Flooring Testing and Certification

Intertek PTL Flooring Solutions

Flooring systems are expected to perform under constant use, changing environmental conditions, and strict code requirements. Intertek evaluates flooring materials across commercial, residential, and specialty applications to verify safety, durability, and long-term flooring performance.

Intertek teams support flooring products from early floor testing through certification and ongoing compliance. Intertek works with manufacturers, distributors, retailers, architects, specifiers and end users by providing testing and certification support that helps flooring systems demonstrate code compliance and performance.

Areas of focus include Integrity, Safety, and Acoustics, along with fire performance, wear resistance, impact and load performance, moisture exposure, indoor air quality, slip resistance, installation conditions, and regulatory compliance.

Intertek evaluates flooring materials used in commercial buildings, residential construction, athletic facilities, healthcare settings, and industrial environments. Materials include Carpet for use in commercial, residential, automotive and aeronautics. Materials in resilient systems such as vinyl composition tile (VCT), luxury vinyl tile (LVT), sheet vinyl, linoleum, and rubber flooring, along with wood and sports wood systems, laminate, cork, ceramic tile, natural stone, terrazzo, and concrete surfaces.

Testing also extends to flooring adhesives, installation tapes, underlayments, and specialty sports flooring systems. Specialty sports flooring includes hardwood court systems, synthetic gym flooring, indoor and outdoor turf systems, multipurpose athletic surfaces, and shock-absorbing underlayment assemblies used in schools, arenas, fitness centers, playgrounds and training facilities.

Performance is evaluated for characteristics such as load resistance, impact absorption, fire exposure, slip resistance, surface friction, moisture conditions, and installation compatibility. Testing is structured around material composition, installation method, and expected service conditions to support code compliance, durability, and safety requirements.

Vinyl and resilient flooring products are expected to perform through wear, cleaning, moisture exposure, rolling loads, and changing indoor conditions. Intertek works with manufacturers to test luxury vinyl tile (LVT), vinyl composition tile (VCT), sheet vinyl, linoleum, rubber flooring, and related resilient floor coverings against the performance requirements tied to the product’s construction and intended use.

For LVT and vinyl flooring products, ASTM standards may include ASTM F1700 for solid vinyl floor tile, ASTM F925 for chemical resistance, ASTM F1514 for heat stability by color change, ASTM F1515 for light stability, and other resilient flooring methods, depending on the product type, construction, and intended use. Testing can address durability, dimensional stability, surface performance, chemical exposure, indentation, wear, adhesive compatibility, underlayment performance, and substrate conditions.

The resulting data can support product certification, retailer requirements, specification review, code compliance, and market access across U.S., Canadian, and international markets. It can also help identify performance concerns before a product is approved, specified, or installed.

Linoleum is often grouped with resilient flooring, but it still needs product-specific testing based on material composition, surface treatment, and expected service conditions. Intertek supports linoleum testing for performance areas such as chemical resistance, dimensional stability, color change, indoor air quality, surface durability, installation compatibility, and long-term use.

Testing can help linoleum manufacturers, distributors, and specifiers document performance for certification programs, retailer requirements, and project specifications

Intertek supports flooring performance and installation readiness through laboratory and field testing aligned with North American and international code requirements and applicable government regulations.

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This includes testing and conformity assessment to demonstrate compliance with building codes, fire performance standards, slip and load requirements, and other criteria referenced in federal, state, and local construction and procurement regulations. Documentation supports product approval, permitting, inspection, and acceptance in regulated facilities.

Testing programs also evaluate conditions that affect flooring installation and long-term indoor environmental quality, including substrate moisture, surface flatness, emissions, and sanitation performance.

Intertek services also address flooring system durability and maintenance considerations, including Cleanability, Health, Air Quality, and VOC performance, to support safer, healthier occupied environments.

Testing programs may also evaluate flooring system Interaction with adhesives and substrates, Sustainability characteristics, and performance verification needed for Certification and regulatory acceptance.

Installation-focused services may include Certified Installer verification, Post-Installation evaluation, and Forensic Failures investigations when flooring systems require root-cause analysis.

