MFMA Sustainable Sports Floors
Sustainable Sports Floors: Selection Considerations 1 LU/HSW/SD Hour
AIA Best Practices The Maple Flooring Manufacturer’s Association (MFMA) sponsors this course provided by BD+C University, a Registered Provider with the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on completion of this learning unit will be reported to CES records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for non-AIA members are available upon request. This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed of construed to be an approval or endorsement of the AIA of any materials of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or products. Questions related to content within this online learning unit can be directed to the Maple Flooring Manufacturer’s Association upon completion.
Learning Objectives • Describe what the MFMA Accredited Installers (AI) Program is, and how it helps architects. • Determine if a flooring product is “GREEN” • Identify selection considerations when specifying a sport floor. • Understand Relative Humidity (RH) testing of concrete • Identify the three different types of MFMA maple flooring configurations. • Describe characteristics of the various configurations of sub floor systems. • Comprehension of the MFMA PUR Standards • Learn how to write a sports floor specification.
About the Maple Flooring Manufacturer’s Association • The Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) is the authoritative source of technical and general information about maple flooring and related sports flooring systems. • From specification of the maple surface material and the sub floor system to the condition of the concrete slab beneath it all, MFMA is the respected resource for technical information and guidance in today’s competitive market for hardwood sports floors. • MFMA establishes product quality, performance and installation guidelines; educates end users about safety, performance and maintenance issues; and promotes the use of maple flooring products worldwide.
MFMA Accredited Installer (AI) Program MFMA accreditation is a voluntary process by which a non-governmental agency, such as MFMA, validates an individual’s qualifications and knowledge in a specific area of professional practice based on a set of pre-determined standards. In the case of hardwood maple sports flooring accreditation, the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association is validating installers qualifications and knowledge of hardwood maple, beech and birch sports flooring.
MFMA Accredited Installer (AI) Program • Evaluating the experience and expertise of installers • Identifying professional hardwood maple sports flooring installers who have met a designated level of experience and demonstrated a standard of knowledge • Raising professional standards and improving the practice of hardwood maple sports flooring construction • Training of installers on both the manufacturer’s systems and MFMA installations standards
What does Mill Accredited (MA) mean? • Company installers are trained and tested by the mill or mills of which products they install • Training is mill specific and focuses on the proper installation of that mill’s flooring systems • Installers receive separate accreditation for each flooring system on which they are trained • Two representative must pass this training to become Mill Accredited
Incorporating MFMA AI Requirements Into Project Specifications Use the following format: • 1.2 Quality Assurance • B. The flooring contractor shall be a MFMA Mill Accredited Installation Company with MFMA Accredited Installers on-site for the duration of the wood floor installation.
Learning Objectives • Describe what the MFMA Accredited Installers (AI) Program is, and how it helps architects • Determine if a flooring product is “GREEN” • Identify selection considerations when specifying a sport floor • Understand Relative Humidity (RH) testing of concrete • Identify the three different types of MFMA maple flooring configurations • Describe characteristics of the various configurations of sub floor systems • Comprehension of the MFMA PUR Standards • Learn how to write a sports floor specification
Physical Characteristics of Northern Hard Maple • Northern hard maple (Acer saccharum) is dense, strong, supremely durable and remarkably hard. • Maple is 12% harder than red oak and 7% harder than white oak. • Due to the shorter growing season north of the 35th parallel, northern hard maple is close-grained, hard-fibered, resistant to slivering and splintering, and polishes well under friction. • Northern hard maple has an unusual ability to resist pointed pressure without abrasion. • It is easily covered with attractive finishes.
U.S. Congress Determines Hardwood is GREEN Recently, the U.S. Congress passed Senate Resolution 411 and House Resolution 81 which recognize U.S. hardwood products as sustainable and environmentally preferable materials for building. The resolutions also acknowledge hardwood trees as abundant and as legal and sustainable resources, based on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Congress also urged hardwood products “be given full consideration in any program to promote construction of environmentally preferable commercial, public or private buildings.”
