Overview
ISO 11638:2020 specifies performance, identification, classification and marking requirements for heterogeneous poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) flooring on foam - resilient floor coverings supplied as rolls, tiles or planks. The standard covers PVC-based wear layers on a foam backing (optionally with a transparent factory finish) and provides a consumer-oriented classification system (based on intensity of use) to indicate where products can be expected to give satisfactory service.
Keywords: ISO 11638:2020, heterogeneous PVC flooring, foam-backed flooring, resilient floor coverings, wear layer.
Key Topics and Technical Requirements
- Identification / Binder content: Products are identified by wear-layer binder content. Two types are defined: Type I ≥ 80% and Type II ≥ 30% (manufacturer certificate).
- Dimensional and thickness tolerances: Requirements for roll length/width, tile/plank side-length, squareness and straightness, overall thickness and declared nominal values (see ISO 24341, ISO 24346).
- Wear-layer thickness: Wear-layer nominal tolerances and classification-dependent minimums are specified to match intended use classes.
- Mechanical properties:
- Peel resistance: Average ≥ 50 N/50 mm, individual results ≥ 40 N/50 mm (ISO 24345).
- Flexibility: Mandrel flexibility tests (e.g., 20 mm and 50 mm mandrel diameters) with no cracking (ISO 24344).
- Dimensional stability and curling after heat: Typical limits (e.g., ≤ 0.4% dimensional change for sheet; ≤ 0.25% for tiles; curling limits) with an allowed manufacturer-declared exception up to 1% in narrow cases (ISO 23999).
- Comfort and durability tests:
- Indentation and residual indentation (ISO 24343-1), castor chair test (ISO 4918), and simulated furniture leg movement (ISO 16581) to evaluate walking comfort and long-term deformation.
- Seam strength (ISO 16906) requirements for welded joints depending on class.
- Colour fastness: Xenon arc/light stability to a minimum level (ISO 105‑B02 or ASTM F1515).
- Marking: Products/packaging must show ISO 11638:2020 reference, manufacturer ID, product name, colour/pattern and batch/roll number, applicable class/symbol, and for rolls - length, width and thickness.
Applications and Who Uses It
- Manufacturers: product design, QC, technical data sheets and conformity claims for foam-backed PVC flooring.
- Specifiers & architects: selecting appropriate commercial/domestic/light industrial flooring by class and performance.
- Installers & purchasers: verifying product marking, tolerances and suitability for intended installation (welding vs. dry-joint).
- Test laboratories & compliance teams: performing referenced ISO and ASTM tests to validate claims.
Related Standards
- ISO 10874 (classification), ISO 24340/24341/24342/24343/24344/24345/24346 (test methods), ISO 23997/23999, ISO 16906, ISO 105‑B02, ASTM F1515. These referenced standards provide the specific test methods and additional criteria used by ISO 11638:2020.