6. Interior Building Finishes & Materials

Carpet estimating

As carpet is measured by the square yard (square meter), to estimate the amount of carpet needed for a given installation, two pieces of information are required: the area of the space and a carpet layout showing the seam locations and direction of the nap. For rooms wider than 12 ft (3.66 m), the amount of carpet required can vary depending on the seams' locations and the direction of the nap or pile, which should usually run in the same direction. The layout requiring the fewest square yards (square meters) is preferred. However, the locations of doors and windows, traffic patterns, and unique design features may suggest that a layout with some waste is more suitable.

VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile)

Resilient Flooring VCT/Vinyl Composition Tile is similar to vinyl tile with less PVC. While composition tile costs less than homogenous vinyl, it has less flexibility and abrasion resistance.

Vinyl Flooring

Resilient Flooring Vinyl is a durable, resilient flooring resistant to indentation, abrasion, grease, water, alkalis, and acids. It can be used below grade, on grade, or above grade.

Resilient Flooring

Resilient flooring describes several composition materials from various resins, fibers, plasticizers, and fillers to produce a thin material, either sheets or tiles.

Resilient flooring installation

Resilient flooring is applied with mastic to a subfloor of concrete, plywood, or another smooth underlayment. Some resilient floorings may be installed only on floors above grade, while others may be placed below, on, or above grade. Sheet goods can be turned up at the edge of a wall for an integral wall base called a flash cove, protecting water for easier cleaning.

slip resistance

Slip resistance: Avoid hard, slick flooring materials, especially in areas susceptible to wetting.

Axminster

Soft Floor Coverings Axminster is a very durable and long-wearing wool carpet.

broadloom carpet

Soft Floor Coverings Broadloom carpet or sheet carpet comes in long rolls, commonly 12 ft (3.66 m) wide, and is installed, so no seams are visible.

Carpet tiles

Soft Floor Coverings Carpet tiles are individual carpet pieces, typically 18 in (450 mm) square, applied to the floor with pressure-sensitive adhesive. Damaged or worn tiles can be replaced without removing the entire floor covering. They are suitable for commercial installations for frequent room layout changes, maintenance, or over flat under-carpet electrical and telephone cabling. The most common carpet construction methods are tufted, woven, and fusion bonded.

Fusion-bonded carpet

Soft Floor Coverings Fusion bonded carpet is constructed in facing pairs with the pile embedded in the backing on each side. It is then cut apart, creating a dense and durable cut pile carpet.

Tufted carpet

Soft Floor Coverings Tufted carpet is made by stitching tufts of yarn into a backing. A secondary backing may be added for greater dimensional stability.

Wilton

Soft Floor Coverings Wilton is a decorative woven wool residential carpet.

Solid wood flooring installation

Solid wood flooring is installed over a plywood subfloor or on wooden sleepers. Tongue-and-groove wood floor strips or planks are blind nailed or stapled; butt-jointed flooring is face nailed. An underlayment, typically exterior-grade plywood, may be required to install a concrete slab. The floor planks are not mechanically fastened to the subfloor in a floating floor installation.

Some general guidelines for locating carpet seams include:

Some general guidelines for locating carpet seams include: - Minimize the number of seams when possible. - Place seams away from major architectural or interior design features. - Avoid placing seams perpendicular to the main path of traffic. - Avoid running seams perpendicularly into doorways. - Avoid placing seams where the light will make them more apparent. - Avoid placing seams where traffic is heavy or where the flow of traffic changes direction.

