirements for type of flooring (to be) installed.
Tests provided: Note the type of test and results must be in accordance with manufacturer and NFCA requirements.
.02 ENVIRONMENT
This section deals with environmental conditions primarily at the time of flooring installation and/or at time of inspection for materials already installed.
Environment Condition:
Heating system type: Indicate type of heating, e.g., radiant (in-floor), forced air, hot water or electric baseboard, etc. Where system may have an impact on flooring installation and long-term durability such as lack of heat distribution or humidity control this should also be noted.
Materials conditioned prior to installation: Indicate if flooring materials have been conditioned in accordance with manufacturers and NFCA requirements.
.03 MATERIAL INSPECTION
This section deals with the review of materials to be installed or already installed.
Flooring Manufacturer / Product: This is the name of the manufacturer and name of the product installed (e.g. Forbo Marmoleum linoleum, Crossley Endurance Intrepid Collection carpet, etc.). Where different flooring manufacturers of the same group (e.g. sheet resilient flooring) are installed these should be noted (if necessary on the back of the form). Where unique materials are used, the supplier should be noted as well (name and hone number).
Type: (for hardwood flooring) Indicate strip, plank, square edge or parquet.
Joint Edge: (for laminate flooring) Indicate type of system (and if adhesive is required.
Species: (for hardwood flooring) Indicate wood species (e.g. Oak, etc.).
Grade: (for hardwood flooring) Indicate wood grade (e.g. NOFMA Select & Better Hard Maple, etc.).
Material Thickness / Weights: This is material thickness or weight of product (as in carpet). Note: Additional line for carpet cushion. Material Backing: (for resilient and carpet flooring) This is the type of backing on product. Note: Additional line for carpet cushion.
Material flaws: This is damage to flooring product caused during the manufacturing process and after installation (as in delamination, tuft loss, fuzzing, shedding, shading, pooling, pilling of carpet).
Material damage: This is damage to material caused during transit / handling. The type of damage (creased/torn, stained, etc.) should be noted. If such damage is detrimental to installation and long term durability or if damage can be corrected and will be acceptable to the manufacturer and owner then this must be discussed and noted.
Shading / colour variations between flooring units: (primarily between tile, plank, sheet and carpet rolls batches).
Pattern mismatch between flooring units: (primarily between patterned flooring materials such as resilient sheet flooring and patterned carpet).
Surface indenting: This is denting of installed product resulting from trades, heavy furniture, etc.
Surface staining: This is staining of installed product resulting from trades, improper protection, Owner spills/ improper maintenance, etc.
Adhesive type: Note type and grade of adhesive and verify if it conforms to specification and flooring manufacturer's requirements.
Accessories / edgings: Types must be noted. Verify conformance with specification requirements.
Other: List here any other items affecting materials.
.04 WORKMANSHIP
This section deals with workmanship used to install materials.
Substrate preparation: (patching, etc.) To be in accordance with NFCA requirements. Note type of filler. Also note type of self-levelling underlayment if required / used.
Adhesive application / correct trowel size: Note trowel notch size and verify if it conforms to specification and flooring manufacturer's requirements.
Overall bond of flooring: Verify.
Bond along end and side walls: Verify. This particularly applies to loose laid resilient flooring.
General layout and seam direction: Verify.
Pattern match / alignment across seams: Verify
Fill placements / locations: Verify appropriate use of materials. Ensure pattern and dye lot matching. Fills should not be extensive. Neat / Tight-fits along walls and abutments: Verify.
Seam tightness / appearance: Verify.
Seam finish - Sealed / Welded: Verify.
Flash-coved base installation: This applies to resilient flooring. Verify corner details and finish at top.
Top-set base installation: Verify corner and joints details.
Clean-up of adhesive spills: Verify and review product used and if there is any residue left or if flooring has been damaged.
General flooring clean-up / scrap removal: Review extent and methods used and if complete.
Protective coverings installed: Verify if this is or was done and if appropriate materials are / were used.
