CONSTRUCTION STANDARD SPECIFICATION

SECTION 09680

[CARPET TILE]{.underline}

Page

PART 1 -- GENERAL

[1.01 Summary 2](#summary)

[1.02 References 2](#references)

[1.03 Submittals 3](#submittals)

[1.04 Quality Assurance 4](#quality-assurance)

[1.05 Delivery, Storage, And Handling 4](#delivery-storage-and-handling)

[1.06 Sequencing And Scheduling 5](#sequencing-and-scheduling)

[1.07 Project Conditions 5](#project-conditions)

[1.08 Warranty 5](#warranty)

PART 2 -- PRODUCTS

[2.01 Manufacturers 6](#manufacturers)

[2.02 Materials 6](#materials)

[2.03 Manufactured Units 8](#manufactured-units)

[2.04 Accessories 8](#accessories)

[2.05 Source Quality Control 9](#source-quality-control)

PART 3 - EXECUTION

[3.01 Examination 10](#examination)

[3.02 Preparation 10](#preparation)

[3.03 Installation 11](#installation)

[3.04 Cleaning And Protection 12](#cleaning-and-protection)

[3.05 Carpet Removal 13](#carpet-removal)

**CONSTRUCTION STANDARD SPECIFICATION**

SECTION 09680

[CARPET TILE]{.underline}

# PART 1 -- GENERAL

## 

## 1.01 SUMMARY

A.  

B.  Furnish and install carpet tile, vinyl base adhesives and
    accessories as shown on Construction Drawings or as otherwise
    requested.

## 1.02 REFERENCES

A. American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)

> AATTC 16 Test Method 16, Test Option 16E: Watercooled Xenon Arc Lamp,
> Continuous Light
>
> AATTC 20 Fiber Analysis -- Qualitative
>
> AATTC 134 Electrostatic Propensity of Carpets
>
> AATTC 165 Colorfastness to Crocking - AATCC Crockmeter Method

B.  American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

> ISO 2551 Machine-made Textile Floor Coverings \-- Determination of
> Dimensional Changes Due to the Effects of Varied Water and Heat
> Conditions ISO 2551 (Aachen Test). (Previously DIN 54318, Aachen
> Dimensional Stability Test)

C. American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)

> ASTM D1335 Standard Test Method for Tuft Bind of Pile Yarn Floor
> Coverings
>
> ASTM D2859 Standard Test Method for Ignition Characteristics of
> Finished Textile Floor Covering Materials
>
> ASTM D3676 Standard Specification for Rubber Cellular Cushion Used for
> Carpet or Rug Underlay
>
> ASTM D3936 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Delamination of the
> Secondary Backing of Pile Yarn Floor Covering
>
> ASTM D5116 Standard Guide for Small-Scale Environmental Chamber
> Determinations of Organic Emissions from Indoor Materials/Products
>
> ASTM D5252 Standard Practice for the Operation of the Hexapod Drum
> Tester
>
> ASTM D5417 Standard Practice for the Operation of the Vetterman Drum
> Tester
>
> ASTM E648 Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of
> Floor-Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
>
> ASTM E662 Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke
> Generated by Solid Materials
>
> D. Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)
>
> CRI Indoor Air Quality Testing Program
>
> CRI TM101 Assessment of Carpet Surface Appearance Change
>
> CRI TM102 Fluorochemical Finishes
>
> CRI 104 Standard for Installation of Commercial Carpet

E. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

> CPSC FF-1-70 Methenamine Pill Test

F. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

> NFPA 101 Life Safety
>
> NFPA 253 Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor
> Covering Systems using a Radiant Heat Energy Source

## 

## 1.03 SUBMITTALS

A. The following shall be submitted in accordance with Section 01330,
"Submittal Procedures \":

B. Product Data: Submit manufacturer\'s product literature and
installation instructions for each type of carpeting material and
installation accessory required.

C. Samples

> 1\. Submit manufacturer\'s standard size samples showing full range of
> colors, textures and patterns available for each type of carpet tile
> required.
>
> 2\. Submit a minimum of four 18-inch square samples for each type of
> carpet tile required. Submit samples that are large enough to show
> pattern repeat if beyond an 18-inch sample dimension.
>
> 3\. Submit samples of each type exposed edge stripping, vinyl base,
> and accessory item.

