Flooring Inspection

Per EN 13318, screeds must be classified by binder type (CT for cementitious, CA for calcium sulphate, MA for mastic asphalt). Screed properties must meet EN 13813 requirements for compressive and flexural strength. Surface flatness must be within tolerance — typically 3 mm under a 2 m straightedge for most floor coverings. Residual moisture content must be measured per EN ISO 12570 and must be below the floor covering manufacturer's limits before installation.

1. Measure surface flatness using a 2 m straightedge and feeler gauge — maximum 3 mm deviation for standard coverings

2. Test residual moisture using a calibrated hygrometer probe at 40% screed depth per EN ISO 12570

3. Confirm moisture levels are within limits (typically 75% RH for most coverings, 0.5% CM for cementitious screeds)

4. Check surface strength by scratch test — surface must be free from laitance, dust, and loose material

5. Verify any cracks in the screed have been assessed and treated before covering is laid

- Screed moisture content above limits, causing adhesion failure or blistering of floor covering

- Surface laitance not removed, resulting in bond failure between adhesive and screed

- Flatness tolerance exceeded, causing visible undulations in thin floor coverings

- Screeds cracked due to insufficient curing or missing movement joints

- Damp proof membrane missing or damaged beneath ground floor screeds

Multi-layer parquet must comply with EN 13489, solid parquet with EN 13226, and mosaic parquet with EN 13227. Wood flooring must be acclimated to the building environment (typically 18–24 °C, 40–60 % relative humidity) for a minimum period per manufacturer's requirements before installation. Expansion gaps must be provided at all fixed elements to accommodate seasonal moisture movement.

1. Verify product compliance with EN 13489, EN 13226, or EN 13227 as applicable

2. Confirm flooring has been acclimated on site — check moisture content of boards (typically 7–11 % for interior use)

3. Check expansion gaps are provided at all perimeter walls and fixed objects (minimum 10–15 mm)

4. Verify adhesive type and coverage pattern meets manufacturer's specification for bonded installations

5. Inspect surface finish for consistent appearance, correct plank alignment, and tight joints

- Insufficient acclimation causing boards to expand or contract excessively after installation

- Expansion gaps too small or filled with sealant, preventing seasonal movement

- Cupping or crowning of boards due to moisture imbalance between top and bottom surfaces

- Adhesive coverage insufficient, causing hollow spots and debonding

Per EN 13329, laminate floor coverings must be classified by use class per EN ISO 10874 (e.g. Class 23 for heavy domestic, Class 32 for general commercial). Laminate flooring is installed as a floating system with a minimum 8 mm expansion gap at all fixed elements. An underlayment meeting EN 16354 must be used to provide impact sound reduction, moisture protection, and to compensate for minor subfloor irregularities.

1. Verify the product use class per EN ISO 10874 is appropriate for the intended application

2. Check expansion gaps at all walls and fixed objects (minimum 8 mm per EN 13329)

3. Confirm underlayment is installed per EN 16354 with joints taped and no overlapping

4. Verify click-lock joints are fully engaged along the full length of each plank

5. Check that no adhesive, nails, or screws have been used to fix the floating floor to the subfloor

- Use class too low for the application (e.g. domestic class used in commercial setting)

- Expansion gaps insufficient or blocked by skirting fixed too tightly to the floor surface

- Underlayment not installed or overlapped instead of butted, causing ridges

- Click-lock joints not fully engaged, resulting in gaps between planks

- Transition strips missing at doorways, preventing free movement of the floating floor

Per EN 14041, resilient floor coverings must declare essential characteristics including reaction to fire, slip resistance, and formaldehyde emission. PVC floor tiles must comply with EN 649 and heterogeneous vinyl with EN 10582. Subfloor preparation is critical — surface must be smooth, flat, dry, and free from contamination. Adhesive type and application must follow the manufacturer's specification for the specific product and subfloor combination.

1. Verify product declaration per EN 14041 for fire classification, slip resistance, and emissions

2. Check subfloor flatness (typically 2 mm under a 2 m straightedge for thin resilient coverings)

3. Confirm adhesive type and open time are correct for the product and substrate per manufacturer's requirements

4. Inspect seam welding quality — hot-weld rod must be flush with the surface and fully fused

5. Verify pattern alignment and consistent appearance across the installation

- Subfloor irregularities telegraphing through thin resilient coverings

- Adhesive failure due to excessive subfloor moisture or incorrect adhesive selection

- Seam welding incomplete or poorly trimmed, creating hygiene and trip hazards

- Edge lifting at perimeters and doorways due to insufficient adhesive coverage

- Indentation from heavy point loads (furniture legs) on softer vinyl products

Textile floor coverings must comply with EN 1307 for classification of pile carpets including wear resistance (use class), comfort rating, and appearance retention. Fire classification must be declared per EN 14041. Carpet tiles must meet EN 1470. Installation must follow manufacturer's instructions for adhesive type, gripper strip positioning, and seam placement. Underlay selection must be compatible with the carpet type and end use.

1. Verify product classification per EN 1307 and fire performance per EN 14041

2. Check carpet tiles are installed in correct orientation (monolithic, quarter-turn, or brick pattern per specification)

3. Inspect seam positions — seams should be located away from high traffic paths and doorways

4. Verify gripper strip installation (broadloom) — correct distance from wall (approximately two-thirds carpet thickness)

5. Check for consistent pile direction and pattern matching across seams

- Use class insufficient for the traffic level, leading to premature wear

- Carpet tiles installed in incorrect orientation, creating visible pattern inconsistencies

- Seams positioned in doorways or high-traffic areas, causing premature opening

- Underlay missing or incorrect specification, reducing comfort and carpet lifespan

Per EN 16165, slip resistance of floor surfaces must be tested using validated methods (pendulum test, ramp test, or surface roughness measurement). CEN/TS 16165 provides guidance on classification of results. Floor surfaces in areas prone to water contamination (entrances, kitchens, bathrooms, swimming pools) require higher slip resistance values. Minimum requirements vary by area use and contamination risk.

1. Verify specified slip resistance values per EN 16165 are appropriate for the intended location and contamination risk

2. For critical areas (wet rooms, kitchens, entrances), confirm pendulum test value (PTV) meets minimum requirements

3. Check consistency of slip resistance across the installed floor area, including different material transitions

4. Verify transition strips between different floor levels are installed where step height exceeds 6 mm

5. Inspect entrance matting zones — sufficient length (typically 3 pace lengths) to remove moisture from footwear

- Slip resistance adequate when dry but insufficient when wet in areas prone to water contamination

- Polished or sealed floor surfaces with reduced slip resistance compared to the original product test

- Missing or inadequate entrance matting, allowing water to be tracked onto smooth internal floors

- Floor maintenance regime using products that reduce slip resistance over time