Elastic floor coverings with click connections can deform when exposed to partial heat effects from above, e.g. from sunlight. None of the applicable standard test methods can currently reflect this behaviour correctly.
The type of heat transfer, the size of the test specimens, the disregard for the influence of connecting elements or underlays lead to deviating results. A research project completed in June of this year was dedicated to the development of a new test method that takes these points into account. The result is two test devices in which the floor coverings to be tested are exposed to heat (HotSpot) from above on a partial area. The resulting deformations can be measured using sensors. A threshold value allows differentiation between thermally stable and unstable floor qualities. The test devices differ in size, as the test area to be laid is either over 4 m² (see image) or only approx. 0.4 m². A technical solution in the form of a table version is available for the small test area.