D. Certification

> 1\. Submit certificate stating that the manufacturer and installer
> comply with Quality Assurance requirements. Include a minimum of five
> (5) references, complete with addresses, telephone numbers and contact
> persons for installations within the time period indicated.
>
> 2\. Submit manufacturer\'s certificate stating that materials
> furnished comply with specified requirements. Include supporting
> independent certified laboratory testing data indicating that material
> meets specified test requirements.
>
> 3\. Submit Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for adhesives, leveling
> compounds, and primers required.
>
> 4\. Submit written warranty information stating compliance with
> requirements.

E. Sustainability

> 1\. Submit manufacturer\'s documentation of recycled content for each
> product.
>
> 2\. Submit documentation of manufacturer\'s buyback and/or recycling
> program.
>
> 3\. Submit manufacturer\'s documentation that carpet, cushion and
> adhesives meet the Carpet and Rug Institutes (CRI) Indoor Air Quality
> (IAQ) Testing Programs Green Label or comply with the following total
> volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions criteria:

a\. Carpet not to exceed 0.5 milligrams per square meter per hour

b\. Cushion not to exceed 1.0 milligrams per square meter per hour

> c\. Adhesive not to exceed 10.0 milligrams per square meter per hour

F. Maintenance Instructions: Submit manufacturer\'s printed instructions
for maintenance of installed work, including methods and frequency
recommended for maintaining optimum condition under anticipated traffic
and use conditions. Include precautions against materials and methods
which may be detrimental to finishes and performance.

## 

## 1.04 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Manufacturer Qualifications: Firm (material producer) with not less
than 5 years of production experience, whose published literature
clearly indicates general compliance of products with requirements of
this section.

B. Installer Qualifications: Firm with not less than 5 years of
experience in installation of commercial carpet tile of type, quantity
and installation methods similar to work of this section.

C. Labeling: A label meeting the Federal Labeling Requirements, as
stated in the Textile Products Identification Act under the Federal
Trade Commission, shall be attached to the certification samples and the
products delivered.

D. For each colorway, per floor, furnish carpet tile from one dye lot
only.

## 1.05 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A. Comply with CRI 104, Section 5, "Storage and Handling"

B. Deliver materials to site in original factory wrappings and
containers, clearly labeled with identification of manufacturer, brand
name, quality or grade, fire hazard classification, and lot number or
provide independent certificates.

C. Store materials in original undamaged packages and containers, inside
well-ventilated area protected from weather, moisture, soiling, extreme
temperatures, humidity; laid flat, blocked off ground to prevent sagging
and warping. Maintain temperature in storage area above 40 degrees F. Do
not stack packages higher than recommended by manufacturer.

D. Comply with instructions and recommendations of manufacturer for
special delivery, storage, and handling requirements.

E. Extra Materials; On projects over 100 square yards, furnish an
additional 2 percent of carpet to be stored on SNL site for
maintenance/replacement needs. Additional carpet shall be packaged for
storage to prevent damage from sagging, warping, and other deleterious
effects.

## 1.06 SEQUENCING AND SCHEDULING

A.  Coordinate work of this section with other work to ensure that
    installed carpeting materials are not damaged or soiled.

## 

## 1.07 PROJECT CONDITIONS

A.  General: Comply with CRI 104, Section 6.1, "Site Conditions;
    Temperature and Humidity."

B.  Environmental Limitations: Do not install carpet tile until wet work
    in spaces is complete and dry, and ambient temperature and humidity
    conditions are maintained at the levels indicated for project when
    occupied for its intended use.

C.  Do not install carpet tile over concrete slabs until slabs have
    cured and are sufficiently dry to bond with adhesive and concrete
    slabs have pH range recommended by carpet tile manufacturer and in
    compliance with the values outlined in 3.01A of this document.

D.  When demountable partitions or other items are indicated for
    installation on top of carpet tile, install carpet tile before the
    installation of these items.