Square Footage Method Wallcovering Calculation

Square Footage Method This method can estimate any wallcovering, including commercial, and can be used for most questions. This is also the method to use when the question is about wallpaper sold by the roll/double roll and when cost must be calculated as price per roll. Calculate the total covered wall area Add allowance for waste, typically 20% when less than 54 in (1372 mm) wide. Deduct for doors, windows, and other areas not covered. Divide the total covered area by the amount covered by each roll to determine the number of rolls needed To use this method, you must know the coverage per roll: A single roll of 27 in (686 mm) wide wallpaper contains 36 ft2 (3.34 m2). A double roll contains 72 ft2 (6.68 m2). A metric roll is 20.5 in (0.52 m) wide and contains about 28 ft2 (2.6 m2). A metric double roll contains about 56 ft2 (5.2 m2). Oriental weaves come in 36 in (0.91 m) widths.

StainMaster® is the trade name for...

StainMaster® is the trade name for a specially engineered nylon fiber made by Invista (formerly DuPont Textiles and Interiors, now owned by Koch industries) that resists stains, most typically used in carpet. Related is Scotchguard, the registered trademark of 3M. Both use the perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), a family of chemicals with unique properties to make materials stain- and stick- resistant, but are likely human carcinogens. PFOA was formerly used by DuPont to make Teflon, and PFOS was formerly an ingredient in 3M's Scotchguard. They were both phased out after revelations that the manufacturers had withheld decades of studies showing that the chemicals were extraordinarily persistent in the environment and build up in people's blood.

stone tile installation

Stone tile can be thin-set directly on a concrete subfloor with mortar. A cementitious backer board is usually required on wood subfloors. Unsanded grout is usually used with stone.

Straight match

Straight match: a pattern with horizontal repeating elements. Each strip starts at the ceiling line at the same place in the pattern.

Vinyl Wallcovering

Vinyl wallcovering is durable, abrasion-resistant, and easy to clean. Vinyl wallcovering is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, in rolls 52 in (1321 mm) or 54 in (1372 mm) and 30 yds (27.5 m) long. It can meet most code requirements for flammability and comes in 3 grades: Type I is light duty Type II is medium duty Type III is heavy duty

Wood flooring installation

Wood Flooring is usually installed only on wooden subfloors at or above grade level. Both subfloors and the finished layer of wood should be checked for moisture content before installation.

random match

random match: a pattern with elements that do not line up from one strip to another. Any two adjacent strips will match no matter how aligned

Broadloom carpet installation

Broadloom carpet is installed over a cushion using tackless strips or directly glued down with an adhesive.Adhesives can be applied to carpets by the manufacturer or spread on the carpet backing with a trowel or roller during installation. Spreadable adhesives can be used for a broader range of carpet types than adhesive-backed applications. Spreadable adhesives must be matched to the type of carpet backing and substrate to ensure a proper bond.

The main differences between the COF/Coefficient of Friction and the DCOF/Dynamic Coefficient of Friction is

COF (coefficient of friction) is measured while static and the DCOF while in motion. The higher the COF, the less slippery the surface. There are two basic measures of friction: 1. the static coefficient of friction, which is measured from a resting position 2. the dynamic coefficient is measured when the two surfaces are in relative motion

laminate flooring

Hard Flooring Laminate flooring has an inner core of high-density fiberboard (HDF), particleboard, or plastic. A melamine backing layer adds structural stability and moisture protection. The top wear layer may imitate hardwood, stone, or tile. Laminate flooring is easy to care for and is scratch-resistant. Laminate flooring is available in many plank widths and square tile sizes.

Drop match

Drop match: a pattern with elements that drop-down each repeat, appearing to repeat on a diagonal.The most common of these is the half-drop match. In this pattern, the elements drop from one strip to the next by half the pattern's distance.

durability

Durability: Resistance to physical abrasion, denting, and scuffing

Ease of maintenance

Ease of maintenance: Resistance to dirt, moisture, grease, and staining, especially in work and high-traffic areas.