Damage to wall / door frame surfaces: (Primarily due to carpet backing) Review and note where applicable.
Other: Note any other concerns / issues relating to workmanship not included in above list.
.05 MATERIAL FINISHING (for hardwood flooring)
This section deals with material finishes and finishing.
Type of finish: Indicate finish (water based urethane, Swedish finish, wax, etc.)
Quality of finish: Review sanding and application of finish for imperfections.
Other: Note any other comments in regard to application of finish (these can include environmental concerns, screening / re-sanding problems, application issues, etc.)
.06 FLOORING FAILURE ATTRIBUTABLE TO
This section deals with presumed causes of installation failure.
Quality of workmanship: Note areas and workmanship specifics contributing to flooring failure.
Type of subfloor / location: Note extent and probable cause. Refer also to substrate information above.
Excessive subfloor irregularities: Note extent and probable cause.
Moisture condition in area of failure: Note type / extent and probable cause.
Area flooding: Note extent and probable cause.
Excessive or insufficient heat in area: Note extent / extremes and probable cause.
Subfloor contamination migration: Note extent and probable cause.
Expansion / contraction of flooring: Note extent and probable cause.
Adhesive bond failure: Verify extent and probable cause.
Lifting of patching compound: Verify extent and note probable cause.
Substrate movement: Note type of movement and probable cause.
Construction / trade damage: Note type of damage and who may be responsible for it.
Other: Note any other concerns / issues relating to failure of flooring installation.
.07 OWNER ATTRIBUTABLE FLOORING FAILURE
This section deals with workmanship used to install materials.
Traffic discoloration: Note extent and probable cause.
Sunlight / heat discoloration: Note extent and probable cause.
Moving damage: Note extent and probable cause.
Surface staining: Note extent and probable cause.
Surface indenting: Note extent and probable cause.
Scuffing of surface finish: Note extent and probable cause.
Inadequate / incorrect maintenance: Note owner's comments. Refer to maintenance information below and ensure frequency, products, and methods used are recorded.
Other: Note any other concerns / issues relating to owners environment and use of flooring that may contribute to flooring failure.
.08 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
This section deals with maintenance of flooring materials already installed.
Cleaning frequency: Record frequency of cleaning for both simple cleaning (vacuuming, damp mopping, etc.) and for heavy cleaning (stripping, waxing, etc.).
Cleaning product used: Record products used.
Cleaning methods used: Record methods and equipment used.
Other: Record any other information pertinent to maintenance.
.01 SUBSTRATE
This section deals with substrate type and condition at the time of flooring installation and/or at time of inspection for materials already installed.
Substrate level: This is the level of the substrate (i.e., below, on, or above grade).
Substrate system / type: This is the actual substrate construction / material (e.g. concrete slab / topping, wood framing / plywood / OSB sheathing, etc. Note type under "Brief Explanation".
Underlayment type / material: This is not the substrate but "additional" applied materials such as panel type underlayment (plywood) or resilient / acoustical underlayment such as those used under laminate flooring, etc.
Substrate condition: This is the physical condition of the substrate system, notably rigidity, smooth, dry, and clean surface, etc. all in accordance with NFCA requirements.
Level tolerance: Check and verify if this is within NFCA requirements for type of flooring (to be) installed.
Tests provided: Note the type of test and results must be in accordance with manufacturer and NFCA requirements.
- Moisture test: Verify test and record results.
- Alkalinity test: Verify test and record results.
.02 ENVIRONMENT
This section deals with environmental conditions primarily at the time of flooring installation and/or at time of inspection for materials already installed.
Environment Condition:
- Area temperature: (at time of installation / inspection) Indicate (i.e., record results).
- Substrate temperature: (at time of installation / inspection) Indicate (i.e., record results).
- Humidity level: (at time of installation / inspection) Indicate (i.e., record results).