## 

## 1.08 WARRANTY

> A. Warranties shall cover all labor and materials, including labor and
> installation costs involved to replace defective product and
> workmanship. All warranty items are full term, not pro-rated.

B. General Warranty: Special warranties specified in the Article shall
not deprive SNL of other rights SNL may have under other provisions of
the Contract Documents and shall be in addition to, and run concurrent
with, other warranties made by Contractor under requirements of the
Contract Documents.

C. Special Carpet Tile Warranty: Written warranty, signed by carpet tile
manufacturer agreeing to replace carpet tile that does not comply with
requirements or that fails within specified warranty period. Failures
include, but are not limited to, more than 10 percent loss of face
fiber, edge raveling, snags, runs, and delamination.

1.  Warranty Period: minimum, non-prorated 15 years, from date of
    construction complete.

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D.  Special Installation Warranty: Written warranty, signed by carpet
    tile installer and general contractor agreeing to correct faulty
    workmanship.

> 1\. Installation Warranty Period: 2 years from date of construction
> complete.

# 

# PART 2 -- PRODUCTS

## 2.01 MANUFACTURERS

A. Subject to compliance with requirements, manufacturers offering
products that may be incorporated in the work include, but are not
limited to, those listed below.

> 1\. Lees Commercial Carpets Division/BurlingtonIndustries,Inc.
> (www.leescarpets.com)

2\. Mannington Mills Inc. (www.mannington.com)

3\. Milliken Contract Carpets (www.milliken.com)

> 4\. Shaw Contract Group (www.shawcontract.com)
>
> 5\. Collins & Aikman Floorcoverings, Inc. (www.powerbond.com)
>
> 6\. Interface Company (www.interfaceinc.com)

## 

## 2.02 MATERIALS

A. Compatibility: Provide carpet, adhesives, and other related materials
that are compatible with one another and with substrates under
conditions of service and application.

B. Physical Performance Requirements:

> 1\. Appearance Retention Rating: Severe (short-term not less than 4.0,
> long-term not less than 3.5) based on ASTM D-5252 (Hexapod) using
> 3750-gram tumbler or ASTM D-5417 (Vettermann) test method. Carpets
> shall be tested without underlay. The exposure conditioned carpet
> shall be assessed according to CRI TM101.
>
> 2\. Tuft bind: minimum average value, 8.0 pounds (Loop Pile)
>
> 3\. Dimensional Stability: maximum dimensional change ± 0.2 percent
>
> 4\. Delamination Resistance of the Secondary Backing: not less than
> 2.5 pounds per inch

5\. Colorfastness (entire colorline):

> a\. To Crocking: Color transfer Class 4 minimum, wet and dry, when
> tested as specified
>
> b\. To light: Color contrast between the exposed and unexposed carpet
> areas equivalent to a minimum of Grade 4 on the Gray Scale for Color
> Change after an exposure to 60 AFU (AATCC fading units) for all colors
>
> 6\. Fluorochemical finish: minimum average of 350 parts-per-million
> fluorine on the pile fiber when tested in accordance with CRI TM-102.

7.  Antimicrobial Activity: Inherently antimicrobial, topical finishes
    not allowed.

> 8\. Electrostatic Propensity: maximum 3.5 kV

9\. Flammability:

> a\. Methenamine Pill Test: Self Extinguishing -- compliance with
> Federal Flammability Standards CPSC FF-1-70 when tested in accordance
> with ASTM D 2859.

b.  Radiant Panel: minimum critical radiant flux of 0.45 watts per
    square centimeter.

> c\. Smoke Density: maximum 450

10\. Indoor Air Quality:

> a\. Carpet: shall be only those certified with the CRI IAQ Carpet
> Testing Program Green Label, or tested for compliance to meet the CRI
> IAQ Carpet Testing Program requirements and criteria.
>
> b\. Adhesive: shall be only those certified with the CRI IAQ Adhesive
> Testing Program Green Label or tested for compliance to meet the CRI
> IAQ Adhesive Testing Program requirements and criteria.
>
> c\. All products (carpet, cushion and adhesives) from current
> production must be retested on a quarterly basis to ensure continuing
> compliance with CRI IAQ Test Program requirements.

