Appendix I 1.1 flooring

I.1 flooring

I.1.1 CARPET

Use the standard field carpet in all typical office areas. Accent carpet and carpet borders are to be used in officer suites, conference rooms, corridors, and lobbies. The accent carpet or a carpet border may be used in other areas if approved by the DPW.

A minimum of 6’ of walk off carpet is to be used at all doors accessing the exterior where carpet is used inside the door. Walk off mats are to be used at all exterior doors where a material other than carpet is used inside the door.

Provide 5% minimum overstock for future modifications.

I.1.1.1 Guidance, Warranties, and Requirements

All carpet must meet the criteria set forth in ? Is there an army standard for carpet?.

LEED™ provides credits in the Material sand Resources as well as the Indoor Environment Quality categories for sustainable options that could be relevant to carpet and adhesive selection. More details on sustainable carpet selection are provided below in Section I.1.1.4 Sustainability.

I.1.1.2 Type/Size Requirements

24” square carpet tiles are preferred.

6’ or 12’ rolled goods are acceptable in low traffic areas like office and conference areas.

I.1.1.3 Quality Considerations

Different height carpets next to each other are generally inappropriate; proper preparation and consideration must be given to resolve this prior to installation.

Brand name continuous nylon fibers will wear better and provide more resilience than those made from polyester, acrylic, or olefin fibers.

Staple fibers are not allowed.

I.1.1.4 Sustainability

Whenever possible, sustainable carpet materials must be used. Sustainable properties of carpet that should be considered are:

Recycled content: either industrial waste and/or post consumer waste.

Recyclability of the product at the end of its life.

Yarn fiber type and dye method.

Proper cushion/padding material will extend the carpet life.

Expected life cycle for carpet as a whole.

Reduction or absolution of toxic chemicals, VOCs, and pollutant emissions.

I.1.1.5 Cushions/Padding

All carpet shall have an attached cushion/padding such as on carpet tiles or cushion/padding should be added to 12’ rolled goods.

All carpet shall meet all ADA requirements. Maximum pile thickness shall not be more than ½” thick.

I.1.1.6 Use and Selection

See charts in the Interior portion of Section 8 for locations and instances where carpet is an acceptable flooring material.

Carpet on stairs is not recommended. Other more durable material should be used, i.e., rubber treads.

I.1.1.7 Solid Colored Carpet

Solid color carpeting is to be used sparingly. If solid color carpet is installed, it should be installed so the “hand” is always in the same direction. Solid color carpet can be used as an accent or border carpet. If an entire room of solid colored carpet is to be installed rolled goods are preferred over carpet tiles.

I.1.1.8 Pattern Selection

Patterned carpets are preferred. Patterns help to “mask” soiling in traffic areas. Use only patterned carpets with distinguishable designs and patterns. Patterned carpet should be multi-colored with three or more colors, not just shades of the same color.

I.1.2 VINYL COMPOSITION TILE (VCT)

See charts in the Interior portion of Section 8 for locations and instances where VCT is an acceptable flooring material. VCT may be used in some locations that have occasional wet areas, have very high people and equipment traffic, or require constant cleaning. VCT installations should be designed with limited patterns and borders. A standard 12”x12”x1/8” tile is to be used. Provide 5% minimum overstock for future modifications.

Do not use VCT in:

Areas where multiple seams are a clean-up problem.

Clean rooms.

Laboratories.

Childcare centers.

Kitchens.

I.1.2.1 Adhesives

See the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive for the substrate the material is being installed over. Typically, a water-resistant adhesive is used. Adhesives that reduce or omit the use of toxic chemicals, VOCs, and pollutant emissions are preferred. Note that LEED™ provides credits that could be relevant.

I.1.2.2 Installation

Tiles shall be quarter turned on all VCT installation applications.

Verify that concrete slabs comply with ASTM F 710 and are clean and free to curing compounds, sealers, hardeners, and other materials that would interfere with bonding adhesive.

Apply five coats of acrylic floor polish allowing proper curing time between coats before moving furniture and equipment onto floor.

I.1.3 SHEET VINYL

See charts in the Interior portion of Section 8 for locations and instances where sheet vinyl is an acceptable flooring material. Sheet vinyl shall be a commercial grade product when used in a commercial facility. All seams shall be welded. Provide 5% minimum overstock for future modifications.