How to Know if a Flooring Product is GREEN Consider the following aspects of GREEN to make an informed decision. 1. What is the carbon footprint? 2. Is the product rapidly renewable? 3. Does the product emit VOC’s? 4. Is the product renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and/or re usable? 5. Were pesticides, fertilizers or other harmful chemicals used in the products production? 6. Was the product grown/manufactured under state and/or federal regulated practices?
What is the Carbon Footprint of Wood Flooring? Wood flooring has a very small carbon footprint as it is grown and milled within the U.S. and the majority of the mills recycle the remaining wood materials as fuel for boilers which heats the mill facilities and the drying kilns.
Is Wood Flooring a Rapidly Renewable Resource? Wood is not considered a rapidly renewable resource. Although it take a maple tree approximately 12 – 15 years of growth before it can be timbered (the LEED Green Building Rating Systems requires products to be harvested in cycles under 10 years to qualify as rapidly renewable) that time is well spent refueling the environment by pulling five tons of carbon per acre out of the atmosphere.
Does Solid Hard Maple Emit any VOC’s? Solid hard maple does not emit any VOC’s and there are low VOC options for adhesives and floor finishes. No toxic chemicals or resins are used in the production of solid maple flooring.
Are Pesticides, Fertilizers or Other Harmful Chemicals Used? Northern hard maple stands are not enhanced by chemicals such as pesticides, weed killers or fertilizers. And since maple stands are seldom clear cut, removal of undergrowth is unnecessary and erosion is not a concern.
Was it Manufactured Under Regulated State and Federal Practices? FSC wood is available and managed through chain of custody forest certification programs. No clear cutting practices are allowed under this certification and the majority of mills use recycled material to power their facilities and drying kilns.
Northern Hard Maple is the Best GREEN Option Solid wood flooring meets or exceeds the majority of the GREEN criteria. Wood is a managed resource that is renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and re-usable.
Learning Objectives • Describe what the MFMA Accredited Installers (AI) Program is, and how it helps architects. • Determine if a flooring product is “GREEN” • Identify selection considerations when specifying a sport floor. • Understand Relative Humidity (RH) testing of concrete • Identify the three different types of MFMA maple flooring configurations. • Describe characteristics of the various configurations of sub floor systems. • Comprehension of the MFMA PUR Standards • Learn how to write a sports floor specification.
Selection Considerations for Your Next Project When considering which flooring system is best suited for your installation, it is important to consider different attributes of each system. Always consider the following characteristics: • • • • •
Cost Appearance / Aesthetics Slab Depression / Floor Elevation Requirements Performance & Uniformity Standards (PUR) Green Product &/or Carbon Footprint
Cost should be viewed in two ways: installed cost and life cycle cost. If compared solely by installed cost, wood athletic flooring can be more expensive than other materials. However, wood athletic flooring systems are less expensive to maintain and last considerably longer than their competitors. The installed cost of maple floors varies from manufacturer to manufacturer depending on the sub floor system selected for the project, and the quality and type of surface maple specified for the installation. Most sub floor designs can be matched with a variety of maple surface materials to meet your project’s budget.
Cost
Appearance / Aesthetics Appearance is a subjective specifying consideration. All maple floors will have different aesthetics based on the type of flooring specified (strip, finger-jointed strip, parquet), the MFMA grade of flooring specified (First, Second and Better or Third grade), the selection of game line paints and color schemes and the type of finish you specify. When specifying maple sports flooring, be sure to ask the client what he expects the flooring to look like when installed. This will help you to recommend the appropriate maple surfacing materials as well as properly choose paints and finishes to give your project the desired finished appearance. Remember, grading of maple flooring products affects aesthetics – not performance.
Wood Grades
First Grade
MFMA First Grade northern hard maple is the highest standard grade, hand selected to minimize the natural character variations of the species.