Heating system type: Indicate type of heating, e.g., radiant (in-floor), forced air, hot water or electric baseboard, etc. Where system may have an impact on flooring installation and long-term durability such as lack of heat distribution or humidity control this should also be noted.
Materials conditioned prior to installation: Indicate if flooring materials have been conditioned in accordance with manufacturers and NFCA requirements.
.03 MATERIAL INSPECTION
This section deals with the review of materials to be installed or already installed.
Flooring Manufacturer / Product: This is the name of the manufacturer and name of the product installed (e.g. Forbo Marmoleum linoleum, Crossley Endurance Intrepid Collection carpet, etc.). Where different flooring manufacturers of the same group (e.g. sheet resilient flooring) are installed these should be noted (if necessary on the back of the form). Where unique materials are used, the supplier should be noted as well (name and hone number).
- Pattern No.: This is the manufacturer's pattern / colour number.
- Lot No.: This is the manufacturer's production run number. Materials installed within a given area should be from the same production run sequence to ensure consistency of dye lots, etc.
- Usage rating: (for laminate flooring) Indicate NALFA or EPLF use rating (e.g. NALFA LC / L2, EPLF Class 22, etc.).
Type: (for hardwood flooring) Indicate strip, plank, square edge or parquet.
Joint Edge: (for laminate flooring) Indicate type of system (and if adhesive is required.
Species: (for hardwood flooring) Indicate wood species (e.g. Oak, etc.).
Grade: (for hardwood flooring) Indicate wood grade (e.g. NOFMA Select & Better Hard Maple, etc.).
Material Thickness / Weights: This is material thickness or weight of product (as in carpet). Note: Additional line for carpet cushion. Material Backing: (for resilient and carpet flooring) This is the type of backing on product. Note: Additional line for carpet cushion.
Material flaws: This is damage to flooring product caused during the manufacturing process and after installation (as in delamination, tuft loss, fuzzing, shedding, shading, pooling, pilling of carpet).
Material damage: This is damage to material caused during transit / handling. The type of damage (creased/torn, stained, etc.) should be noted. If such damage is detrimental to installation and long term durability or if damage can be corrected and will be acceptable to the manufacturer and owner then this must be discussed and noted.
Shading / colour variations between flooring units: (primarily between tile, plank, sheet and carpet rolls batches).
Pattern mismatch between flooring units: (primarily between patterned flooring materials such as resilient sheet flooring and patterned carpet).
Surface indenting: This is denting of installed product resulting from trades, heavy furniture, etc.
Surface staining: This is staining of installed product resulting from trades, improper protection, Owner spills/ improper maintenance, etc.
Adhesive type: Note type and grade of adhesive and verify if it conforms to specification and flooring manufacturer's requirements.
Accessories / edgings: Types must be noted. Verify conformance with specification requirements.
Other: List here any other items affecting materials.
.04 WORKMANSHIP
This section deals with workmanship used to install materials.
Substrate preparation: (patching, etc.) To be in accordance with NFCA requirements. Note type of filler. Also note type of self-levelling underlayment if required / used.
Adhesive application / correct trowel size: Note trowel notch size and verify if it conforms to specification and flooring manufacturer's requirements.
Overall bond of flooring: Verify.
Bond along end and side walls: Verify. This particularly applies to loose laid resilient flooring.
General layout and seam direction: Verify.
Pattern match / alignment across seams: Verify
Fill placements / locations: Verify appropriate use of materials. Ensure pattern and dye lot matching. Fills should not be extensive. Neat / Tight-fits along walls and abutments: Verify.
Seam tightness / appearance: Verify.
Seam finish - Sealed / Welded: Verify.
Flash-coved base installation: This applies to resilient flooring. Verify corner details and finish at top.
Top-set base installation: Verify corner and joints details.
Clean-up of adhesive spills: Verify and review product used and if there is any residue left or if flooring has been damaged.
General flooring clean-up / scrap removal: Review extent and methods used and if complete.
Protective coverings installed: Verify if this is or was done and if appropriate materials are / were used.