Floor Testing Services by Intertek	What Flooring Performance does Intertek Evaluate	Common Standards for Floor Testing
Acoustic Floor Testing	Impact insulation class and sound transmission performance	ASTM E492, ASTM E90, ISO 10140
Floor Flatness Testing	Slab and finished floor tolerances affecting installation and serviceability	ASTM E1155
Concrete Moisture Testing	Moisture conditions and flooring system compatibility	ASTM F2170, ASTM F1869
Fire and Flammability Testing	Reaction-to-fire and flame spread performance of flooring materials	ASTM E648, EN ISO 9239-1
VOC and Indoor Air Quality	Emissions from flooring materials for low-emitting programs	CDPH 01350, ISO 16000
Slip Resistance Testing	Surface traction and walking safety	ANSI A326.3, ASTM D2047
Sanitation and Microbiology	Resistance to microbial growth and surface cleanability	ISO 846, ASTM G21
Sustainability and Low-Emitting Materials	Environmental and low-emitting material performance	CDPH 01350, LEED
Government and Regulatory Testing	Code compliance and market entry support	Varies by jurisdiction
Custom Floor Test Programs	Project-specific performance evaluations	Project specific
For the complete list of our Master Flooring Testing Capabilities, download our comprehensive brochure:

Intertek supports flooring certification programs that help manufacturers demonstrate compliance with applicable standards and bring products to U.S., Canadian, and international markets.

Certification programs may address product performance, environmental emissions, installation practices, and sustainability claims through documented testing, evaluation, and ongoing quality assurance programs. These programs support Certification, Safety, and Sustainability objectives referenced in building codes and procurement specifications.

Intertek participates in leading industry and standards organizations that support flooring testing, performance, safety, and product quality.

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accredited

Intertek is accredited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the international standard for testing laboratory competence. This accreditation verifies technical capability within a defined scope and confirms operation of a laboratory quality management system consistent with recognized international requirements.

National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) administers NVLAP, which accredits laboratories based on technical competence and ability to perform specific tests. Accreditation confirms compliance with requirements for quality systems, personnel, equipment, traceability, validated methods, and reporting. NVLAP Lab Code: 100297-0.

PJLA Testing Accreditation

PJLA provides independent third-party accreditation for testing and calibration laboratories. The organization evaluates laboratory quality systems, procedures, and operational controls to confirm compliance with recognized international standards and support consistent laboratory operations.

Partnerships & Affiliations Supporting Flooring Standards and Testing

Intertek maintains partnerships and affiliations with industry organizations and educational institutions that support research, testing, workforce development, and advancement of flooring and related materials.

The Carpet and Rug Institute

CRI operates the Seal of Approval program, which evaluates carpet cleaning products and equipment through standardized testing. Products are assessed for cleaning performance and carpet protection, supporting product development and helping inform purchasing decisions within the flooring industry.

ASTM International

ASTM International develops voluntary consensus standards used worldwide across construction, manufacturing, and materials industries. These standards support product testing, performance evaluation, and regulatory compliance across a wide range of materials and applications.

American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC)

AATCC supports the global textile industry through standards development, testing materials, research resources, and professional education. The organization connects laboratories, manufacturers, and researchers working to advance textile performance, durability, and product quality.

Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC)

The IICRC establishes recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. The organization supports training, credentialing, and professional practices across companies involved in cleaning and restoration services.

ISSA Worldwide Cleaning Community

ISSA represents companies across the global cleaning industry, including manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and service providers. The association supports industry standards, education, and collaboration across commercial and institutional cleaning sectors.

Starnet Commercial Flooring Partnership

Starnet Worldwide Commercial Flooring Partnership is a network of independent flooring contractors and manufacturers across North America. The organization supports collaboration, training, and shared practices that contribute to project execution and performance in commercial flooring applications.

Synthetic Turf Council

STC promotes quality, safety, and sustainability within the synthetic turf industry. Members include manufacturers, testing laboratories, designers, installers, and maintenance professionals who work to improve system performance, installation practices, and the long-term use of synthetic turf systems.

North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA)

NALFA represents laminate flooring manufacturers and suppliers across North America. Products that pass established performance tests may receive the NALFA Certification Seal, indicating conformance with recognized laminate flooring performance requirements.

National Association of Floor Covering Technicians (NAFCT)

NAFCT provides education and training for flooring installers, inspectors, contractors, and distributors. The organization works with manufacturers and industry professionals to support installation practices and technical knowledge across the floor covering industry.

Unite Floor Training Alliance

Unite Floor Training Alliance connects new flooring installers with training programs, certification opportunities, and financial support. The organization focuses on workforce development by supporting access to education and technical training within the flooring industry.

National Institute of Certified Floor Inspectors (NICFI)

NICFI is a nonprofit association of certified independent floor covering inspectors. Members evaluate flooring installation, product performance, and site conditions across a range of flooring materials used in residential and commercial applications.

Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI)

RFCI represents manufacturers and suppliers of resilient flooring materials in North America. The organization supports research, standards development, and industry initiatives related to product performance and material use.

Dalton State College

Dalton State College provides associate and bachelor’s degree programs designed to support workforce development and career preparation. The institution promotes lifelong learning and community engagement while serving students and employers throughout northwest Georgia and the surrounding region.

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution located near Atlanta. The university offers more than 180 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs and is recognized for innovation in teaching, research, and applied learning opportunities.

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