Wood Grades
Second and Better Grade
MFMA Second and Better northern hard maple is the most commonly specified flooring and exhibits more natural variations than first grade and has the same life expectancy and low-maintenance qualities. This grade admits tight, sound knots and some color variation.
Wood Grades
Third Grade
Third Grade northern hard maple has the same structural integrity as first and second and better and exhibits more natural variation than either grade. This grade is ideally suited for the value engineered application.
Slab Depression / Floor Elevation Requirements This is an extremely important consideration on a retrofit project. Some sub floor designs are low-profile, while others are higher-profile. Be advised, sports flooring system profiles are not necessarily an indication of surface performance characteristics. Manufacturers can provide you with slab depression requirements for all of their sub floor systems. When specifying sports flooring in a new installation, consult with manufacturers to obtain the proper slab depression measurements for the system you are considering for the project.
Relative Humidity (RH) Testing New Technology for Concrete Testing The relative humidity probe method (RH test) is known as ASTM F 2170 and is the standard test method for determining relative humidity in concrete floor slab. This method involves drilling holes in the concrete to measure the dampness inside. A hole approximately ½” in diameter is drilled into the concrete slab to a depth 40% of the slab thickness (about 2” deep). Then a plastic sleeve with openings at specific locations is placed into the hole and a relative humidity reading is taken.
Relative Humidity (RH) Testing The RH test method is better than the calcium chloride test because calcium chloride only measures vapor emission from the top 1” of the concrete slab. This explains why a floor can test “dry” and then become “wet” again after the floor is installed. A RH test can monitor trends and indicate the rate of drying allowing the installer to predict when a floor will be dry enough for floor installation.
How to Incorporate RH TestingInto Project Specifications Use the following format: Part 1: General 1.1 Description D. The relative humidity level for concrete slab for a non-glue down maple floor system should be 80% or lower and for glue down systems the relative humidity should be 75% or lower before installation and shall be tested via RH testing standards (ASTM F 2170).
Learning Objectives • Describe what the MFMA Accredited Installers (AI) Program is, and how it helps architects. • Determine if a flooring product is “GREEN” • Identify selection considerations when specifying a sport floor. • Understand Relative Humidity (RH) testing of concrete • Identify the three different types of MFMA maple flooring configurations. • Describe characteristics of the various configurations of sub floor systems. • Comprehension of the MFMA PUR Standards • Learn how to write a sports floor specification.
MFMA PUR Standards
Performance & Uniformity Rating
MFMA represents the worldwide sports flooring industry, and its goal is to balance technical standards with practical flooring system design to create uniform standards of performance for competition sports floors. When a specific flooring system is MFMA PUR Compliant, it is understood that testing is on a strict pass/fail evaluation – either a floor is compliant and passes the standards or it does not. Like all performance standards, there are tradeoffs between individual standards depending on the intended use. Carefully selected criteria will help you choose the characteristics that are most appropriate for the activities being performed on the floor.
MFMA PUR Standards Performance & Uniformity Rating Within the last 20 years, there has been a movement to quantify performance characteristics that best define a sports floor. As a result, there are hundreds of different sports flooring systems each with varying levels of performance. However, there are some common characteristics recognized as desired and important: • • • • •
Shock Absorption Vertical Deflection Area of Deflection Ball Bounce Surface Friction
Why Is Performance Important? With the evolution of understanding the scientific relationship between the athlete and the sports surface, MFMA Mill Manufacturing Members have engineered flooring systems to meet the demands of today’s athletes. Shock Absorption measures the ability of a system to reduce impact felt by the athlete Area of Deflection measures a floor systems ability to isolate movement Basketball Rebound measures the basketball response off a floor system. Vertical Deflection measures a floor systems ability to yield under foot Surface Friction measures the slip slide characteristics of a finished floor system
Why Is Uniformity Important ? The MFMA recognizes the importance of a sports surface’s uniformity and consistent game play for a high quality floor. • Shock Absorption +/- 5% provides consistent dissipation of force • Area of Deflection ≤20% ensures the same isolation of movement from one athlete to another • Basketball Rebound +/- 3% consistency assures even ball return • Vertical Deflection +/- 0.5 mm assures player confidence in predictable response • Surface Friction +/- 0.1 vital to the safety of the athletes
PUR
Shock Absorption
As an athlete impacts a sports surface, the impacting force is translated into two resultant forces: one absorbed by the floor and the other absorbed by the athlete. While hard surfaces such as concrete and asphalt provide little or no force reduction for the athlete upon impact due to running, jumping or falling, MFMA sports floor systems absorb these impact forces (shock) and are rated by the percentage of force reduction they provide as compared to hard surfaces. In general, a sports floor with a force reduction value of 60% will absorb 60% of the impact force and the remaining 40% is absorbed by the athlete.
