B03C - MATERIAL GUIDES - RESILIENT FLOORING
B03C-1 General comments
B03C-2 Preparation materials
B03C-3 Underlayments for resilient flooring
B03C-4 Adhesives
B03C-5 Resilient flooring - General
B03C-6 Resilient flooring Types
B03C-7 Resilient specialty flooring types
B03C-8 Resilient bases
B03C-9 Stair coverings
B03C-10 Accessories
B03C-11 Finishes
B03C-2 Preparation materials
B03C-3 Underlayments for resilient flooring
B03C-4 Adhesives
B03C-5 Resilient flooring - General
B03C-6 Resilient flooring Types
B03C-7 Resilient specialty flooring types
B03C-8 Resilient bases
B03C-9 Stair coverings
B03C-10 Accessories
B03C-11 Finishes
Preface:
This study guide covers resilient flooring and related installation materials. Specifiers and/or persons selecting such products should verify all facts relative to the particular project requirements.
To fully understand how to choose the most appropriate resilient floor covering for an institutional, commercial, or residential project, a thorough knowledge of the materials and installation requirements is essential. The following information will hopefully assist Designers, Suppliers, Installers, Owners, and others in becoming more aware of resilient floor covering issues and aid in choosing an appropriate resilient flooring material and installation method to suit a project's requirements.
This study guide covers resilient flooring and related installation materials. Specifiers and/or persons selecting such products should verify all facts relative to the particular project requirements.
To fully understand how to choose the most appropriate resilient floor covering for an institutional, commercial, or residential project, a thorough knowledge of the materials and installation requirements is essential. The following information will hopefully assist Designers, Suppliers, Installers, Owners, and others in becoming more aware of resilient floor covering issues and aid in choosing an appropriate resilient flooring material and installation method to suit a project's requirements.
1 • GENERAL COMMENTS
.01 Resilient floor coverings must meet Code requirements in regard to flame spread and smoke developed ratings with the ratings dependent on the type of occupancy. For information on flammability refer to Part A08A - Flammability Issues.
.02 In some instances resilient flooring must meet Code requirements in regard to slip resistance. For information on this refer to Part A08B - Slip Resistance Issues. .03 For specific information on reference standards noted herein refer to Part B02B – Reference Standards. .04 For recommended use of resilient flooring refer to Part B, Appendix BB2 - Usage Guide. |
2 • PREPARATION MATERIALS
.01 Patching, Filling, and Levelling Compounds: Refer to Part A13 - Patching and Filling for information and requirements.
.02 Primers: Refer to Part A12 - Substrate Preparation for requirements of primers over patching and filling compounds. |
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3 • UNDERLAYMENTS FOR RESILIENT FLOORING
.01 Panel Type Underlayments: Refer to Part A10 - Acceptable Conditions for information and requirements. Refer also to ASTM F1482, Standard Guide to Wood Underlayment Products Available for Use Under Resilient Flooring.
.02 Sheet Vinyl Underlay / Membrane: A moisture impervious vinyl sheet with a stabilizing and insulating fibreglass interlayer and a coated knobby vinyl grip surface on the underside. It is also resistant to certain types of contaminates. |
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4 • ADHESIVES
.01 The type and application of adhesives shall be as recommended by both the material and adhesive manufacturer to suit the substrate type, the type of resilient flooring and the type of application required.
.02 Refer to Part A14 - Adhesives and Fastenings for adhesive types. .03 Caution Note: The design authority / specification writer is cautioned against specifying a particular type or manufacturer of adhesive as each resilient floor covering manufacturer may have specific recommendations in regard to the type and usage of adhesives for their particular products and installations. The National Floor Covering Association (NFCA) therefore recommends that the Design Authority specify adhesives "as recommended by the flooring material manufacturer to suit installation requirements". The grade (standard or premium) and the type (based on VOC content) as well as use of water resistant or water proof types should however be specified. .04 LEED Requirements: Where the flooring installation must conform to LEED requirements, the type of adhesives used throughout (i.e. for installation of underlayment panels, flooring, bases, and accessories) shall be governed by those requirements. |
5 • RESILIENT FLOORING - GENERAL
.01 Resilient Flooring: This is a general term used to describe flooring materials that have the property to recover their original appearance and thickness after being subjected to compressive forces (e.g. furniture) or crushing under traffic (foot or wheeled loads). This involves the inherent elastic energy in the material.