Damage to wall / door frame surfaces: (Primarily due to carpet backing) Review and note where applicable.
Other: Note any other concerns / issues relating to workmanship not included in above list.
.05 MATERIAL FINISHING (for hardwood flooring)
This section deals with material finishes and finishing.
Type of finish: Indicate finish (water based urethane, Swedish finish, wax, etc.)
Quality of finish: Review sanding and application of finish for imperfections.
Other: Note any other comments in regard to application of finish (these can include environmental concerns, screening / re-sanding problems, application issues, etc.)
.06 FLOORING FAILURE ATTRIBUTABLE TO
This section deals with presumed causes of installation failure.
Quality of workmanship: Note areas and workmanship specifics contributing to flooring failure.
Type of subfloor / location: Note extent and probable cause. Refer also to substrate information above.
Excessive subfloor irregularities: Note extent and probable cause.
Moisture condition in area of failure: Note type / extent and probable cause.
Area flooding: Note extent and probable cause.
Excessive or insufficient heat in area: Note extent / extremes and probable cause.
Subfloor contamination migration: Note extent and probable cause.
Expansion / contraction of flooring: Note extent and probable cause.
Adhesive bond failure: Verify extent and probable cause.
Lifting of patching compound: Verify extent and note probable cause.
Substrate movement: Note type of movement and probable cause.
Construction / trade damage: Note type of damage and who may be responsible for it.
Other: Note any other concerns / issues relating to failure of flooring installation.
.07 OWNER ATTRIBUTABLE FLOORING FAILURE
This section deals with workmanship used to install materials.
Traffic discoloration: Note extent and probable cause.
Sunlight / heat discoloration: Note extent and probable cause.
Moving damage: Note extent and probable cause.
Surface staining: Note extent and probable cause.
Surface indenting: Note extent and probable cause.
Scuffing of surface finish: Note extent and probable cause.
Inadequate / incorrect maintenance: Note owner's comments. Refer to maintenance information below and ensure frequency, products, and methods used are recorded.
Other: Note any other concerns / issues relating to owners environment and use of flooring that may contribute to flooring failure.
.08 MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
This section deals with maintenance of flooring materials already installed.
Cleaning frequency: Record frequency of cleaning for both simple cleaning (vacuuming, damp mopping, etc.) and for heavy cleaning (stripping, waxing, etc.).
Cleaning product used: Record products used.
Cleaning methods used: Record methods and equipment used.
Other: Record any other information pertinent to maintenance.
3 • RECOMMENDATIONS
.01 RECOMMENDATIONS
This section deals with inspectors comments and recommendations in regard to flooring installation.
Floor Covering Contractor Replace / Adjust: Check this if it applies and circle "replace" and/or "adjust" as appropriate.
Owner / Builder to assume Responsibility: Check this if it applies.
Comments: Add any other comments pertinent to review of installation that are not already included above, or that need further comment.
Description / Diagram of Area: Provide a description or diagram of floor area if required to clarify issues or details.
.02 INSTALLATION REVIEW REPORT
Installation Review Report: Check report type 1 (pre-installation), 2 (interim), 3 (final), or 4 (post-installation) review.
Date: Indicate date of review.
Inspector: Indicate Inspector's name.
.01 RECOMMENDATIONS
This section deals with inspectors comments and recommendations in regard to flooring installation.
Floor Covering Contractor Replace / Adjust: Check this if it applies and circle "replace" and/or "adjust" as appropriate.
Owner / Builder to assume Responsibility: Check this if it applies.
Comments: Add any other comments pertinent to review of installation that are not already included above, or that need further comment.
Description / Diagram of Area: Provide a description or diagram of floor area if required to clarify issues or details.
.02 INSTALLATION REVIEW REPORT
Installation Review Report: Check report type 1 (pre-installation), 2 (interim), 3 (final), or 4 (post-installation) review.
Date: Indicate date of review.
Inspector: Indicate Inspector's name.