C. Material Requirements:

1.  Pile Fiber Type: 100 percent continuous filament nylon, Type 6 or
    Type 6,6

> 2\. Backing Materials:
>
> a\. Primary Backing: 100 percent synthetic materials.

b.  Secondary Backing: Fiberglass reinforced secondary backing
    consisting of a polymeric cushion or hard back compound consistent
    with all performance testing requirements.

> 3\. Recycled Content: Renewed nylon carpet, which is cleaned,
> retextured, recolored, or otherwise reused to produce new nylon carpet
> is acceptable; otherwise comply with the following recycled content
> requirements:

a.  Nylon Carpet Face Fiber: 25 percent minimum total recovered
    materials content.

b.  Nylon Carpet Backing: For vinyl primary backing, use the highest
    percentage of total recovered materials content available; however
    0% is not acceptable.

c.  Polymeric Cushion: Preference will be given to recycled content
    cushion backings.

> 4\. All materials must be 100% recyclable

D. Construction Requirements

1\. Surface texture: level or textured loop, multi-level loop, or
pattern

2\. Yarn: Multi-ply

3\. Tufting Machine Gauge: minimum 1/10 gauge

4\. Number of Stitches: minimum 8 per inch

5.  Finished pile thickness: minimum 0.125 inch, maximum 0.5 inch

6\. Average Finished Pile Yarn Weight: minimum 20 ounces per square yard

7\. Dye method: Yarn or solution dyed

> 8\. Color: To be selected by the Architect or SDR from Vendor
> colorline of product meeting this specification

## 2.03 MANUFACTURED UNITS

A. Product shall have a lead-time of not more than six (6) weeks from
the time the dealer receives the order to the time SNL receives the
product.

B. Patterns and colorways shall be available for a minimum of ten (10)
years.

C. All product within the same floor of a project shall be from the same
dye lot.

## 

## 2.04 ACCESSORIES

A. Carpet Edge Guard, Nonmetallic: Extruded or molded heavy-duty vinyl
or rubber carpet edge guard of size and profile required with minimum
2-inch wide anchorage flange; colors compatible with carpet furnished.

B. Cutback Underlayment and Patching Compound: \"Henry 345\" Flooring
Underlayment Powder, as manufactured by W. W. Henry Company or approved
equal.

C. Vinyl Base: 4 inches high, coved, 0.080 inch gauge.

D. Miscellaneous Materials: As recommended by manufacturers of carpet
and other carpeting products for intended application.

E.  Releasable Adhesive for Carpet: Provide water-resistant, low VOC
    (not to exceed 10.0 milligram per square meter per hour),
    non-staining type as recommended by carpet manufacturer which
    complies with flame spread rating required for carpet installation.

F.  Concrete Sealer: Provide concrete sealer compatible with carpet
    backing material and adhesive.

## 

## 2.05 SOURCE QUALITY CONTROL

A. Flammability Tests

1\. Radiant Panel: ASTM E648, Class I

2\. Smoke Density: ASTM E662

> 3\. Methenamine Pill Test: Self Extinguishing (CPSC FF-1-70 or ASTM D
> 2859).

B. Lightfastness: AATCC 16E

C. Crocking: AATCC 165

D. Static Electricity: AATCC 134

E. Dimensional Stability: ISO 2551

F. Turf Bind: ASTM D1335

G. Delamination Resistance: ASTM D3936

H. Fluorochemical Finish: CRI TM-102

I. Electrostatic Propensity: AATCC 134

J. Indoor Air Quality: ASTM D5116

K. Pile Fiber Identity: AATCC 20

L. Backing Material Identity: AATCC 20

M. Attached Backing:

> 1\. Thickness: ASTM D3676
>
> 2\. Volume Density: ASTM D3676
>
> 3\. Compression Resistance: ASTM D3676
>
> 4\. Compression Set: ASTM D3676

N. Test in accordance with NFPA 253 (ASTM E-648) when applying the floor
finish requirements of the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) to DOE
Facilities.

O. Carpets and rugs should have a critical radiant flux not less than
the following:

> -0.45 watts per square centimeter in areas unprotected by an automatic
> fire suppression system; and
>
> -0.22 watts per square centimeter in areas protected by an automatic
> fire suppression system.