Vinyl Wallcovering Calculations

Estimating vinyl wallcovering differs from estimating wallpaper in two ways: First, the vinyl wallcovering is sold by the linear yard. Calculations are based on length rather than rolls. Most commercial wallcovering has a width of 54 in (1372 mm). This is wider than most doors and windows, so no deduction necessary for most openings. You can use the strip method and deduct only for uncovered areas wider than 54 in (1372 mm). Instead, if you calculate the square footage, divide by 13.5 to convert square footage to linear yards, as commercial vinyl is sold in linear yards.

tests for fabric (textile) wallcovering

Fabric (textile) wallcovering The most current Room Corner Test standards for textile wallcoverings include: NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Coverings on Full Height Panels and Walls UL 1715, Fire Test of Interior Finish Material

Finish flooring comes in three types

Finish flooring comes in three types: hard, resilient, and soft floor coverings.

Floor tiles installation

Floor tiles are installed by either the thin-set or thickset process. Setting attaches the tiles to the flooring substrate with mortar. The joints are then filled with tile grout.

Foot comfort

Foot comfort: This quality is related to the degree of resilience and warmth.

Glass floor tiles installation

Glass floor tiles are set with a flexible membrane and adhesive. Unsanded grout should be used with smooth glass tiles to avoid scratching.

bamboo flooring

Hard Flooring Bamboo flooring is an environmentally sensitive alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. The only downside is that it must be transported a long distance.

Block flooring

Hard Flooring Block flooring consists of preassembled wood unit block, laminated block, parquet, and end grain block styles.

ceramic tile

Hard Flooring Ceramic tile is relatively thin and made from clay or a mixture of clay and other ceramic materials, having either a glazed or unglazed finish.

composite stone flooring

Hard Flooring Composite stone flooring is a class of manufactured materials that consists of stone chips mixed with a binder and formed into tiles. The stones most often used are quartz or marble with a resin or cement binding agent. When combined with various stone colors, the resin or other binder can be colored and yield a wide variety of colorations.

Concrete floors

Hard Flooring Concrete floors can be painted, stained, or integrally colored when cast. Smooth, level concrete is sealed to protect against water, stains, and grease.

Plank flooring

Hard Flooring Plank flooring comes in the same thicknesses as strip but is from 3¼ inches to 8 inches (83 mm to 203 mm) wide. It can also emulate wider, historic planking.

Porcelain Tile

Hard Flooring Porcelain tile is similar to ceramic tile but is more durable and less porous than ceramic tile, making it preferable for commercial installations or high-traffic areas. It is also less susceptible to freezing and thawing when used for exterior applications.

Poured floorings

Hard Flooring Poured floorings, including epoxy and latex resin, polyurethane, sports/athletic synthetic rubber, and other types, provide heavy-duty, seamless surfaces for applications with special sanitary, safety, and durability requirements. They can usually be installed with integral cove bases.

Quarry tile

Hard Flooring Quarry tile is glazed or unglazed tile, usually 6 x 6 in (3870 mm), and is made by the extrusion process from natural clay or shale.

stone flooring

Hard Flooring Stone flooring includes granite, marble, limestone, slate, and sandstone. The same types of stone can be used for the wall facing.

Strip flooring

Hard Flooring Strip flooring is one of the most common and consists of thin strips from 3/8 inches to 25/32 inches (10 mm to 20 mm) thick of varying lengths with tongue-and-groove edges. Most strip flooring is 2¼ inches (57 mm) wide, but 1½ inch (38 mm) wide strips are also available.

linoleum

Resilient Flooring Linoleum is a sustainable material composed of linseed oil, wood, pigments, and fillers applied over a backing of burlap or asphalt-saturated felt. Linoleum has excellent abrasion and grease resistance but has limited resistance to alkalis.

Engineered Hardwood

Hard Flooring Engineered hardwood flooring is typically manufactured from three or five layers of wood with factory UV-cured finishes for durability. Engineered flooring can be installed above or below grade, including in basements and over concrete slabs.

chair rails

A horizontal molding on an interior wall, placed to prevent the backs of chairs from rubbing against and damaging the wall surface.

cork

Resilient Flooring Cork is a renewable resource. Cork trees grow new skin in approximately nine years, and then the bark can be harvested again.

rubber

Resilient Flooring Rubber offers excellent resistance to deformation under loads, providing a very comfortable, quiet, resilient floor. Rubber, however, is not very resistant to oils or grease.