PUR Vertical Deflection This characteristic is the measure of the floor system’s ability to provide vertical displacement at the point of impact. For example, a person jumping on a concrete floor would result in zero vertical deflection, while that same person jumping on a trampoline would create a vertical deflection of many inches.
PUR Areas of Deflection The area of deflection is a measurement of the surface of the floor that is deflected during impact. Area of deflection is based on the relationship between vertical deflection at the point of impact and the deflection at 20” (500 mm). A person jumping on a trampoline, for example, creates a very wide area of deflection. Some one jumping on sand creates a very limited area of deflection.
PUR
Basketball Rebound
Basketball rebound measures the basketball s rebound response off the sports floor system as compared to the ball s rebound off concrete. At 100% rebound, the basketball returns to a height equal to its rebound off concrete. Obviously, ball bounce may not apply to all sports activities.
PUR Surface friction measures an athletic flooring finish’s ability to control the sliding of athletes on a sports surface. The surface friction must be low enough to permit sliding when a large amount of horizontal force is applied to the floor surface and high enough to prevent uncontrollable sliding. Surface friction is a function of the specified floor finish.
Surface Friction
How to Include MFMA PUR Standards In Project Specifications Use the following format: 1.2 Quality Assurance E. The wood flooring system shall be a MFMA PUR Compliant system . Manufacturer must submit PUR Compliant letter from the MFMA.
Specifying a Maple Sports Flooring Sub Floor System Now comes the hard part, deciding what sub floor system to specify for your project. MFMA manufacturers have spent years testing and developing a host of sub floor systems to meet the needs of athletes and other users. There are two basic sub floor designs: floating systems and anchored resilient systems.
Sub Floor
Floating Systems
Floating systems are exactly what they sound like – they “float” over the concrete substrate and are not mechanically fastened to the concrete slab in any way.
Sub Floor Fixed systems are mechanically fastened by some method (anchor pins, screws, adhesive, etc.) directly to the concrete substrate. Anchored resilient systems are mechanically fastened to the concrete substrate, but have a combination of components that allow varying degrees of additional resiliency within the sub floor system.
Anchored Resilient Systems
Start Your Specification Decision By Asking Questions • Who will be using this floor? • What activities will be performed on the surface? • How often will the facility be used in an average year? • Is the facility going to be subjected to long idle periods? • What is the climate in the area of the installation? • What types of HVAC systems can I specify for the space? • Is the installation below-grade, on-grade, or above-grade?
Generic MFMA Sub Floor Designs • Resilient Pre-Engineered Fixed Panel System • Resilient Fixed Plywood Sleeper with Continuous Sub Floor System • Cushioned Sleeper System • Cushioned Sleeper with one layer of plywood system • Double Plywood system
Questions to Ask the Manufacturer When Specifying a Sub Floor System Design • Why did your firm develop this sub floor design? • Are there particular site conditions or end uses for which this sub floor design is particularly well suited? • Are there particular site conditions or end uses for which this sub floor design is ill suited?