.02 Wear Layer: This is that portion of a resilient floor covering that contains or protects the pattern layer. Material used shall be stabilized against heat and light deterioration. The wear layer may be smooth, embossed, or textured with or without valley (depressed) printing. The wear layer does not include temporary finishes or maintenance coatings. ASTM F1303, Specification for Sheet Vinyl Floor Covering with Backing indicates the following types: |
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.03 Intermediate Layer: This is that portion of a resilient floor covering consisting of reinforcing and foam, etc. Not all resilient flooring may have an intermediate layer. .04 Backing: This is material with a composition specifically designed for substrate type and use. The type of backing depends on the type of flooring and substrate condition. .05 Grades: This is the classification of resilient flooring by total wear-layer thickness (in the case of sheet vinyl, the sum of PVC and non-PVC wear layers). The wear-layer system shall consist of a single layer of multiple layers that do not delaminate under normal use. There are three general grades: |
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6 • RESILIENT FLOORING TYPES
Types: Resilient flooring includes the following flooring product types:
.01 Vinyl Tile Flooring: A general term used to describe the following tile products: |
.1 Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) Flooring: composed of a blend of vinyl and resins, plasticizers, fibres, inert fillers, and fade resistant pigments and manufactured as one layer or as surface patterned types. Tiles are available in a number of textures, pattern designs and in a wide range of colours.
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.a Applicable Standard: ASTM F1066 - Standard Specification for Vinyl Composition Floor Tile
.b Classes: Vinyl tile is classified as follows:
.e Caution: Vinyl composition tile has a tendency to shrink under extreme sunlight conditions and prolonged excessive heat or cold conditions. |
.2 Solid Vinyl Tile Flooring: composed of polyvinyl chloride resins, plasticizers, alkali resisting pigments and fillers and manufactured in solid homogeneous form with material and colour through full depth of tile.
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.a Applicable Standard: ASTM F1700 - Standard Specification for Solid Vinyl Floor Tile
.b Dimensions: Consult floor covering manufacturer and local distributor for product gauges, sizes, and availability. Common sizes are as follows:
.c Advantages: Excellent abrasion resistance, clarity of colours, good resistance to indentation and most common household spills.. .d Caution: Homogeneous solid vinyl tile is susceptible to cigarette burns. Non-textured, high-gloss tile tends to show surface scratches and scuff marks. Substrates must be free of moisture and all contaminates prior to installation. |
.3 Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
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a. Applicable Standard: The term Luxury Vinyl Tile / Plank (LVT/P), is not recognized as a separate flooring category by ASTM, therefore there is no Standard Specification for LVT/P. However, this is a term that is known throughout the flooring industry.
Note: Solid Vinyl Tile Flooring has a minimum vinyl or binder content. Products with a vinyl or binder content of 34% or higher are classified as Solid Vinyl Floor Tile and products less than 34% vinyl or binder content are Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT). |
.b Category Description: LVT / P - originally known as “hot pressed tile”, is made of several layers that are fused together under heat and pressure. Components include:
When choosing a vinyl flooring product for a heavy-use commercial traffic setting, wear layer thickness and coating should be carefully considered. |
LVT/P's versatile graphic layer, provides superior design capabilities and visual options to the alternative VCT.
In recent years, manufacturers have vastly expanded product options in this category. Digital graphic film layers have improved to the point that many are indistinguishable from natural materials, such as premium stone finishes and look alike wood floors with embossed grain patterns. At the same time, the quality of new LVT/P wear layers has made the material durable enough to withstand some of the most heavy-duty traffic environments, often replacing traditional materials such as ceramic, marble and wood. These products can be supplied as both glue down and floating installation types.