Alkyd paints

Alkyd paints have replaced oil paints, are made from oil-modified polyesters, and are solvent thinned. They are sometimes used in high-wear areas, including trim, floors, or cabinets. They emit more VOCs than latex paints.

AATCC 16

AATCC 16 Fade-Ometer tests colorfastness to light. This test simulates accelerated light aging and evaluates a coated fabric's ability to resist fading, gloss change, and surface deterioration. A similar test for chemical coated fabrics is CFFA-2, Acceleral Light Aging, using ASTM G155. By material: Direct Glue Wallcoverings AATCC 16.2 Option 1 or 16.3 Option 3 Grade 4 minimum at 40 hours* Wrapped Panels and Upholstered Walls AATCC 16.2 Option 1 or 16.3 Option 3 Grade 4 minimum at 40 hours* A fadeometer exposes a portion of a fabric to a light source for a specific number of hours. The exposed section is compared to the unexposed section and then rated on a scale of 1 to 5 (no change) for fading. Typical for upholstery or wallcovering is a minimum standard of 40 hours with little or no change.

AATCC 8

AATCC 8 Crocking resistance test, using Crockmeter Method. This test determines the resistance of a dyed or printed fabric textile to transfer color to other surfaces by rubbing. By material: Direct Glue Wallcoverings AATCC 8 Dry Crocking, Grade 3 minimum Wet Crocking, Grade 3 minimum Wrapped Panels and Upholstered Walls AATCC 8 Dry Crocking, Grade 3 minimum Wet Crocking, Grade 3 minimum

ASTM C1028

ASTM C1028 Standard Test Method for Determining the Static Coefficient of Friction of Ceramic Tile and Other Like Surfaces by the Horizontal Dynamometer Pull-Meter Method measures COF in the field. It uses a Neolite heel assembly to test both dry and wet surfaces and smooth and rough floor surfaces

ASTM C423

ASTM C423 Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by Reverberation Room Method SAA (ASTM 423): Another value used in the US is the SAA (Sound Absorption Average). It is determined by calculating the mean value from twelve one-third octave values of the sound absorption coefficient between 200 Hz and 2500 Hz and then rounding the result to the nearest 0.01. NRC (ASTM 423): The NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient), which is widely used in the US, is determined by calculating the mean value from four one-third octave values of the sound absorption coefficient (250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz) and rounding the result to the nearest 0.05. If the number is at the exact mid

ASTM D2047

ASTM D2047 Standard Test Method for Static Coefficient of Friction of Polish-Coated Flooring Surfaces as Measured by the James Machine. However, it can only be performed on smooth, dry surfaces in the laboratory. It should not be used for wet or rough surfaces

ASTM D2859

ASTM D2859 Standard Test Method for Ignition Characteristics of Finished Textile Floor Covering Materials, also known as the methenamine pill test. A test sample of the carpet is placed in a draft-protected cube and held in place with a metal plate with an 8-inch diameter hole. A timed methenamine pill is placed in the center and lighted. If the sample burns to within 1 in of the metal plate, it fails the test. All carpets sold in the United States must meet the requirements of ASTM D2859.

ASTM E2257

ASTM E2257, Standard Test Method for Room Fire Test of Wall and Ceiling Materials and Assemblies 1.1 This is a fire-test-response standard. 1.2 This test method is intended to evaluate, under specified fire-exposure conditions, the contribution to room fire growth provided by wall or ceiling materials and assemblies, or both. 1.3 This test method, simulating a fire in the corner of a 2420 by 3630 mm (8 by 12 ft) room containing a single open doorway, provides a means to evaluate the relative performance of specified wall and ceiling materials or assemblies when they are used together in the same relationship within an enclosure, and simulating the manner in which they will be used.

