EN 986:2005

Overview

EN 986:2005 is a European Standard developed by CEN that defines a precise method for assessing the dimensional changes and distortion out of plane in textile floor covering tiles caused by varying moisture and heat conditions. This standard is essential for manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and flooring professionals who require reliable testing procedures to evaluate product performance under environmental stresses. Applicable to all textile floor coverings in tile form, EN 986:2005 ensures consistency, durability, and dimensional stability for these materials in real-world settings.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  EN 986:2005 applies specifically to textile floor coverings in tile form, making it relevant across various tile sizes, including those up to 500 mm and larger.

• Dimensional Stability Testing
  The standard describes procedures to calculate dimensional changes by measuring flat dimensions of the tile specimens before and after exposure to controlled water and heat treatments. Changes are expressed as a percentage of the original dimensions, indicating shrinkage or expansion.

• Distortion Out of Plane Measurement
  EN 986:2005 also measures vertical deformation (buckling or warping) of tiles after exposure, which is crucial for assessing the practical usability of textile floor tiles in environments subject to moisture or temperature fluctuations.

• Detailed Conditioning and Testing Procedures
  Specimens are conditioned in a standard atmosphere per EN ISO 139, then subjected to specific heat and moisture treatments-including drying at 60 °C and immersion in water at 20 °C-to simulate real environmental stresses.

• Accurate Instrumentation Requirements
  The standard outlines the use of precise measurement tools such as slide gauges for dimensional measurements (accuracy to 0.05 mm) and devices capable of detecting vertical distortions with 0.5 mm accuracy to ensure reliable and reproducible testing outcomes.

• Comprehensive Test Reporting
  The output requires detailed documentation covering specimen identification, testing conditions, calculated dimensional changes, distortion measurements, and any deviations from the test method.

Applications

EN 986:2005 is widely used in:

• Quality Control and Product Development
  Manufacturers of textile floor tiles apply this standard to ensure their products meet stringent dimensional stability requirements, minimizing installation issues related to tile deformation or size changes.

• Compliance and Certification
  Flooring suppliers and certification bodies utilize EN 986 compliance as part of product assessment and regulatory approvals within European and international markets.

• Durability Assessment in Varied Environments
  Testing products according to this standard helps predict performance in environments subject to humidity fluctuations and temperature changes such as commercial buildings, hospitals, educational institutions, and residential spaces.

• Installation and Maintenance Guidelines
  Knowledge of dimensional change characteristics assists flooring professionals in recommending installation techniques and maintenance protocols that accommodate material behavior over time.

Related Standards

• EN ISO 139:2005
  Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing textiles, referenced by EN 986 for the conditioning process before testing.

• Other Textile Flooring Standards
  EN 1307 (Classification of textile floor coverings), EN 1308 (Determination of residual indentation), and EN 1372 (Resistance to wear) complement EN 986 by providing additional performance testing methods relevant to textile floor coverings.

• General Floor Covering Testing Procedures
  Various standards cover mechanical properties, fire resistance, and indoor air quality metrics specific to flooring materials.

Keywords: EN 986:2005, textile floor coverings, dimensional changes, distortion out of plane, tile flooring, moisture effects, heat effects, textile floor tiles, dimensional stability testing, European Standard, CEN, flooring durability, textile floor quality control.