Overview
EN ISO 11638:2022 (adoption of ISO 11638:2020, corrected 2021‑09) specifies requirements for heterogeneous poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) flooring on foam. It covers products supplied in roll form or as tiles/planks, and allows for a transparent, non‑PVC factory finish. The standard defines identification, minimum performance characteristics, a use‑intensity classification to help consumers and specifiers make informed choices, and marking requirements. EN ISO 11638:2022 supersedes EN 651:2011.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Product scope: Heterogeneous PVC floor coverings with a wear layer and foam backing (rolls, tiles, planks).
- Identification / binder content: Two binder classes by wear‑layer PVC content - Type I ≥ 80% and Type II ≥ 30% (manufacturer certificate).
- Dimensional and geometric tolerances: Length, width and tile/plank side straightness and squareness limits (e.g., tile side deviation limits, roll width deviation ≤ 0.15% of nominal).
- Thickness & mass: Overall thickness declaration and tolerances (nominal +0.18/−0.15 mm; average ±0.20 mm), wear‑layer thickness tolerance (+13%/−10%), and mass per unit area requirements.
- Mechanical properties: Flexibility (mandrel test: Type 1 - 20 mm, Type 2 - 50 mm no cracking), peel resistance (average ≥ 50 N/50 mm, individual ≥ 40 N/50 mm), and seam strength (added requirements).
- Thermal behaviour: Dimensional stability and curling limits after heat exposure (sheet flooring typically ≤ 0.4% dimensional change; curling limits e.g., sheets ≤ 10 mm). Manufacturer may permit ≤ 1% for specific applications with disclosed deviation.
- Durability & aesthetics: Indentation/residual indentation criteria, colour fastness to artificial light (ISO 105‑B02 ≥ Blue Wool 6 or ΔE ≤ 8 after 300 h / ASTM F1515 equivalent).
- Classification & marking: Use‑intensity classification (based on ISO 10874 style system) and marking rules to guide end users and installers.
Applications and users
EN ISO 11638 is intended for:
- Manufacturers developing and certifying foam‑backed PVC flooring.
- Product testing laboratories and quality control teams validating compliance (referenced test methods in the standard).
- Architects, specifiers and facility managers selecting floors based on wear class, dimensional stability and performance.
- Installers, distributors and procurement teams who require consistent marking and classification information for selection and warranty decisions.
Use cases: commercial offices, retail areas, healthcare and education environments where foam‑backed, heterogeneous PVC flooring is specified for comfort, acoustic properties and resilient performance.
Related standards
Common normative references and complementary documents include:
For specification or procurement, cite EN ISO 11638:2022 and consult the standard text for full test methods, limits and marking clauses.