.c Dimensions: Consult floor covering manufacturer and local distributor for product gauges, widths, and availability. .d Advantages: Excellent abrasion resistance, clarity of colours, good resistance to indentation and most common household spills. .e Caution: Vinyl tile expands and contracts based on changes in temperature and can buckle when exposed to direct and extreme sunlight. Care and attention should be exercised when acclimating / conditioning any vinyl product. Correct site conditions, within manufactures recommended tolerances must be confirmed prior to shipping any material (including adhesives) to site. Product temperature, ambient and sub-floor surface temperature must all be confirmed within manufacturers recommended range prior to installation. Expansion spaces, at all vertical abutments and between adjoining rooms must be installed according to manufacturers recommendations. |
.4 Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl
a. Stone Polymer Composite (SPC) vinyl planks have a core made of a stone plastic composite material hence the name SPC. Whereas a vinyl plank product has a PVC core that makes it flexible and soft. SPC's design gives it a denser and more rigid construction which is less pliable. An SPC vinyl product provides a realistic visual appearance of the material it is replicating (eg: wood flooring). |
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b. Wood Polymer Composite (WPC) vinyl planks have a core made of either recycled wood pulp or plastic or polymer composites that are expanded with air. WPC is more resilient than its SPC counterpart, is lighter in weight due to a lower density, softer and warmer under foot.
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.5 SPC and WPC flooring advantages and disadvantages.
Always refer to each manufacturers published product specifications, features and benefits. |
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.02 Sheet Vinyl Flooring: A general term used to describe the following product groups:
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.1 Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Flooring: composed of thoroughly blended polyvinyl chloride, plasticizers, colour pigments, stabilizers and fillers manufactured in four basic forms:
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.a Applicable Standards
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.b Backing: In sheet vinyl flooring with backing there are three classes:
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.c Wear Layer: For multi-layer flooring refer to 5.02 above.
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.d Grade: Refer to 5.02 above.
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.e Dimensions: Consult floor covering manufacturer and local distributor for product gauges, widths, and availability. Common sizes are as follows:
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.f Advantages: Flexible PVC products provide excellent wear qualities, excellent colour versatility, reduced sound and impact noise, have good indentation recovery and are easy to maintain.
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.g Caution: PVC products are sensitive to extreme temperature changes, which may cause expansion or contraction. Substrates must be free of moisture and all contaminates prior to installation.
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.2 Inlaid or Filled Sheet Vinyl Flooring: composed of consolidated vinyl products, alkali resisting colour pigments, stabilizers and other compounds bonded together under heat and pressure, and manufactured in varying surface textures with cushioned or non-cushioned mineral fibre or vinyl backing.
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.a Applicable Standard: ASTM F1303.
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.b Wear Layer: For multi-layer flooring refer to 5.02 above.
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.c Grade: Refer to 5.02 above.
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.d Dimensions: Consult floor covering manufacturer and local distributor for product gauges, widths, and availability. Common sizes are as follows:
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.e Advantages: Inlaid sheet vinyl provides good durability, ease of maintenance and excellent appearance. Colour and design go all the way through the wear layer. May be installed on all grade levels.
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.f Caution: Inlaid sheet vinyl products are sensitive to extreme temperature changes that may cause expansion or contraction. Substrates must be free of moisture and all contaminates prior to installation.
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.3 Rotogravure Cushioned Sheet Vinyl Flooring: This type of flooring incorporates a transparent (i.e. clear vinyl) wear surface applied over a printed design of realistic images of wood, slate, brick, stone, or other pattern. The process uses rotating print cylinders that systematically print various coloured inks on top of a core layer called the gel coat. The printed pattern is then covered with a clear wear layer that is then fused or oven cured. The process can also emboss a pattern for a 3-D look, which may create maintenance problem because of dirt collecting in the recesses. Generally rotogravure flooring has either an attached mineral fibre or vinyl backing or has a foam cushion layer produced in varying densities and thickness. The flooring may also contain encapsulated fibreglass webbing for increased stability. The two main types of rotogravure flooring are:
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.a Applicable Standard: ASTM F1303.
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.b Wear Layer: For multi-layer flooring refer to 5.02 above.
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.c Grade: Refer to 5.02 above.
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.d Dimensions: Consult floor covering manufacturer and local distributor for product gauges, widths, and availability. Common sizes are as follows:
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.e Note: Current CMHC standards require that the vinyl wear surface thickness be not less than 0.25 mm (0.010") and the overall thickness be no less than 1.5 mm (0.060").
