Sheet Vinyl Performance

Archive of Older Topics Archive - Product Discussions #6
1

I have been asked to come up with performance criteria for sheet vinyl flooring for a medical institution. They have recently had a significant failure, and want to go through a thorough review and evaluation before choosing another standard product.

Does anyone have any suggestions for criteria (over and above the ASTM criteria for sheet vinyl flooring).

2

What was the “significant failure”? Is that the only thing they’re trying to avoid in the future, or have they had other problems with sheet vinyl flooring?

3

Would they consider something besides sheet vinyl?

Instead of trying to create a standard, then shop for vendors, ask the major vendors to submit their recommendations than have client evaluate the pros and cons of each and pick the preferred products.

4

I’m going to surmise this was adhesion failure, probably brought on by moisture migration. Is that the case? If so, then the literature about this issue can be consulted (as I suspect you have) about ways that can be mitigated. Otherwise, without a forensic determination of the failure of the product, how can you set criteria?

5

As far as I know, sheet vinyl flooring failures can fall into several categories:

  1. Not uncommonly, the flooring delaminates from the substrate, in which case the sheet material may be OK - it is the substrate preparation and adhesive material that need to change, and a moisture mitigation system may need to be applied prior to the flooring application.

  2. It is also possible that the failure consists of the fact that pattern has worn through or scratches are visible - this could be the case if it is a layered sheet with a decorative wear layer that is not very thick or a surface-applied pattern. Specifying a through-color sheet vinyl would address the situation.

  3. Actually, another possible failure is that it emits an odor, in which case GreenGuard certification or similar IAQ certification would be advisable.

At any rate, I agree with John’s comment about the need for a forensic determination, or at least a detailed description of the problem we are trying to solve.