Performance tested – what the results tell us

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.

Test: In-house test, developed by Altro, to check product performance and quality

Methodology: The test consists of two metal plates with a section of flooring placed on the bottom plate. The top plate presses down onto the bottom plate to simulate tread. The force is equivalent to the tread of an above-average weight person of 90kg.

Result: After 500k steps and 24 hours of recovery, the sample kept >75% of the stud height.

Benefit: The test proves the moisture vapour passage will function for the lifetime of the floor as the studs will not collapse.

Test: EN 24343-1

Methodology: Using a digital micrometer, the residual indentation is measured between maximum indentation after 2.5 hours of point pressure and then after 2.5 hours of recovery.

Result: Pass

Benefit: The test proves stability with static objects including chair/ table legs; indicating the flooring’s suitability for use with laboratory stools, school / dining chairs etc where potential floor damage from point loading is to be avoided.

Test: ISO 34-1 Method A

Methodology: A machine tear measuring the average of machine direction (MD) and cross direction (XMD) indicates how much force is required to start a tear.

Result: Altro adhesive-free floors are as resistant to tears as adhered vinyl flooring.

Benefit: The test proves that our adhesive-free floors will not tear when dragging equipment / furniture or pushing heavy loads / trolleys over them and that they are suitably robust for high traffic and demanding areas or installations, where poor quality flooring may rip e.g. hospital corridors, universities, hotels, busy working areas etc.

Test: EN 4918

Methodology: A castor chair test is carried out on a sample to demonstrate if there is any telegraphing of the pattern to the surface and any distortion of the surface when weight is dragged over it.

Result: Pass

Benefit: The test proves the durability and resilience of Altro adhesive-free flooring to castor chair / wheeled traffic and that the structure and aesthetics of the floor are maintained without any compromise to aesthetics.