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.f Advantages: Available in a wide range of styles, patterns, and colours. The inner core of vinyl foam provides a cushion for resiliency, warmth, acoustical properties, and good recovery from indentation. Products are generally easily maintained.
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.g Caution: Because the cushioning is near the surface, it can be dented or torn easily by furniture and other objects. Products are also sensitive to extreme temperature changes, which may cause expansion or contraction. Substrates must be free of moisture and all contaminates prior to installation.
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.03 Rubber Sheet and Tile Flooring: composed of synthetic and/or natural rubber in combination with fillers and pigments to the full thickness. Both tile and sheet goods are manufactured in solid and laminated form in a variety of colours, thickness and sizes and with a smooth surface, moulded surface (i.e. profiled pattern that includes raised square, circle, or diamond shapes), or a textured surface (e.g. slate).
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.04 Linoleum Sheet and Tile Flooring: Linoleum derives its name from the main ingredient, linseed oil (in Latin, linum is the word for linseed, which comes from the flax plant, and oleum means oil). The oil is boiled, mixed with melted resins, and combined with powdered cork, wood flour, resins, ground limestone, and other natural materials with mineral pigments added to provide the colour. The mixture is then poured onto a backing of jute canvas or felt (resulting in its calendared appearance) and pressed under heat between rollers to form a continuous sheet that is then cut into sheet and tile form.
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.05 Terrazzo Tile Flooring: This type of flooring is composed of a blend of genuine onyx, marble, or granite chips that are precision ground and polished to a high lustre and inlaid in a resilient flexible thermoset resin matrix and then factory sealed.
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.06 Cork Flooring: This type of flooring is composed of granulated bark of the cork oak tree. Granules are sorted for uniformity and compressed under heat and pressure into slabs, then cut and finished into various sizes and gauges. Cork flooring is available in tile, plank, and parquetry form in single layer or with an attached backing. Flooring is generally factory pre-finished but may also be unfinished for site finishing.
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Note: This type of flooring may also be classified by some as wood flooring because of its material composition (fabricated from cork tree bark).
Note: Refer to Other Flooring Part F03C2 - Material Guide - Cork Flooring for additional information on this type of flooring. |
7 • RESILIENT SPECIALTY FLOORING TYPES
Note: Slip-proof and non-slip flooring are terms that must not be used, as no flooring is entirely slip resistant.
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.01 Slip Resistant (Safety) Flooring: This is a general term used to describe a line of slip resistant resilient flooring that is predominantly used in interior areas where slips and falls are more likely to occur. Slip resistant flooring may be composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with plasticizers, colour pigments, stabilizers, fillers, and slip resistant components or synthetic or virgin rubber and is typically available in sheet form with tile also available from some manufacturers.
Depending on the performance requirements, some PVC lines of flooring contain aluminium oxide and colour quartz grains throughout the thickness and silicon carbide grains in the surface layer. Others will have a wear layer composed of PVC resin with uniformly dispersed mineral aggregate on a filled backing (mineral aggregate grit). In addition, others are surface textured for extra slip resistant qualities. The type of flooring selected depends on the room usage (e.g. bathing room / shower area, kitchen, etc.), on what materials might be spilled on it (water, soap, grease, etc.), and the type of footwear or lack of same (i.e., bare feet) that may be worn. The backside of such flooring may be smooth or may contain a fibreglass webbing incorporated at or near its centre. Others may have an attached polyester / cellulose fibreglass backing, or an attached vinyl or mineral fibre backing. Contact the floor covering contractor / distributor for types, grades, and styles available and their recommended use, restrictions, and cleaning requirements. |
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.02 Sports Flooring: A general term used to describe a number of flooring lines that are predominantly used where a cushioned durable floor covering is required for athletic activities. These flooring lines may be manufactured from natural or synthetic rubber, rubber / vinyl combinations, or entirely from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and contain stabilizing agents, fillers, and colour pigments. This flooring may be prefabricated, calendared or vulcanized to a base of natural or synthetic rubber, and may have an attached high or low density foam backing. The backside may be smooth, textured or waffled. Along with its durability and high performance qualities, sports flooring is inherently shock absorbent and may have a manufactured resilient or bounce factor based on the expected end-use of the flooring.
