SIST EN 995:1999

Overview

EN 995:1995 is a CEN European standard for textile floor coverings that specifies a laboratory method to assess the creep of backings (often called “cold flow”). The standard describes how to determine indentation resulting from the prolonged application of a very high static load, so manufacturers and users can evaluate the risk that some backing materials will deform permanently under sustained pressure.

Key Topics

• Purpose: Provide a repeatable procedure to evaluate backing susceptibility to long-term deformation (creep/cold flow).
• Test concept: Application of a high static load for a prolonged period and evaluation of the resulting indentation or deformation of the backing.
• Measurement focus: Quantification of indentation after the loading period to determine permanent set or ongoing creep behaviour.
• Scope limits: Intended specifically for assessing the backing layer of textile floor coverings rather than pile wear, surface appearance or overall carpet dimensional stability.
• Result interpretation: Results indicate relative risk of backing deformation under sustained loads (e.g., heavy furniture, static equipment); used for comparison and quality control.
• Terminology: Uses terms such as “creep,” “cold flow,” “backing,” “indentation,” and “static load.”

Applications

• Flooring manufacturers: validate backing formulations and production processes to reduce risk of long‑term deformation.
• Product development and R&D: compare backing materials and formulations for improved dimensional stability under load.
• Quality assurance and batch testing: ensure consistency between production runs and compliance with performance expectations.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies: provide objective data for product declarations and conformity assessment.
• Specifiers, architects and procurement professionals: use results as part of material selection criteria where sustained static loads are expected (e.g., commercial interiors, areas with heavy equipment).

Related Standards

• EN 995:1995 is part of the suite of standards addressing textile floor coverings performance. For a complete assessment of carpet/flooring performance, users commonly reference other EN standards covering wear, dimensional stability, flammability, slip resistance and backing attachment (consult national standards bodies or CEN for specific cross‑references).

This standard is essential when evaluating the long‑term performance of carpet backings: use EN 995:1995 test data to reduce installation risks associated with permanent indentation and cold flow of textile floor coverings.