ISO/TC 219 - Floor coverings

This document specifies a test method to evaluate moisture resistance to surface water exposure of a joined, floating, laminate flooring assembly/element. This document also establishes criteria for rating and assessing performance.

This document specifies two methods (A and B) for measuring abrasion of laminate floor covering elements. The tests described measure the ability of the surface layer to resist abrasive wear-through. Abrasion according to method A is achieved by rotating a test specimen in contact with a pair of loaded cylindrical wheels covered with specified abrasive paper. The resistance to wear according to method B is evaluated by abrading the face of test pieces with a specified abrasive applied by means of two loaded wheels. The number of revolutions of the test specimen required to cause a defined degree of abrasion is measured by both methods. NOTE The precision of the methods is not known. When inter-laboratory data become available, a precision statement will be added.

This document specifies a method for determining dimensional stability and curling of resilient floor coverings, in the form of sheets, tiles or planks after exposure to heat.

This document specifies guidelines for the development of specific textile floor covering maintenance and cleaning standards, procedures and criteria to reflect locally specific conditions. This document specifies the factors which are likely to impact the final results of textile floor covering cleaning, defining maintenance and cleaning terms to highlight differences. It establishes low-cost, non-residue and environmentally-friendly guidance for textile floor covering maintenance and cleaning under the premise of maximizing the use value of textile floor covering.

This document specifies a method for the determination of the number of tufts and/or loops per unit length and per unit area of a textile floor covering. It is applicable to textile floor coverings with the pile of which consists of tufts and/or loops.

This document sets out the requirements for installing textile floor coverings (carpets). It gives details of the work necessary in preparing subfloor surfaces together with the procedures that are to be adopted where textile floor coverings are laid over various types of subfloors and underlays and where subfloor heating units are installed. NOTE This document addresses needle insertion tufted, woven, fusion bonded, fibre bonded, knitted, non-woven, felted, and flocked textile floor coverings.

This document specifies methods for the determination of the total mass per unit area, total pile mass per unit area, and mass of pile per unit area above the substrate, and for the calculation of measured surface pile density and measured pile fibre volume ratio of textile floor coverings.

This document specifies four methods of test for textile floor coverings (with or without an underlay, see Clause 9) using the Lisson Tretrad machine. — test A: determination of mass loss of textile floor coverings, also used to assess fibre bind of synthetic pile carpets; — test B: determination of stair nosing appearance change of textile floor coverings; — test C: determination of fibre bind on synthetic loop pile carpets; — test D: determination of fibre bind (hairiness) on needled floor coverings and floor coverings without pile.

This document specifies a procedure for the determination of the dimensional changes and distortion out of plane likely to take place when textile floor coverings and tiles are subjected to varied water and heat conditions. The method is applicable to all textile floor coverings and textile floor coverings in tile form.

This document specifies the characteristics of heterogeneous poly(vinyl chloride) flooring on foam, based on poly(vinyl chloride), and supplied in roll form or tile and plank. Such products can contain a transparent, non PVC factory finish. To encourage the consumer to make an informed choice, this document includes a classification system, based on intensity of use, which shows where these floor coverings can be expected to give satisfactory service. It also specifies requirements for marking.

This document specifies the characteristics of homogeneous floor coverings, based on poly(vinyl chloride), supplied in either tile or roll form. Products can contain a transparent, non-PVC factory finish. To encourage the consumer to make an informed choice, this document also includes a classification system (see ISO 10874) based on intensity of use, which shows where these floor coverings give satisfactory service. It also specifies requirements for marking.

This document gives test methods to determine the dimensional variance between elements of laminate floor coverings in a manufactured free-standing shape (unrestricted) in respect of thickness, length, width, squareness, straightness, width flatness, length flatness, openings between assembled elements and height differences between assembled elements. NOTE These test methods are also applicable to other mechanically assembled panels, e.g. modular multilayer floorings.

This document specifies a method for determination of the locking strength of joints between laminate floor covering panels which are assembled with both vertical and horizontal mechanical locking systems. NOTE This method is also applicable to other mechanically assembled panels, e.g. modular multilayer floorings.