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.03 Moulded Rubber Mat / Slab Flooring: Similar to sports flooring and used in similar areas this type of flooring is used where safe footing, impact and fall resistance and durability is required.
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.04 Static Control Flooring: a general term used for flooring that
embodies static disseminating properties designed to conduct the build
up of static charges. Static control flooring is a specialty flooring
material available in sheet and tile form in a variety of styles,
colours, and thicknesses. This flooring is available in a number of
types to satisfy a number of specific conditions / end-uses. These are:
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Static Generation: Static electricity generation is dependent on the type of flooring, the type of footwear, and temperature and humidity conditions and is developed for example when an individual walks or a cart is pushed across a floor and is dissipated when the individual or cart touches a conductive surface. This electrostatic discharge nuisance is normally a minor inconvenience, but in some cases static electricity can cause more serious problems, particularly with sensitive electronic equipment and in sensitive areas such as in hospital operating rooms. The capacity of flooring materials to dissipate static electricity depends on the type of flooring used and upon specific project requirements. |
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02. Applicable Standards: CGSB 81-GP-1M (flooring) and ASTM F 150 (test method for electrical resistance) are general standards. ANSI/ESD S 7.1 ESD (resistive characterisation of flooring material), and ESD STM97.1 (floor material resistance) are more specific. In Europe: EN 100015 (for requirements for cleanrooms) and IEC 1340-4-1, Part 4 were developed specifically for static control flooring in electronics environments and replace such general resistance standards as ASTM F150 and ANSI 99.
03. Dimensions: Consult floor covering manufacturer and local distributor for product material, gauges, widths, and availability. Common sizes are as follows:
05. Caution: Manufacturer's installation recommendations must be strictly adhered too. Substrates must be free of all contaminants prior to installation. To retain conductive functions, floor finishes (other than initial system site applied finishes) must not be applied. This includes all adjacent areas up to 15 meters (50 feet) away, unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer of flooring. Due to limited consumer demand, contact floor covering contractor / distributor for detailed information regarding types, functions and uses of static control flooring lines. 06. Installation: Since there are different classes of SC Flooring lines, different installation systems are recommended. Depending on the class of S.C. flooring selected, specification requirements may prescribe employing a full or partial grounding system, involving the use of a conductive adhesive and a full or modified grounding grid system. Floor covering manufacturers’ installation recommendations must be strictly adhered too in every situation. The flooring system must be connected to the building electrical ground provided by an authorized electrician in accordance with the Electrical Code. |
.05 Rubber Runner: There are two basic types:
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.1 Ribbed
Surface Type: 3 mm (1/8") or 4
mm (5/32") thick x 915 mm (36”) wide.
This material is virtually slip resistant.
.2 Plain Surface Type: 2.4 mm (3/32"), 3 mm (1/8"), or 4.8 mm (3/16") thick x 915 mm (36”) wide. |
.06 Exterior Resilient Flooring: Composed of rubber, vinyl, or a combination of rubber and vinyl. Such products must be designated for exterior (outdoor or indoor / outdoor) use by the manufacturer. Contact floor covering dealer for types and sizes; expect choice restrictions.
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8 • RESILIENT BASES
.01 Resilient bases are made of either dimensionally stable and flexible moulded synthetic or natural rubber or extruded vinyl with the material and colour homogenous throughout and with no blisters, cracks or physical defects allowed to mar their appearance. Most are provided with a ribbed back to aid in adhesion. Bases must also have no residual staining effects on walls. Material shall meet the following minimum requirements:
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.02 Material:
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.03 Colours and Textures: A variety of colours are available in a low gloss satin finish with some manufacturers also providing high gloss finishes for certain product lines. Confirm with specific manufacturer for complete colour range and finish. Some manufacturers may also offer bases with a textured or marbled surface.
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.04 Dimensions: Consult base manufacturer and local distributor for product gauges, widths, and availability for base material (rubber or vinyl) and types. Common sizes (unless otherwise noted under types) are as follows:
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.05 Types: A variety of types are available to suit flooring and design requirements. These include the following:
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1. Cove or Toe Base: This is a base with a sloped extension at the bottom of 16 mm (5/8”) standard or extended toe of 25 mm (1”) offered by some manufacturers.