Resilient PrePre-Engineered Fixed Panel System This anchored resilient system consists of maple flooring installed over pre-engineered panels with resilient pads or a resilient layer. The pre-engineered panels are installed in a brick pattern and attached to the concrete slab by concrete anchors. The surface maple, pre-engineered panels and resilient layer are installed over a 6 mil polyethylene vapor retarder.
Resilient Fixed Plywood Sleeper with Continuous Sub Floor System The anchored resilient cushioned plywood sleeper system with continuous sub floor consists of maple flooring attached to a continuous sub floor layer installed over factory-drilled engineered sleepers with resilient pads that are anchored to the concrete slab with concrete anchors. The surface maple, pre-engineered panels and resilient layer are installed over a 6 mil polyethylene vapor retarder.
Cushioned Sleeper System The cushioned sleeper floating-floor system consists of 2” x 3” x 4’ (nominal) kiln-dried hemlock, spruce, pine or fir sleepers installed over 3/8” x 2 ¼” x 3” or 5/8” x 2 ¼” x 3” rubber or neoprene pads. The pads are mechanically fastened to the bottom of the sleepers and are generally spaced at 1-ft. intervals on the sleepers. The sleepers with pads are installed end-to-end at right angles to the direction of the finished maple surface with end joints staggered 24” in adjacent rows. Sleepers are spaced between 8” and 9” o.c. depending on the grade of the maple flooring surface and the resiliency required for the project. The surface maple, sleepers and pads are installed over a 6 mil. polyethylene vapor retarder.
Cushioned Sleeper with One Layer of Plywood System The cushioned sleeper with plywood floating-floor system consists of 2” x 3” x 4’ (nominal) kiln-dried hemlock, spruce, pine or fir sleepers installed over 3/8” x 2 1/4 “ x 3” or 5/8” x 2 ¾” x 3” rubber or neoprene pads. The pads are mechanically fastened to the bottom of the sleepers and are generally spaced at 1-ft intervals on the sleepers. The sleepers with pads are installed end-to-end at right angles to the direction of the finished maple surface with end joints staggered 24” in adjacent rows. Sleepers are spaced 12” o.c., and a layer of 15/32” x 4’ x 8’ APA (or manufacturer approved equipment) rated sheathing, exposure 1, 4-ply is installed over the sleepers at a 90 degree angle to the direction of the finished maple surface. The surface maple, plywood, sleepers and pads are installed over a 6 mil. polyethylene vapor retarder.
Double Plywood System This low profile floating floor system consists of two layers of 15/32” x 4’ x 8’ APA (or manufacturer approved equipment) rated sheathing, exposure 1, 4-ply generally installed at 90 degree angles to the direction of the finished maple surface. 3/8” x 2 ¼” x 3” or 5/8” x 2 ¼” x 3” rubber or neoprene pads are mechanically fastened to the underside of the bottom layer of plywood and are generally spaced at one foot intervals (32 per plywood sheet). The surface maple, plywood and pads are installed over a 6 mil. polyethylene vapor retarder.
Specifying a Maple Sports Flooring Surface There are several types of maple surfacing products from which to choose. Maple flooring comes in three basic configurations; randomlength strip, finger-jointed strip, and parquet. Each of these surface materials can be installed in a single direction, or can be laid in patterns such as a checkerboard, chevron, etc.
MFMAMFMA-RL (Random Length“ Strip Flooring A typical specification should appear as follows: 2.1 Materials A. Flooring shall be MFMA-RL (Random Length) northern hard maple, 25/32” thick x 2 ¼” wide, Second and Better grade; T & G and EM; grade marked and stamped as produced by an MFMA Member Manufacturer. NOTE: The most common thickness specified is 25/32”, but ½” and 33/32” thick random-length strip flooring is also available. However, 33/32” is considered over-engineering for a gym floor.
