ASTM F1516-23

Standard Practice for Sealing Seams of Resilient Flooring Products by the Heat Weld Method (when Recommended)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Seams in some resilient flooring are heat sealed to prevent openings from forming between cut edges and to prevent penetrations of dirt, liquids, etc., into the seams. Decorative appearances may also be achieved using contrasting heat weld thread (rod).
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the instructions and precautions to be observed to ensure satisfactory performance of seams in resilient flooring sealed by the heat weld method.  
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See precaution information in 6.1.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 13.220.40 - Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products
• ICS: 97.150 - Floor coverings
• Technical Committee: F06 - Resilient Floor Coverings
• Drafting Committee: F06.40 - Practices

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F141-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2023
• Refers: ASTM F141-12(2020) - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM F141-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM F141-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM F141-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM F141-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM F141-04 - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM F141-03 - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 10-Jun-2003
• Refers: ASTM F141-01a - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Refers: ASTM F141-00A - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Refers: ASTM F141-01 - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001
• Refers: ASTM F141-00B - Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 10-Aug-2001

Overview

ASTM F1516-23: Standard Practice for Sealing Seams of Resilient Flooring Products by the Heat Weld Method (when Recommended) sets forth guidelines for effectively sealing seams in resilient flooring using the heat weld method. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is designed to help prevent openings between cut edges and protect against the penetration of dirt, liquids, and other contaminants. By following ASTM F1516-23, flooring professionals and installers ensure optimal seam integrity, extended product life, and improved aesthetic finish when using resilient flooring materials such as sheet vinyl, tile, and linoleum.

Key Topics

• Purpose of Heat Welding
  The primary objective of the heat weld method is to create a durable, sealed seam that prevents dirt, moisture, and contaminants from entering seam lines in resilient floor installations.

• Installation Instructions

  • Floors must be installed in line with the manufacturer's guidelines.
  • Particular attention is given to accurate seam cutting, seam tightness, and observing waiting periods before proceeding to routing and welding.

• Heat Welding Process

  • Seams are routed to manufacturer-specified depths prior to welding.
  • Specialized electric or manual routing tools are needed.
  • Heat welding involves melting a colored thread (rod) into the routed seam using a hot air tool with variable temperature settings. Test welds on scrap materials are recommended to ensure proper conditions.
  • Decorative effects can be achieved by selecting rod colors that match or contrast with the flooring.

• Finishing and Trim

  • Once the welding is complete and cooled, excess weld rod is trimmed flush with the flooring surface.
  • Some installations may require a topical sealer or glazing for blending gloss and color.

• Safety and Precautions

  • Proper handling of hot air guns, routing tools, and trim knives is essential to avoid injury.
  • Extension cords should be checked for safety and used with ground fault receptacles.
  • Adhering to correct temperature and speed is necessary to avoid damage to flooring materials.

Applications

• Commercial Buildings
  Hospitals, schools, and commercial offices use the heat weld method to provide seamless, hygienic, and durable flooring surfaces that withstand heavy traffic and regular cleaning.

• Healthcare and Institutional Settings
  Seam sealing is critical for preventing the ingress of liquids and contaminants in environments where cleanliness and infection control are priorities.

• Designer and Decorative Flooring
  Contrasting or matching welding rods can create visually appealing seam patterns, enhancing the design potential of resilient flooring installations.

• Renovations and Repairs
  ASTMF1516-23 provides guidance for repair of new or existing seams, ensuring restored durability and appearance.

Related Standards

• ASTM F141
  Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings - Provides definitions relevant to resilient flooring and is referenced in ASTM F1516-23.

• Other Relevant ASTM Standards

  • Standards covering resilient flooring installation practices
  • Guidelines for flooring adhesives and maintenance

• International Standards
  ASTM F1516-23 aligns with globally recognized principles and the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee’s recommendations for international standardization.

