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TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Envoy cross-linked foams are tested to several European standard classifications:
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Thickness – Conformability
When choosing an underlay, it is important that the material is thick enough and yet elastic enough to conform should the floor be uneven or if there is any smll protruding particles left on the surface of the floor. All Envoy cross-linked foams are conformable so prevent the creation of unwanted sound bridges or cavities, thus giving a level surface on which to lay the floor.
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Drum Sound Performance
Drum sound (also called room, emitted or reflected sound) is principally defined as a perceived level of noise inside a room created by impact sources such as footsteps or dropped objects. Various test methods are currently under evaluation to determine both subjective and objective drum sound levels.
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Impact Sound Transmission
Impact sound transmission (also called Transmitted Sound Reduction) of laminate flooring is measured according to ISO 140-8 standard by using a tapping hammer against the floor. The results is a value known as an impact sound improvement index ÆLw (dB) which describes the differing noise levels in a room located underneath, once with and once without a floating laminate floor. The higher the value the lower the noise level in the downstairs room.
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Compressive Strength
Using ISO 844 and EN 13163 standards, the compressive strength of Envoy foams are tested at 0.5mm deformation. A minimum value of 20kPa is recommended to prevent potential damage to the tongue and groove system (click or non-click laminate) when puncture load is applied.
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Compressive Creep
Compressive creep is the loss of thickness over time under a specified load, and is measured according to EN 1606 and EN 13163 standards. The value, measured in kPa, refers to the maximum load which can be applied to the foam to ensure that the loss in thickness remains below 10% after 10 years loading time.
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Water Vapour Barrier
The water vapour barrier value of a material is the product of the diffusion resistance to water vapour passage and the thickness (sd = μ*d), and corresponds to the equivalent air layer thickness (m). With vapour permeable materials, sd values are lower than 0.05 m, while with vapour obstacles, the sd values are in the range 0.05 to 10m; vapour barriers are characterised with sd values exceeding 10 m
All Envoy cross-linked products are tested according to ISO 1663 standard (23ºC at 0-50% relative humidity), and give an sd value of at least 21m, eliminating the necessity for additional moisture barriers.
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Thermal Resistance
The thermal insulation or resistance of the underlay is particularly important if using underfloor heating. The standard used is ISO 8301 at 10ºC. According to EN 1264 part 3 – Floor Heating – System and Components, “the thermal resistance of Rl,B of all materials (underlay, laminate, carpet, etc.) laying on top of a heated floor should not exceed 0.150m2K/W to prevent an unnecessary increase of the flow temperature of the heating system.”
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Indicates cross-linked foam
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