Sheet vinyl that reduces or omits the use of toxic chemicals, VOCs, and pollutant emissions are preferred.

I.1.4 PORCELAIN TILE

See charts in the Interior portion of Section 8 for locations and instances where porcelain tile is an acceptable flooring material. All tile floors shall have tile base. Tiles are excellent for durability and low maintenance. Minimize using tile with smooth glossy finishes for floors, as they tend to be very slippery. Instead, they may be used as an accent tile in limited quantities. Provide 5% minimum overstock for future modifications.

I.1.4.1 Sizes

Use large tiles where possible to limit grout lines for easier maintenance. However, maximum size should be 8” x 8” because of potential for building movement. Smaller tiles will tend to be easier to replace if needed.

I.1.4.2 Finish Texture

Interior tile finish texture should not be too rough. This creates cleaning problems and shall be avoided. Do not use a tile with grooves or ridges that are too deep. Dirt becomes trapped, making cleaning difficult. Make sure all tiles used in wet areas, or at entrances that can be wet, meet the proper slip resistance for the use.

I.1.4.3 Meet ADA and OSHA

All tiles used in flooring applications shall be slip resistant:

0.50 COF for walkway surfaces.

I.1.4.4 Grout

Select colors that will hide dirt the best for the tile selected. The grout will always darken with use. The grout line should be smallest as possible to avoid staining and fallout of grout material over time. Sealing grout after curing is recommended for easier maintenance.

I.1.5 WOOD

See charts in the Interior portion of Section 8 for locations and instances where wood is an acceptable flooring material. There are numerous types of hardwoods that are appropriate for flooring installations. New, more sustainable woods shall be considered, such as bamboo or cork. Finish stain colors are to be oak, walnut, cherry, or mahogany. Provide 3% minimum overstock for future modifications.

Wood that has been sustainably and/or locally grown and harvested is preferred.

I.1.6 SEAMLESS EPOXY

See charts in the Interior portion of Section 8 for locations and instances where seamless epoxy is an acceptable flooring material. Seamless epoxy flooring shall be used in spaces where cleanliness is very important. Because this material is impervious and does not have seams, it is perfect for areas where chemicals and other materials are used and potentially spilled. Slip resistant surfaces can be specified. Pour the flooring up the walls at least 4" to provide an integral seamless base.

Epoxy that reduces or omits the use of toxic chemicals, VOCs, and pollutants emissions are preferred.

I.1.7 RUBBER

See charts in the Interior portion of Section 8 for locations and instances where rubber is an acceptable flooring material. Rubber flooring typically comes in tiles much like VCT. There are, however, rubber sheet options. Consistent colors and types should be used throughout a facility. Rubber flooring has a better acoustical value than hard tile surfaces but is not quite as good as carpet is. The appropriate sealant should be used for easier maintenance. Rubber flooring can be a sustainable product as some types are made of recycled products. Provide 5% minimum overstock for future modifications.

Rubber that reduces or omits the use of toxic chemicals, VOCs, and pollutant emissions are preferred.

Rubber flooring is:

Durable.

Comfortable under foot.

Naturally slip-resistant.

Easy to install.

Easy to maintain.

I.1.7.1Basic Type

The commonly used rubber flooring comes in many different patterns, colors, and textures. Some examples are: solid, speckled, marbled patterns, and smooth, hammered, slate textures.

I.1.7.2 Heavy Duty Type

Is typically used for fitness center weight/workout rooms and heavy machinery areas. There are rubber flooring products designed specifically for weight rooms, aerobics, and other high impact applications. These products are typically interlocking tiles.

I.1.8 STAINED/SEALED CONCRETE

I.1.8.1 Chemically Stained or Colored

See charts in the Interior portion of Section 8 for locations and instances where stained/sealed concrete is an acceptable flooring material. Chemically stained concrete is a cost effective and attractive way to finish high-use floor areas like lobbies, corridors, locker rooms, casual snack bar areas, and patio spaces. Stained concrete may be scored or stamped to create a design.

Concrete that reduces or omits the use of toxic chemicals, VOCs, and pollutant emissions are preferred.

I.1.8.2 Unfinished (Sealed)

An unfinished floor typically needs to be sealed so that it is cleanable, especially if the space is used on a daily basis.