This document provides recommendations for the installation and use of textile floor coverings on stairs for both residential/domestic and contract/commercial purposes. It covers all products composed of textile material with a pile or non-pile use surface including the use of such products in tile form. This document is applicable only to carpets that are intended to be installed without the use of protective stair nosings. For carpets that are intended to be installed using protective stair nosings, the overall use class determines the stair suitability. NOTE 1 The use of stair nosings/edgings in public areas is often the subject of local bye-laws and legislations. NOTE 2 In many split-level dwellings, a room can have one or two steps between different levels. This situation differs from a stairway in several important respects: — the steps are usually wider and therefore traffic intensity in any one place is usually lower; — the carpet can be bent over steps in either the machine direction or the across-machine direction. On a stairway, it is normal practice to lay the carpet with the pile lying down the stairs.

This document describes methods for determining side lengths, straightness of edges and squareness of resilient or textile floor tiles and planks. The side lengths, straightness and squareness of resilient or textile floor tiles and planks are important considerations because installed flooring will have an objectionable appearance if these performance criteria are not followed. This can cause the installed tiles/planks to line up unevenly, producing unsightly seams and corners that do not match.

This document describes a method for determining the short-term indentation and residual indentation produced in a resilient floor covering after the application and removal of a constant load.

This document describes a method for determining the short-term indentation resistance of resilient semi-flexible/vinyl composition tile (VCT) floor covering after the application of constant load.

ISO 19322:2018 specifies the characteristics for resilient floor coverings based upon thermoplastic polymers, supplied either in roll, plank or tile form. To encourage the consumer to make an informed choice, this document includes a classification system (see ISO 10874) based on intensity of use, which shows where these floor coverings should give satisfactory service. It also specifies requirements for marking. This specification does not apply to floor coverings specified in ISO 10581, ISO 10582, ISO 10595, ISO 11638, ISO 10575, ISO 10577, ISO 24011 and ISO 26986.

ISO 10582:2017 specifies the characteristics of non-cushioned, heterogeneous floor coverings, consisting of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), supplied in either tile or plank or roll form. Products can contain a transparent, non-PVC factory finish. To encourage the consumer to make an informed choice, this document includes a classification system (see ISO 10874) based on the intensity of use, which shows where these floor coverings give satisfactory service. It also specifies requirements for marking.

ISO 10833:2017 specifies a method to determine the susceptibility of textile floor coverings to mechanical damage at cut edges. It is applicable to all textile floor coverings both as sheet materials and as tiles.

ISO 6347:2017 specifies the technical subjects that form the basis for the provision of information, at the point of sale, for consumer guidance prior to and after the purchase of a textile floor covering. It is applicable to textile floor coverings of all types.

ISO 20251:2016 specifies a laboratory test method for determining the water impermeability of textile floor coverings. This method cannot be used to characterize a wall-to-wall installation of textile floor covering tiles.

ISO 20326:2016 specifies requirements and test methods for floor panels/assembly for domestic and commercial levels of use, which have surface layers consisting of resilient floor covering. ISO 20326:2016 is not applicable to heterogeneous polyvinyl chloride floor panels/assembly for floating installation covered by ISO 10582 or to floor panels/assembly that are subject to frequent wetting, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and saunas.

ISO 4918:2016 specifies methods for determining the change of appearance and stability of a textile floor covering or any damage caused by detachment of layers, opening of joints, or crazing of a resilient or laminate floor covering under the movement of a castor chair.

ISO 18168:2015 describes a method for determining the colour fastness of textile floor coverings and yarns, loose fibres and tufts extracted from textile floor coverings, to the action of a reference shampoo solution.

ISO 16908:2015 specifies the characteristics of rubber floor tile/planks. ISO 16908:2015 includes a classification system based on intensity of use, which shows where resilient floor coverings should provide satisfactory service. ISO 16908:2015 specifies rubber floor tile/planks for applications involving the use of normal footwear and does not cover applications where special footwear, such as spiked shoes, may be involved.

ISO 16906:2015 specifies a method for determining the strength of the seams of resilient floor coverings when welded in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

ISO 10361:2015 describes procedures that use the mechanical action of a Vettermann drum or a hexapod tumbler tester to produce changes in appearance (surface structure and colour) to all types of textile floor coverings. It does not include pilling or colour changes due to other actions. Changes produced by these drum testers are assessed in accordance with the applicable assessment standard.

ISO 9405:2015 describes the procedures for assessing the overall change in appearance of textile floor coverings caused by Vettermann drum and hexapod tumbler testers according to ISO 10361 and ISO 4918.

