ISO 4760:2022

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 4760
First edition
2022-05
Laminate flooring — Topical moisture
resistance — Assembled joint
Sol stratifié — Résistance à l'humidité superficielle – joint assemblé
Reference number
© ISO 2022
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Materials needed . 2
4.1 Planks . 2
4.2 Plastic ring . . 2
4.3 Beaker. 2
4.4 Distilled or de-ionized water . 2
4.5 Dye colour . 2
4.6 Sealant . 2
4.7 Measuring device . 2
5 Conditioning . 3
6 Procedure .3
6.1 Assembling the test specimen . 3
6.1.1 Inspection . 3
6.1.2 Cutting . 3
6.1.3 Cleaning . 4
6.1.4 Assembly. 4
6.1.5 Gaps . 4
6.1.6 Test positions . . . 5
6.1.7 Sealant . 6
6.1.8 Ring placement . . . 6
6.1.9 Weights . 7
6.1.10 Zeroing gauge . 8
6.1.11 Initial height measurement. 8
6.1.12 Water . 9
6.1.13 Wet swell exposure . 10
6.2 Qualitative rating for wet swell . 10
6.3 Quantitative rating for wet swell . 10
6.4 Qualitative rating for recovery swell . 10
6.5 Quantitative rating for recovery swell . 10
7 Rating .10
7.1 Qualitative rating . 10
7.2 Quantitative wet swell .12
7.3 Qualitative rating and quantitative recovery swell .12
8 Calculations .12
8.1 Surface swell calculation .12
8.1.1 General .12
8.1.2 Wet swell sample average .12
8.1.3 Wet swell final average .12
8.1.4 Qualitative wet swell rating final average . .12
8.2 Recovery swell measurements . 13
8.2.1 General .13
8.2.2 Recovery swell calculation . 13
8.2.3 Recovery swell sample average . 13
8.2.4 Recovery swell final average . 13
8.2.5 Qualitative recovery swell rating final average .13
9 Statistics – Precision and bias – Interlaboratory studies .13
iii
10 Report .14
Annex A (informative) Seam/joint swell – Table of individual results .15
Annex B (informative) Example of photos to match with subjective ratings .16
Annex C (informative) Topical moisture resistance worksheet – Surface swell evaluation
worksheet .19
Annex D (informative) Water tightness of the joints .20
Bibliography .21
iv
Foreword
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v
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to evaluate small occasional topical moisture spill resistance properties
of a laminate flooring such as e.g. a glass of water falling and spilling then cleaned immediately after. A
laminate floor plank/tile is cut into pieces then connected using the profiled locking edges and fastened
into an assembled floating “T joint” configuration. The assembled specimen or elements are exposed to
surface water, evaluated for surface swell effect, after removing the water as well as after a recovery
time period. Evaluation criteria is qualitative, as well as quantitative. The method can also be utilized
to evaluate joint leakage, when exposed to surface water.
This document describes how to evaluate and rate the test specimens. It also provides an annex work
sheet to log and help assess specimen rating and measurement scores.
Some of the content of this document was already published in NALFA Surface Water Test_08-01-
[1]
2019 .
vi
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 4760:2022(E)
Laminate flooring — Topical moisture resistance —
Assembled joint
1 Scope
This document specifies a test method to evaluate moisture resistance to surface water exposure of a
joined, floating, laminate flooring assembly/element. This document also establishes criteria for rating
and assessing performance.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
surface swell
evaluation of visible and measurable raised edges of an assembled Laminate flooring panel/element
joint when exposed to water on the surface
3.2
assembled flooring joint
portions of a Laminate floor plank/tiles held together by their profiled edges that lock together
3.3
qualitative rating
visual and tactile assessment of the assembled flooring joints after exposure to the surface water swell
test
3.4
quantitative rating
measures assessment of the thickness swelling of the assembled flooring joints after the surface water
swell test
3.5
wet swell
quantitative rating of the specimen joint for surface water swell test, measured immediately after 24 h
of exposure and removal of the surface water
3.6
recovery swell
quantitative rating of the specimen flooring joint for surface water swell test, measured after 24 h
exposure, followed by 24 h recovery (re-drying)
4 Materials needed
4.1 Planks
Three planks with undamaged profiled edges. The test is to be run in triplicate. Each test requires one
plank.
4.2 Plastic ring
The plastic ring shall be PVC Pipe, or equivalent having (100 ± 5) mm (4 inch) inner diameter, minimum
25,4 mm (1 inch) tall.
4.3 Beaker
Beaker capable of measuring (100 ± 5) ml (3,4 fl. oz.) of water, should give approximately 9 mm (0,375
inch) deep water height in the plastic ring.
4.4 Distilled or de-ionized water
Distilled or de-ionized water, room temperature; (23 ± 3) °C [(73 ± 5) °F].
4.5 Dye colour
The dye colours shall be red or blue.
4.6 Sealant
Vaseline, silicone caulk or plumbers’ putty shall be used to seal the ring to the laminate plank.
4.7 Measuring device
The measuring device shall consist of a three footed flat support frame with dial indicator comparator
that can measure changes in surface height at a specified position (see Figure 1). A different device may
be used on condition that equivalence to the three footed device is proven.
The unit shall be equipped with a micrometer gauge capable of measuring up to nominal 25 mm (1
inch) graduated to 0,02 mm (0,001 inches). The foot/anvil of the indicator shall have a diameter of
(10 ± 1) mm [(0,394 ± 0,039) inches] with an exerted force of 1 N (0,22 lb-force).
Other suitable devices may be utilized, provided they offer at least equivalent measurement capability.
The same calibrated measurement gauge shall be used for before and after testing measurements.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
A micrometer with nominal 10 mm feet (3/8 inch)
B rigid acrylic plate or equivalent
Figure 1 — Example measuring device
5 Conditioning
Prior to testing for surface swell properties, specimens are to be conditioned per manufacturer’s pre-
installation acclimation recommendations and if acclimation conditions are not specified then acclimate
specimens at (23 ± 3) °C [(73 ± 5) °F] and (50 ± 5) % relative humidity for 24 h.
6 Procedure
6.1 Assembling the test specimen
6.1.1 Inspection
Inspect each test plank and ensure they are free of damage on all 4 sides.
6.1.2 Cutting
Cut a minimum of (152,4 ± 0,5) mm (6 inch) off of both ends (Part A and C) of the laminate plank and
use a minimum (304,8 ± 5) mm (12 inch) from the center (Part B). See Figure 2.
It should be noted that cutting wood products can generate wood dust. Wear suitable dust mask or use
with adequate vacuum exhaust to avoid dust inhalation exposure.
Key
a reference for assembling planks D tongue side/end
A left end of the laminate plank, refer to 6.2 E groove side/end
B middle part of the laminate plank, refer to 6.2
C right end of the laminate plank, refer to 6.2
Figure 2 — Plank layout (x 3 test assemblies)
6.1.3 Cleaning
Prior to assembly, make sure to thoroughly clean profiled edges of each specimen part (A, B and C).
Preference is to use an air gun and blow the profiled edges clean, followed by cleaning with a small
brush, suited to the task.
6.1.4 Assembly
Assemble parts A and C according to the manufacturer's recommended installation instructions,
...