ASTM E2573

ASTM E2573 Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site-Fabricated Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Building Characteristics Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site Fabricated Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics. Fire Compliance with ASTM E84/NFPA 286 this is for mounting! Site fabricated stretch wall systems mounting. Stretch wall systems must comply with the requirements of ASTM E84 or NFPA 286. If stretch wall systems are tested according to ASTM E84, the system's preparation and mounting must comply with ASTM E2573 By material: Direct Glue Wallcoverings and Adhered PanelsASTM E84 (Adhered Mounting Method) - Class A or Class 1 Wrapped Wall Panels and Upholstered WallsASTM E84 (Unadhered Mounting Method) - Class A or Class 1

ASTM E84 (UL 723)

ASTM E84 (UL 723) Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials is one of the most common fire testing standards. It is also known as the Steiner tunnel test and rates the surface burning characteristics of interior finishes and other building materials by testing a sample piece with a controlled flame at one end in a narrow test chamber.

ASTM E84

ASTM E84/NFPA 286 Test Methods for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials Wall Finishes,Ceiling Finish- Steiner tunnel test flame-spread rating of finishes Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Steiner Tunnel Test. Rates the surface burning characteristics of the interior finishes and other building materials . Compares flame spread rating to glass reinforced cement board with a rating of 0 and red oak flooring rating of 100. Also used to generate a SMOKE DEVELOPED INDEX Alternate test is NFPA 286 Classifies materials into one of 3 groups based on flame spread . CLASS:A(I) Most Fire Resistant- 0-25, CLASS B(II)- 26-75, CLASS C(III) 76-100 Decorative moldings, trim, chair rail or wainscoting shall have a minimum Class C flame spread and smoke-developed index when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, as described in Section 803.1.2. and cannot exceed 10% of the wall or ceiling area where attached. Which test is most used for interior building materials and finishes to determine ratings for flame spread and smoke development? tests the flame spread rating of Interior Finishes and Building Materials, specifically of wall and ceiling materials. The others test either floor or wall materials.

ASTM F793

ASTM F793 Standard Classifications of Wall Coverings for Use Classification This classification provides criteria by which wall coverings of appropriate use characteristics can be chosen for particular residential and commercial decorating applications. 1.1 This classification covers the classification of wall coverings by use characteristics, that is, according to their serviceability in use, recognizing that certain wall coverings are designed primarily for decorative effect, while other wall coverings are also designed to achieve a high degree of serviceability.

Carpet Cushion / Padding

Carpet Cushion / Padding Carpet pads add resilience, reduce impact noise, and extend carpet life. They are most often used with residential carpets. Carpet pads that compress too easily will not withstand heavy traffic. Pads that are too thin wear down, or those too thick can affect balance; 1/2′′ (13 mm) is a suitable thickness for most applications. The cushion is not required for all carpets (such as with direct glue-down), but cushions increase the carpet's life, provide better resiliency and comfort, help sound absorption, and lessen impact noise. Common cushion materials include sponge rubber, felt, urethane, and foam rubber

Acrylic (carpet fibers)

Carpet Fibers Acrylic has moderate abrasion resistance, but it has a more wool-like appearance than nylon. Modacrylic is a modified version of acrylic.

nylon (carpet fibers)

Carpet Fibers Nylon is an economical carpet material that is very strong and wear-resistant. It has a high stain resistance and excellent crush resistance. It can be dyed with a wide variety of colors and easily cleaned. Because of its many advantages, including cost, nylon is the most widely used fiber for residential and commercial carpet

Olefin (Carpet Fibers)

Carpet Fibers Olefin (polypropylene) is used primarily for indoor-outdoor carpets and as an alternative to jute for carpet backing. It is very durable, is stain-resistant, and cleans easily. However, it is the least attractive artificial fiber and has a low melting point.