MFMAMFMA-FJ (Finger Jointed“ Strip Flooring A typical specification should appear as follows: 2.1 Materials B. Flooring shall be MFMA-FJ (Finger Jointed) northern hard maple, 25/32” thick x 2 ¼” wide, Second and Better grade; T & G and EM; grade marked and stamped as produced by an MFMA Member Manufacturer. NOTE: Finger Jointed flooring is a number of random-length strip segments joined together at the manufacturing plant to form a consistent length board.
“MFMA-PQ (Parquet) Flooring” A typical specification should appear as follows: 2.1 Materials A. Flooring shall be MFMA-PQ (Parquet) northern hard maple, 5/16” thick, Second and Better grade; fastened together in panels using mesh, tape or wire backing or paper facing; grade marked and stamped as produced by an MFMA Member Manufacturer. NOTE: Individual pickets, assembled into panels, are either joined together by wire, mesh, or tape on the back of the panel. Parquet flooring is typically installed directly to the concrete substrate using adhesive/mastic, or over sub floor systems that contain continuous sub floors (plywood or similar).
Summary • The MFMA is a non-profit, authoritative source of technical and general information about maple, beech and birch flooring products that oversees the MFMA Accredited Installer (AI) and Mill Accreditation programs. • Wood is a managed resource and is one of the few natural resources that is recyclable, biodegradable, re-useable and renewable. • Selection factors for flooring systems include green features, cost, appearance/grade, slab depression/floor elevation requirements, relative humidity and Performance & Uniformity Rating (PUR) Standards. • Northern hard maple is available in three grades; First, Second and Better and Third grade. • There are two basic sub floor designs: floating systems and anchored resilient systems. • Northern hard maple flooring is available in three basic configurations: random-length strip, finger-jointed strip and parquet.
Course Evaluation AIA Members can log in to the CES Discovery system and leave feedback for program number MFMA 2011.
Thank You
If you have specific questions about specifying maple for your next flooring project, contact the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association at maplefloor.org
AIA Best Practices The Maple Flooring Manufacturer’s Association (MFMA) sponsors this course provided by BD+C University, a Registered Provider with the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on completion of this learning unit will be reported to CES records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for non-AIA members are available upon request. This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed of construed to be an approval or endorsement of the AIA of any materials of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or products. Questions related to content within this online learning unit can be directed to the Maple Flooring Manufacturer’s Association upon completion.
Learning Objectives • Describe what the MFMA Accredited Installers (AI) Program is, and how it helps architects. • Determine if a flooring product is “GREEN” • Identify selection considerations when specifying a sport floor. • Understand Relative Humidity (RH) testing of concrete • Identify the three different types of MFMA maple flooring configurations. • Describe characteristics of the various configurations of sub floor systems. • Comprehension of the MFMA PUR Standards • Learn how to write a sports floor specification.
About the Maple Flooring Manufacturer’s Association • The Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) is the authoritative source of technical and general information about maple flooring and related sports flooring systems. • From specification of the maple surface material and the sub floor system to the condition of the concrete slab beneath it all, MFMA is the respected resource for technical information and guidance in today’s competitive market for hardwood sports floors. • MFMA establishes product quality, performance and installation guidelines; educates end users about safety, performance and maintenance issues; and promotes the use of maple flooring products worldwide.
MFMA Accredited Installer (AI) Program MFMA accreditation is a voluntary process by which a non-governmental agency, such as MFMA, validates an individual’s qualifications and knowledge in a specific area of professional practice based on a set of pre-determined standards. In the case of hardwood maple sports flooring accreditation, the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association is validating installers qualifications and knowledge of hardwood maple, beech and birch sports flooring.