# PART 3 - EXECUTION

## EXAMINATION

A. Examine substrates for moisture content alkaline presence and other
conditions under which carpet tile is to be installed. Provide Calcium
Chloride test results to verify amount of moisture in new or existing
slabs. Calcium Chloride shall be less than or equal to three (3) pounds
per one thousand (1000) square feet in 24 hours. Alkalinity testing
shall result in a pH range of 5--9. Notify CPM in writing of conditions
detrimental to proper completion of the work. Do not proceed until
unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.

B. Field verify all dimensions and other work conditions affecting the
installation of carpet tile.

> C. The carpet covered by this specification is intended for end use
> applications that have a Severe Use Classification. It is the
> Contractor's responsibility to provide only products compatible with
> adjacent materials in the assembly.

## 3.02 PREPARATION

A. General: Comply with CRI 104, Section 6.2, "Site Conditions; Floor
Preparation," and carpet tile manufacturer's written installation
instructions for preparing substrates indicated to receive carpet tile
installation.

1\. Concrete shall be cured, clean and dry before installation proceeds.

> 2\. Repair minor holes, cracks, depressions or rough areas using floor
> patching/leveling compound that is compatible with the adhesive to be
> used. Protrusions over 1/32 inch shall be leveled. Large patched areas
> shall be primed.
>
> 3\. Whenever a powdery or porous surface is encountered, a primer
> compatible with the adhesive shall be used to provide a suitable
> surface for glue-down installation.
>
> 4\. Remove existing brass utility caps and install SNL-furnished grout
> fill caps; grout level with existing substrate.
>
> 5\. Remove grease, oils, loose particles, paint, dirt, curing and
> parting agents, and all other foreign substances. Clear away debris
> and scrape up cementitious deposits from surfaces to receive carpet
> tile; vacuum clean immediately before installation.
>
> 6\. Subfloor shall be level and smooth and free from scaling and
> irregularities per Carpet and Rug Institute acceptable standards (CRI
> 104).
>
> 7\. Coordinate carpet installation with any underfloor
> electrical/telephone/data so conductors and cables are pulled prior to
> carpet installation. Accessories (floor power/communications
> monuments) shall be installed on top of carpet after installation.
>
> 8\. Sequence carpet tile installation with other work to minimize
> possibility of damage and soiling of carpet during remainder of
> construction period.
>
> 9\. Maintain room temperature at minimum 65 degrees F for at least 24
> hours prior to installation and relative humidity at approximately
> that at which the area is to be maintained.

B. Concrete (No Previous Flooring Material): Apply a concrete sealer
coat at the rate recommended by the sealer manufacturer. Use thin, fast
drying primers that are compatible with adhesives. Apply adhesive only
after primer is completely dry.

C. Concrete (Previous Flooring Materials Removed): Remove existing
adhesive by grinding with a concrete grinding machine and moist sand. Do
not use solvents to remove adhesive. Apply concrete sealer at rate
recommended by the sealer manufacturer. Use thin, fast drying primers
that are compatible with adhesives. Completely cover area with cutback
neutralizer per manufacturer\'s recommendations.

D. Wood: Patch all surface irregularities and seal with wood sealer as
recommended by manufacturer.

E. Vinyl Tile: Replace all loose, missing, and broken tiles with tiles
of equal thickness making note of any special requirements with respect
to asbestos on the Jobsite Hazard Evaluation. Strip existing tile of
wax, dirt and other foreign substances. Completely cover area with
cutback neutralizer per manufacturer\'s recommendations.

F. Proceed with installation only after unsatisfactory conditions have
been corrected.

## 

## 3.03 INSTALLATION

A. General: Comply with CRI 104, Section 13, "Carpet Modules (Tiles),"
and carpet tile manufacturer's written instructions, except where more
stringent requirements are shown or specified, and except where project
conditions require extra precautions or provisions to ensure
satisfactory performance of the work.