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02. Straight or Toe-Less Base: Identical in all aspects to cove base except that the coved-toe has been removed.
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Caution: Straight or toe-less base may be
used in conjunction with flooring that is installed tight to wall faces
such as with some carpet over cushion and resilient flooring
installations. However, because of the small area at the
foot of the base that provides only a minimum coverage of the flooring
this type of base should not be used where there is a gap between the
flooring and wall face such as with resilient tile and sheet goods,
glue-down carpet, or other flooring materials of similar thickness or
characteristics. Specify top-set cove base.
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.03 Self-Cove or Sanitary Base: This is a base with an extended horizontal square edge toe for heat welding base to resilient flooring
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.04 Tapered Base: Wedge tapered base for carpet with 6 mm (1/4") notch with spacer used in lieu of toe-less or toe base. Base is installed before carpet installation.
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.05 Vent-Cove Base: Heavy-duty moulded rubber base complete with square or semi-circular vertical slots on back face to permit air circulation from flooring over spaced furring or cushions and with a toe that covers floor expansion voids. Base is manufactured in limited colours (generally black and brown) and is generally used in gymnasiums and other sports floor installations.
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.06 Profiled or Millwork Base: This is a specialty rubber base with a profile similar to moulded wood base board and available in various thicknesses and heights that is offered by a limited number of manufacturers. Bases are available in a variety of colours and the material may also be painted in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. Consult base manufacturer and local distributor for product availability.
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.07 Specialty Bases: This type of base is offered by a limited number of manufacturers that include those with photo-luminescent strips and/or letters and directional arrows (e.g. fire exit) for fire exits. Consult base manufacturer and local distributor for product availability.
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.08 Stair Bases: Refer to resilient bases above and stair stringers below.
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.08 Prefabricated Base Corners: Consult base manufacturer and local distributor for product types, gauges, lengths, and availability.
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.09 Conventional Base Corners: Refer to Part B06 - Installation Guide for specific details.
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9 - STAIR COVERINGS
.01 General:
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.02 Rubber Stair Treads: These treads are made of compression moulded rubber compounds and provide a dense homogeneous composition in a moderate range of colours, patterns, styles and gauges to suit heavy and medium duty applications.
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.03 Vinyl Stair Treads: These treads are made of extruded homogeneous vinyl compounds in a variety of colours, styles, and gauges, for medium and heavy-duty use.
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.04 Stair Nosings: These separate stair edges are available in a range of materials, colours, styles, and sizes and offer extra durability and excellent stair protection and safety.
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.05 Stair Risers: These are made from flat or moulded rubber and can be supplied in the same or contrasting colours to match moulded treads.
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.06 Stair Stringers or Skirting: from vinyl or rubber that can be supplied in the same or contrasting colours to match moulded treads.
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.07 Stair Stringers or Skirting: from vinyl or rubber that can be supplied in the same or contrasting colours to match moulded treads.
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.08 Tactile Warning Strips: Made of vinyl or rubber composition and fabricated for interior installations to warn the visually impaired of a potential danger, and to alert pedestrians that they are approaching a potential hazard such as ramps, stairways, or other obstacles by providing a perceptible change of colour and texture on the floor surface.
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.09 Remarks: Installation of treads, risers, and stringers shall be in accordance with manufacturer's printed instructions.
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10 - ACCESSORIES
.01 Protective Edgings:
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11 - FINISHES
.01 Flooring materials are either pre-finished or require a site applied finish after installation. The provision and maintenance of such finishes must be in strict accordance with the flooring manufacturers requirements particularly in regard to slip resistance and static dissipation. This also includes the use of cleaning and maintenance materials recommended by the manufacturer. To use other cleaning materials and procedures may well void any manufacturer’s guarantees and warranties.
.02 Special Note: Where a high gloss floor finish is required by the end user, careful consideration must be given to substrate preparation as such finishes will highlight any imperfection under the flooring including cracks, ridges, dimples, and even particulate matter not removed by cleaning before flooring installation. |
END OF PART B03C