MFMA Accredited Installer (AI) Program • Evaluating the experience and expertise of installers • Identifying professional hardwood maple sports flooring installers who have met a designated level of experience and demonstrated a standard of knowledge • Raising professional standards and improving the practice of hardwood maple sports flooring construction • Training of installers on both the manufacturer’s systems and MFMA installations standards
What does Mill Accredited (MA) mean? • Company installers are trained and tested by the mill or mills of which products they install • Training is mill specific and focuses on the proper installation of that mill’s flooring systems • Installers receive separate accreditation for each flooring system on which they are trained • Two representative must pass this training to become Mill Accredited
Incorporating MFMA AI Requirements Into Project Specifications Use the following format: • 1.2 Quality Assurance • B. The flooring contractor shall be a MFMA Mill Accredited Installation Company with MFMA Accredited Installers on-site for the duration of the wood floor installation.
Learning Objectives • Describe what the MFMA Accredited Installers (AI) Program is, and how it helps architects • Determine if a flooring product is “GREEN” • Identify selection considerations when specifying a sport floor • Understand Relative Humidity (RH) testing of concrete • Identify the three different types of MFMA maple flooring configurations • Describe characteristics of the various configurations of sub floor systems • Comprehension of the MFMA PUR Standards • Learn how to write a sports floor specification
Physical Characteristics of Northern Hard Maple • Northern hard maple (Acer saccharum) is dense, strong, supremely durable and remarkably hard. • Maple is 12% harder than red oak and 7% harder than white oak. • Due to the shorter growing season north of the 35th parallel, northern hard maple is close-grained, hard-fibered, resistant to slivering and splintering, and polishes well under friction. • Northern hard maple has an unusual ability to resist pointed pressure without abrasion. • It is easily covered with attractive finishes.
U.S. Congress Determines Hardwood is GREEN Recently, the U.S. Congress passed Senate Resolution 411 and House Resolution 81 which recognize U.S. hardwood products as sustainable and environmentally preferable materials for building. The resolutions also acknowledge hardwood trees as abundant and as legal and sustainable resources, based on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Congress also urged hardwood products “be given full consideration in any program to promote construction of environmentally preferable commercial, public or private buildings.”
How to Know if a Flooring Product is GREEN Consider the following aspects of GREEN to make an informed decision. 1. What is the carbon footprint? 2. Is the product rapidly renewable? 3. Does the product emit VOC’s? 4. Is the product renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and/or re usable? 5. Were pesticides, fertilizers or other harmful chemicals used in the products production? 6. Was the product grown/manufactured under state and/or federal regulated practices?
What is the Carbon Footprint of Wood Flooring? Wood flooring has a very small carbon footprint as it is grown and milled within the U.S. and the majority of the mills recycle the remaining wood materials as fuel for boilers which heats the mill facilities and the drying kilns.
Is Wood Flooring a Rapidly Renewable Resource? Wood is not considered a rapidly renewable resource. Although it take a maple tree approximately 12 – 15 years of growth before it can be timbered (the LEED Green Building Rating Systems requires products to be harvested in cycles under 10 years to qualify as rapidly renewable) that time is well spent refueling the environment by pulling five tons of carbon per acre out of the atmosphere.
Does Solid Hard Maple Emit any VOC’s? Solid hard maple does not emit any VOC’s and there are low VOC options for adhesives and floor finishes. No toxic chemicals or resins are used in the production of solid maple flooring.
Are Pesticides, Fertilizers or Other Harmful Chemicals Used? Northern hard maple stands are not enhanced by chemicals such as pesticides, weed killers or fertilizers. And since maple stands are seldom clear cut, removal of undergrowth is unnecessary and erosion is not a concern.
Was it Manufactured Under Regulated State and Federal Practices? FSC wood is available and managed through chain of custody forest certification programs. No clear cutting practices are allowed under this certification and the majority of mills use recycled material to power their facilities and drying kilns.
Northern Hard Maple is the Best GREEN Option Solid wood flooring meets or exceeds the majority of the GREEN criteria. Wood is a managed resource that is renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and re-usable.