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By adhering to ASTM F1516-23, professionals ensure robust seam sealing for resilient flooring products through standardized heat welding practices. This protects installed floors from damage, enhances their appearance, and supports long-term performance in demanding environments. For comprehensive and up-to-date guidance, consulting the current official ASTM standard publication is recommended.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1516 − 23
Standard Practice for
Sealing Seams of Resilient Flooring Products by the Heat
Weld Method (when Recommended)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1516; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 5. Instructions
1.1 This practice covers the instructions and precautions to
5.1 Flooring shall be installed in accordance with the
be observed to ensure satisfactory performance of seams in manufacturer’s instructions.
resilient flooring sealed by the heat weld method.
5.2 Particular attention shall be paid to proper cutting of
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
seams and tightness of cut seams. Specified tightness of seams
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
to be heat sealed (welded) will vary depending on the flooring
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
product and type of tools used to perform the heat weld.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5.3 Prior to heat welding, seams shall be routed to a depth
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
specified by the manufacturer. Routing can be accomplished
See precaution information in 6.1.
with electric or hand routing tools as specified by the manu-
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
facturer. Follow flooring manufacturer’s instructions for spe-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
cific details.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.4 Unless specified otherwise by the resilient manufacturer,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
wait 24 h before routing and heat welding the seams. This
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
allows time for the adhesive to set. Heat welding must be
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
completed before beginning initial flooring maintenance. Some
tile products are routed at the factory, and on site routing is not
2. Referenced Documents
2 required. Heat welding involves the melting of thread (rod)
2.1 ASTM Standards:
into the gap of a routed seam. Special electric hot air tools with
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
variable temperature settings are required. Because tempera-
ture settings will vary, depending on the length and wire gauge
3. Terminology
of extension cord, room and under floor temperature, floor
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice refer to
covering material, welding rod composition, etc, test welding
Terminology F141.
is recommended. Verify the correct thread color, then using
excess or scrap material, make test welds as needed to establish
4. Significance and Use
heat welding conditions. Next, do a trial length seam and
evaluate after cooling to determine if the bond strength and
4.1 Seams in some resilient flooring are heat sealed to
appearance of the weld thread to the seam edges are satisfac-
prevent openings from forming between cut edges and to
tory. Weld threads are available in a variety of plain, solid
prevent penetrations of dirt, liquids, etc., into the seams.
colors and patterned versions. The color or pattern of the thread
Decorative appearances may also be achieved using contrast-
can be selected to either match with the flooring color to hide
ing heat weld thread (rod).
or disguise the seam or contrast with the flooring color to
accent the seam.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on Resilient
5.5 Approximately one-half of the weld thread
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1516 − 13 (Reapproved 2018) F1516 − 23
Standard Practice for
Sealing Seams of Resilient Flooring Products by the Heat
Weld Method (when Recommended)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1516; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the instructions and precautions to be observed to ensure satisfactory performance of seams in resilient
flooring sealed by the heat weld method.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. See precaution information in 6.1.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice refer to Terminology F141.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Seams in some resilient flooring are heat sealed to prevent openings from forming between cut edges and to prevent
penetrations of dirt, liquids, etc., into the seams. Decorative appearances may also be achieved using contrasting heat weld thread
(rod).
5. Instructions
5.1 Flooring shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
5.2 Particular attention shall be paid to proper cutting of seams and tightness of cut seams. Specified tightness of seams to be heat
sealed (welded) will vary depending on the flooring product and type of tools used to perform the heat weld.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on Resilient Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.40 on Practices.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2018May 1, 2023. Published January 2018May 2023. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20132018 as
F1516-13. DOI: 10.1520/F1516-13R18. – 13 (2018). DOI: 10.1520/F1516-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1516 − 23
5.3 Prior to heat welding, seams shall be routed to a depth specified by the manufacturer. Routing can be accomplished with
electric or hand routing tools as specified by the manufacturer. Follow flooring manufacturer’s instructions for specific details.
5.4 Unless specified otherwise by the resilient manufacturer, wait 24 h before routing and heat welding the seams. This allows time
for the adhesive to set. Heat welding must be completed before beginning initial flooring maintenance. Some tile products are
routed at the factory, and on site routing is not required. Heat welding involves the melting of thread (rod) into the gap of a routed
seam. Special electric hot air tools with variable temperature settings are required. Because temperature settings will vary,
depending o
...