Polyester carpet fiber

Carpet Fibers Polyester carpet fiber is made from synthetic polymers, is highly abrasion resistant, has good crush resistance, good fade, stain resistant, is mildew resistant, and is low in cost. Texture similar to wool. Low resilience, wear paths, matting. Recycled content but not recyclable. Low cost; short life

wool (carpet fibers)

Carpet Fibers Wool is a natural material and overall one of the best for carpets. It is very durable and resilient, dyes very well, wears well, has a superior appearance, is flame resistant, and is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive fibers for the initial cost. Its disadvantages include a tendency to yellow with age (particularly when exposed to sunlight), shrink, and is subject to damage by moths and other insects Wool is used for both residential and commercial applications including upholstery, carpeting, draperies, and wallcoverings.

Carpet Backing

Carpet backing is the underside of the carpet; it provides dimensional stability and protection. Primary carpet backing locks carpet loops in place; it comes in polypropylene, polyester, fiberglass, or jute. The secondary backing is often woven polypropylene.

Carpet is made from several combinations of fibers, including...

Carpet is made from several combinations of fibers, including wool, nylon, acrylic, modacrylic, polyester, and olefin.

Carpet with acoustics

Carpet is the only floor finish that can absorb sound. Carpets produce a high degree of absorption in the middle to high-frequency range. The absorption is proportional to the pile height and density of the carpet and the pad's thickness.

terrazzo

Hard Flooring Terrazzo provides a highly durable and very low-maintenance floor surface. Terrazzo with a cement base is porous and requires a penetrating sealer for protection very low maintenance, seamless floor finish with the luxurious look of stone mosaic and durability comparable to that of concrete. Often selected for its decorative possibilities, terrazzo artists can produce striking medallions or intricate inlaid patterns. Terrazzo is a mixture of a binder and crushed aggregate, typically marble. Divider strips of brass, white alloy of zinc, or plastic are used functionally as control joints, and aesthetically as design elements to separate fields of color.

impact noise

Impact noise: Resilient flooring can cushion some impact noise. Soft or porous flooring materials reduce impact noise and airborne sound

Sand Cushion Method

In the sand cushion method, the finish system is separated from the structural slab with a membrane. The terrazzo system can move independently from the structure since the underbed is reinforced. Other methods should only be used if floor movement or deflection is not expected as they are more prone to producing cracks. Advantages of the portland cement on sand cushion method include: - Breathability - not affected by moisture vapor transmission - Can accommodate substrate defects - Can be sloped for drains - Can be used with radiant flooring systems Disadvantages include: - Requires at least 2′′ depth for installation - More limited color without glass chips allowed - Longer curing times - Size limitations of panels between dividers

Laminate floors installation

Laminate floors are installed as floating floors over plywood, OSB, concrete slab, or existing floor coverings. An underlayment reduces sound and moisture transmission from the substrate and allows the laminate flooring to expand and contract freely.

Latex Paint

Latex paint is water-based and is the most often used paint for interior work. The surface film that forms on drying allows water vapor to escape.

Gypsum Wallboard Finish Levels - Level 0

Level 0, Unfinished. Bare drywall for temporary construction or when the final decoration has not yet been determined. No taping, finishing, or corner beads.

Gypsum Wallboard Finish Levels - Level 1

Level 1 Used in plenum areas, attics, building service corridors, and areas concealed from public view. Sometimes called fire-tape, but will not meet fire resistance ratings without further prep. Taped, but without finishing over with joint compound. Surface free of excess joint compound, with tool marks and ridges.

Gypsum Wallboard Finish Levels - Level 2

Level 2 Used with water-resistant gypsum as a substrate for tiles or areas where a finished surface appearance is not important. Taped with a thin coating of joint compound over all joints and interior angles, fasteners, and accessories. Surface free of excess joint compound, and tool marks and ridges may be visible.

