Test: In-house test, developed by Altro, to establish Moisture Vapour Transmission rate
Methodology: A piece of adhesive-free flooring is placed between a container of water and a lid in a humidity- and temperature-controlled chamber, which simulates the positioning of the floor over a damp substrate. The water can only escape through the embossed air channels on the product backing. The water loss is monitored continuously during testing and a rate of moisture vapour transmission obtained. The test was also carried out on a traditionally adhered flooring sample for comparison.
Result: After two weeks of testing, the results show that the moisture vapour transmission rate of the adhesive-free samples was more than twice as fast as that of the traditionally adhered flooring samples. Results also proved that water vapour escaped in a controlled manner through the embossed air channels on the product backing.
Benefit: The test proves that giving moisture the ability to evaporate through the building ensures that adhesive-free flooring is not at risk of the formation of water bubbles, which adversely affect the performance and / or aesthetics of the floor; visible proof that the escape of moisture vapour is controlled and efficiently executed.