Floor testing prior to installation, is it really needed?
Flooring failure can be the result of product, installation, site, maintenance, specification or other error. The failure to properly tests prior to installation often a costly error.
At the time of an onsite visit flooring inspectors such as the Weinheimer Group will often perform floor testing to help identify and verify the concern being investigated.
Some tests are performed on the product and the structure. Other tests are performed only on the flooring products, structure or a component of the installation. Sometimes additional testing will need to be made in a certified lab.
Floor Testing Is Not A Cookie Cutter Process
Onsite Flooring Inspection and Testing
Prior to testing an inspector will gather information e.g., history of the installation, concern, site, maintenance and structure. This information is reviewed to further assist in looking for potential causes or contributors to the floor covering failure. This information will also give guidance in the type of floor testing that will be performed.
Many flooring products have their own installation requirements and manufactures standards always take precedence over industry standards. Once industry and manufacturing standards have been reviewed, they are compared against how the installation was performed and/or if the product was the correct product for the installation.
If improper maintenance was a possible cause these histories are further reviewed and compared against the maintenance requirements for the floor covering product along with the site and environmental conditions.
Following thorough investigation and testing, a written report with photographs is furnished to the commissioning party. This report explains what was found and what was determined to be the cause of the failure.
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Sometimes floor testing finds the problem to be a seasonal or temporary concern. Sometimes it is found that a flooring failure can only be corrected by a full replacement. Other times by a partial replacement or repair.
If the investigation shows that there is a solution for correcting. The commissioning party has requested that information. It can be included in the report.
In many situations the commissioning party only wants floor testing and for their own reason will ask that a suggested solution not be offered.
Scheduling an Inspection and Onsite Testing
Unlike many testing and inspection companies, the Weinheimer Group does not sell, maintain or install flooring products. Our emphasis is on determination of cause and solving problems.
Since we service Oregon and Washington states, a site visits usually needs to be scheduled a week or more in advance. When the commissioning party is willing to pay for a rush trip, that can often be arranged.
Following the site visit, reports usually take 2 -5 days to prepare. The length of time is determined by the amount of additional research needed and often the cooperation of those that we need to obtain additional information from.
When hiring The Weinheimer Group for floor testing or investigation you need to understand that we are flooring experts and not hired guns. Occasionally after an investigation, the finding is not in favor of the party that commissioned It. Most understand as they were looking for the facts and not someone to place the blame on.
During our investigation and testing we look for the true and honest cause and our reports tell it like it is. Our reports are not based on feelings or option but on facts including the tests results, industry, product and manufacturing standards.
From residence to multistory complexes the Weinheimer Group can help you. Contact us for an Inspection or Consultation.