Gypsum Wallboard Finish Levels - Level 3

Level 3 Used in areas that will receive heavy texture (spray or hand applied) finishes before final painting. Also, appropriate where commercial-grade (heavy duty) wallcoverings will be final decoration. Should not be used where smooth painted surfaces or lighter weight wallcoverings are specified. Two coats of joint compound applied over joints, interior angles, fasteners, and accessories. Surface free of excess joint compound, tool marks, and ridges. Covered with a drywall primer before the application of the final decoration.

Gypsum Wallboard Finish Levels - Level 4

Level 4 Used when the finish decoration will be a residential grade (light duty) wall coverings, flat paints, or light texture. The prepared surface shall be coated with a drywall primer before applying final finishes. Release agents minimize damage if coverings are later removed. The weight, texture, and sheen level of the final wallcovering material selected should be considered. Not recommended for gloss, semigloss and enamel paints, or other reflective surfaces. Flat paints applied over light textures in critical lighting areas tend to reduce "joint photographing." Two coats of joint compound over joints and interior angles, with three coats of joint compound over fasteners. Smooth and free of tool marks and ridges. Covered with a drywall primer before the application of the final decoration.

Gypsum Wallboard Finish Levels - Level 5

Level 5 The highest quality finish is necessary to provide a uniform surface. This finish level is required where gloss, semigloss, or enamel are specified. Level 5 minimizes joint photographing and fasteners showing through the final decoration. Or when flat joints are specified over an untextured surface or in critical lighting conditions. The prepared surface shall be coated with a drywall primer before applying the final decoration. Similar to level 4, with an additional thin skim coat of joint compound trowel applied to the entire surface. Free of all tool marks and ridges. The prepared surface shall be covered with a drywall primer before applying the final decoration

Butting seaming (vinyl wallcovering)

Must be used for patterned wallcovering where matching is critical, or with dark-colored or deeply embossed material where removal of adhesive is difficult

NFPA 253 / ASTM E648

NFPA 253 / ASTM E648 NFPA 253 Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source. Also referred to as the flooring radiant panel test, this tests a carpet sample in the normal horizontal position and measures the flame spread in a corridor or exit way under the influence of a fully developed fire in an adjacent space. The flooring radiant panel test ASTM E648 is used for corridor flooring and certain types of flooring in only a few occupancies.

Leather floor tiles

Resilient Flooring Leather floor tiles made from leather hides and recycled scraps are marketed for residential and light commercial applications. Leather tiles can be damp (not wet), mopped, vacuumed, or cleaned with a soft cloth.

NFPA 265/ASTM E84

NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Coverings on Full Height Panels and Walls Room Corner test for textiles/fabric wall covering Fabric wallcoverings are usually laminated to a backing that provides dimensional stability. The backing also prevents the adhesive from bleeding through to the surface. These backings are usually acrylic or paper. Widths are generally 54 in (1372 mm). Fabric wallcoverings need to pass different flammability tests than paper or vinyl wallcoverings. If backing is added to an approved textile during installation, it may invalidate the original test. However, the manufacturer may provide a list of manufacturer-approved backings. Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile or Expanded Vinyl Wall Coverings on Full Height Panels and Walls. Evaluates extent to which textile wall finish contributes to fire growth in full scale mock up. May be required in addition to ASTM E84. Tried to simulate real world conditions.Rating based on if flame does not spread to ceiling. Pass or Fail

NFPA 286/ASTM E84

NFPA 286/ASTM E84, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth The "Room Corner Test" evaluates non-textile wall and ceiling finishes' contribution to fire growth. Room Corner Test, Ceiling Finish Steiner Tunnel test Evaluates extent to which wall and ceiling finish other than textiles contributes to fire growth. Flame spread rating of finishes. Alternate to ASTM E84

Double-cut seaming (vinyl wallcovering)

Overlapping adjacent strips and then cutting through and removing both. Results in a very tight butt joint.

palm wood flooring

Palm wood is harvested as a by-product from plantation-grown coconut palms. Palm wood flooring is available in 3⁄4" x 3" (19mm x 76mm) wide strips with tongue and groove edges like those of standard strip flooring. It is harder and more stable than maple, red oak and white oak.