ISO 16581:2014 specifies a method for determining the resistance of an installed resilient or laminate floor covering to the mechanical stress resulting from the simulated movement of a furniture leg.

ISO 4919:2012 specifies a method for determination of tuft withdrawal force and is applicable to all carpets with a cut or loop pile yarn structure.

ISO 10577:2012 specifies the characteristics of rubber sheet floor coverings without backing. ISO 10577:2012 includes a classification system based on intensity of use, which shows where resilient floor coverings should provide satisfactory service.

ISO 10575:2012 specifies the characteristics of rubber sheet floor coverings with backing. ISO 10575:2012 includes a classification system based on intensity of use, which shows where resilient floor coverings should provide satisfactory service.

ISO 6356:2012 specifies a method of evaluating the electrostatic propensity of textile and laminate floor coverings under controlled conditions. Since the potential generated varies with humidity, shoe materials, walk surface and individuals' mannerisms, the values generated by this test will not necessarily duplicate actual field experience, but will provide a relative comparison of the performance of different surfaces. For classification purposes and in cases of dispute, the measurement procedure specified in ISO 6356:2012 can be used under controlled conditions specified in the relevant classification standard or agreed between disputing parties. There may be occasions where measurements are required under non-controlled conditions, e.g. in situ measurements on installed floor coverings. The principle of measurement using the equipment specified in ISO 6356:2012 can be used to make measurements, either with the standard footwear specified or with specific footwear relevant to the end use.

ISO 14486:2012 specifies the characteristics of laminate floor coverings, supplied in either tile or plank form. To encourage the consumer to make an informed choice, the standard includes a classification system (see ISO 10874) based on intensity of use, which shows where these floor coverings should give satisfactory service. It also specifies requirements for marking.

ISO 10965:2011 describes a laboratory method for the determination of the electrical resistance of textile floor coverings. The method includes both horizontal and vertical measurements.

ISO 10595:2010 specifies the characteristics of semi-flexible/vinyl composition floor tiles based on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) binder and supplied in tile form. Products may contain a transparent, non-PVC factory finish. To encourage the consumer to make an informed choice, ISO 10595:2010 includes a classification system (see ISO 10874) based on the intensity of use, which shows where these floor coverings give satisfactory service. It also specifies requirements for marking

ISO 26986:2010 specifies the characteristics of floor coverings based on expanded (cushioned) poly(vinyl chloride), supplied as either tiles or rolls. ISO 26986:2010 includes a classification system based on the intensity of use, which shows where resilient floor coverings give satisfactory service.

ISO 10580:2010 specifies a general laboratory test method for determination of the area-specific emission rate of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and/or the vapour-phase VOC concentration under defined climate conditions. ISO 10580:2010 describes emission test chambers used for the determination of the emission of volatile organic compounds from resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings.

ISO 10874:2009 establishes a classification system for resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings. The classification is based on practical requirements for areas of use and intensity of use and is linked to the requirements specified in the relevant International Standard for each type of floor covering. ISO 10874:2009 is also intended to provide guidance for manufacturers, specifiers and consumers, to enable them to choose the appropriate class of floor covering for any given area of use or specific room.

ISO 24011:2009 specifies the characteristics of plain and decorative linoleum, supplied as either tiles or rolls. To encourage the consumer to make an informed choice, ISO 24011:2009 includes a classification system based on the intensity of use, which shows where resilient floor coverings provide satisfactory service. The term 'linoleum' is frequently incorrectly applied to a range of floor coverings, often to those based on poly(vinyl chloride) or rubber. Such materials are not included in ISO 24011:2009.

ISO 11379:2009 describes a laboratory-scale textile-floor-covering cleaning procedure using a spray-extraction technique. ISO 11379:2009 is applicable to all kinds of textile floor coverings, both machine-made and hand-made.

ISO 26987:2008 specifies a procedure for the determination of the reaction of resilient floor covering to chemical substances.

ISO 25620:2008 specifies a method for the determination of the long-side friction of joints between laminate floor panels which are held together on the floor by mechanical locking systems.

ISO 26985:2008 specifies methods for identifying linoleum and determining the cement content and ash residue of linoleum floor coverings.

ISO 24344:2008 specifies methods for determining the flexibility and deflection of resilient floor coverings.