> 1\. Field verify all dimensions and other work conditions affecting
> the installation of carpet tile.
>
> 2\. Unless otherwise noted or approved on drawings, begin laying tile
> at centerline
>
> 3\. Comply with carpet tile instructions for direction of carpet tile.
> Unless otherwise noted on drawings align pattern and pile in the same
> direction, parallel to the centerline of the area or room
>
> 4\. Extend carpet tile under open-bottomed obstructions and under
> removable flanges and furnishings, and into alcoves and closets of
> each space. Existing systems furniture shall be raised or removed to
> accommodate continuous carpet installation.
>
> 5\. Provide cut-out where required, and bind cut edges where not
> concealed by protective edge guards or overlapping flanges.
>
> 6\. Install carpet edge guard where edge of carpet is exposed; anchor
> guards to substrate. Use full-length strips only.
>
> 7\. Expansion Joints: Do not bridge building expansion joints with
> carpet tile; provide for movement.

8\. Carpet tile shall be free from movement when subjected to traffic.

> 9\. Do not use pieces smaller than 1/3 of a standard tile without
> prior approval by the SDR.
>
> 10\. Provide mockup for approval by SDR of special cuts/effects such
> as mitered corners at borders or graphic patters that are prepared and
> installed onsite.
>
> 11\. Where there are floor finish material changes at doors, place
> centerline of abutting materials below door.

B. Glue Down Installation

> 1\. Fit sections of carpet tile into each space prior to application
> of adhesive. Trim edges.
>
> 2\. Apply a full spread of adhesive uniformly to substrate in
> accordance with manufacturer\'s instructions unless otherwise
> indicated by SDR. Follow MSDS instructions for ventilation
> requirements. Butt carpet tile edges tightly together to form seams
> without gaps. Butt edges tightly to vertical surfaces. Eliminate air
> pockets and ensure uniform bond. Remove adhesive promptly from face of
> carpet tiles.

C. Self-adhesive installation: Install per manufacturer's
recommendation.

D. Miscellaneous Installation, Stairway Carpeting: Install per
manufacturer\'s recommendation. Provide vinyl nosing at each riser.
Match adjoining carpet installation.

E. Install vinyl base after completion of carpet work. Use adhesive
recommended by vinyl base manufacturer.

F.  Coordinate adhesive blocking areas with SDR when floating carpet
    tile over access flooring.

## CLEANING AND PROTECTION

A. Remove and dispose of debris and recycle all unusable scraps.

> B. Remove excess adhesive and other surface blemishes using cleaner
> recommended by carpet tile manufacturer. Replace carpet tile where
> blemishes cannot be removed. Trim protruding face yarn from carpet
> tile surface. Vacuum carpet tile using commercial quality vacuum
> cleaner with face-beater element.
>
> C. Protect installed carpet tile to comply with CRI 104, Section 15,
> "Protection of Indoor Installations."
>
> D. Protect installation with a heavy, non-staining building paper. Do
> not use a moisture barrier such as plastic film. Maintain protection
> intact until construction complete.
>
> E. Advise SDR of protection methods and materials necessary to prevent
> deterioration or damage until construction complete.

## 

## 3.05 CARPET REMOVAL

> A. All carpet tile and scraps removed from SNL projects shall be
> recycled or reapplied. Disposal of product in landfill is not
> permitted.

B. Vacuum in-place carpet with industrial vacuum prior to demolition or
debris-producing renovation.

C. Remove carpet.

D. Stack on pallets for handling.

E. Store carpet off ground and under cover to prevent contamination of
materials by water, foreign matter or other causes.

F. Coordinate with SNL Inspector to deliver removed carpet to SNL
recycling program or contact manufacturer for pick-up for recycle. In
the case that the manufacturer does not have a recycling program,
contact an independent recycling program such as:

> 1\. BASF 6ix Again: (800 839-3233) or www.basf.com
>
> 2\. Collins & Aikman floor carpet buyback program: (800)248-2878 or
> www.powerbond.com
>
> 3\. Dupont-Partnership for Reclamation: (800)328-7719 or
> www.dupontcommercial.com
>
> 4\. Honeywell/Evergreen Nylon Recycling: (804)520-3564 or
> www.n6recycling.com
>
> 5\. Shaw Inc./Inforum: (877)502-7429 or www.shawcontract.com

END OF SECTION