Strip Method Wallcovering Calculation

Strip Method The strip method (also called the drop method or strip-count method) works for any width of wallcovering. It does not require memorizing or calculating how a roll of a given width covers many square feet/meters. 1. Calculate the perimeter of the room in inches2. Divide the total perimeter by the width of the roll to determine the total length needed.

Tekton

TEKTON is the brand name for Olefin (polypropylene) fibers used in carpeting and carpet backing. It's most well known asa brand of housewrap, which reduces the risk of air and moisture infiltration that could ultimately waste energy or lead to mold. Olefin is inexpensive and is highly resistant to chemicals, mildew, and microorganisms. It is highly resilient and nonabsorbent. Its desirable qualities make it useful for carpeting and carpet backing, but its low resistance to sunlight, heat, and flame makes it undesirable for most upholstery fabric. TEKTON and all TEKTON products denoted with ® or TM are registered trademarks or trademarks of Avintiv, which is owned by Berry Global.

DCOF AcuTest®

The dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) is now used to evaluate and specify floor surfaces' slip resistance. It has replaced the static COF, accurately measuring a surface's slip resistance when walking. The DCOF AcuTest® has determined that 0.42 wet is the standard for tile used in potentially wet and level applications.

NFPA 265

The room corner test NFPA 265 is the standard test required by the codes for napped, tufted, or looped fabrics or carpets used on walls and ceiling applications, not for flooring.

four main types of wallcoverings available in different widths

There are four main types of wallcoverings available in different widths: European/metric 20.5 in (0.52 m) American 27 in (686 mm) Oriental 36 in (0.91 m) Commercial 54 in (1372 mm) There are two basic methods for estimating wallcovering, square footage, or the number of strips or drops required.

Thickset Tile Installation

Thickset tile is installed in a portland cement mortar bed; this allows the floor to slope if desired. A waterproof membrane can be installed under the tile. The thick-set or full mortar bed installation method allows the tile setter to adjust the bed according to the exact thickness of each stone.

Thinset Tile Installation

Thinset tile is bonded to a continuous, stable backing with a thin coat of dry-set mortar, latex-portland cement mortar, epoxy mortar, or an organic adhesive. If a subfloor deflects or moves in some way, a thin-set tile installation will probably develop cracks

ASTM F1141

This specification covers the performance, quality, packaging, and marking requirements for flexible wall coverings as a finished product. Also included here are wall preparation and covering installation procedures. The manufacturers shall be responsible for thorough testing and inspection under representative field conditions prior to introduction of new finished products on the market. 1.1 This specification covers the performance, quality, packaging, and marking characteristics of flexible wall coverings as finished products.

Trim is defined as

Trim is defined as picture molds, chair rails, baseboards, handrails, door and window frames, and similar decorative or protective materials used in fixed applications. The distinction is important in terms of classification and testing for fire performance. Requirements do not apply to some types of trim, including handrails and guardrails. Nor do they apply to materials that are less than 0.036 in (0.91 mm) thick and applied directly to the surfaces of walls or ceilings.

UL 1715

UL 1715, Fire Test of Interior Finish Material This test method describes the testing procedures and requirements applicable to the classification of interior finish material assemblies by use of a standardized room fire exposure. 1.2 This test method is intended for use in the evaluation of the flammability contribution of wall material assemblies, ceiling material assemblies, or both, exposed to early fire growth under specified room fire exposure conditions. The effectiveness of fire barrier materials as protection for other combustible materials or components within the assembly is of primary interest for this evaluation.

tests for Upholstered panels

Upholstered panels The entire upholstered fabric wall panel system must meet fire/flammability ratings and other standards. These include but are not limited to: ASTM C423 Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by Reverberation Room Method ASTM E84 Test Methods for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials ASTM E2573 Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site-Fabricated Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Building Characteristics