Learning Objectives • Describe what the MFMA Accredited Installers (AI) Program is, and how it helps architects. • Determine if a flooring product is “GREEN” • Identify selection considerations when specifying a sport floor. • Understand Relative Humidity (RH) testing of concrete • Identify the three different types of MFMA maple flooring configurations. • Describe characteristics of the various configurations of sub floor systems. • Comprehension of the MFMA PUR Standards • Learn how to write a sports floor specification.
Selection Considerations for Your Next Project When considering which flooring system is best suited for your installation, it is important to consider different attributes of each system. Always consider the following characteristics: • • • • •
Cost Appearance / Aesthetics Slab Depression / Floor Elevation Requirements Performance & Uniformity Standards (PUR) Green Product &/or Carbon Footprint
Cost should be viewed in two ways: installed cost and life cycle cost. If compared solely by installed cost, wood athletic flooring can be more expensive than other materials. However, wood athletic flooring systems are less expensive to maintain and last considerably longer than their competitors. The installed cost of maple floors varies from manufacturer to manufacturer depending on the sub floor system selected for the project, and the quality and type of surface maple specified for the installation. Most sub floor designs can be matched with a variety of maple surface materials to meet your project’s budget.
Cost
Appearance / Aesthetics Appearance is a subjective specifying consideration. All maple floors will have different aesthetics based on the type of flooring specified (strip, finger-jointed strip, parquet), the MFMA grade of flooring specified (First, Second and Better or Third grade), the selection of game line paints and color schemes and the type of finish you specify. When specifying maple sports flooring, be sure to ask the client what he expects the flooring to look like when installed. This will help you to recommend the appropriate maple surfacing materials as well as properly choose paints and finishes to give your project the desired finished appearance. Remember, grading of maple flooring products affects aesthetics – not performance.
Wood Grades
First Grade
MFMA First Grade northern hard maple is the highest standard grade, hand selected to minimize the natural character variations of the species.
Wood Grades
Second and Better Grade
MFMA Second and Better northern hard maple is the most commonly specified flooring and exhibits more natural variations than first grade and has the same life expectancy and low-maintenance qualities. This grade admits tight, sound knots and some color variation.
Wood Grades
Third Grade
Third Grade northern hard maple has the same structural integrity as first and second and better and exhibits more natural variation than either grade. This grade is ideally suited for the value engineered application.
Slab Depression / Floor Elevation Requirements This is an extremely important consideration on a retrofit project. Some sub floor designs are low-profile, while others are higher-profile. Be advised, sports flooring system profiles are not necessarily an indication of surface performance characteristics. Manufacturers can provide you with slab depression requirements for all of their sub floor systems. When specifying sports flooring in a new installation, consult with manufacturers to obtain the proper slab depression measurements for the system you are considering for the project.
Relative Humidity (RH) Testing New Technology for Concrete Testing The relative humidity probe method (RH test) is known as ASTM F 2170 and is the standard test method for determining relative humidity in concrete floor slab. This method involves drilling holes in the concrete to measure the dampness inside. A hole approximately ½” in diameter is drilled into the concrete slab to a depth 40% of the slab thickness (about 2” deep). Then a plastic sleeve with openings at specific locations is placed into the hole and a relative humidity reading is taken.
Relative Humidity (RH) Testing The RH test method is better than the calcium chloride test because calcium chloride only measures vapor emission from the top 1” of the concrete slab. This explains why a floor can test “dry” and then become “wet” again after the floor is installed. A RH test can monitor trends and indicate the rate of drying allowing the installer to predict when a floor will be dry enough for floor installation.
How to Incorporate RH TestingInto Project Specifications Use the following format: Part 1: General 1.1 Description D. The relative humidity level for concrete slab for a non-glue down maple floor system should be 80% or lower and for glue down systems the relative humidity should be 75% or lower before installation and shall be tested via RH testing standards (ASTM F 2170).
Learning Objectives • Describe what the MFMA Accredited Installers (AI) Program is, and how it helps architects. • Determine if a flooring product is “GREEN” • Identify selection considerations when specifying a sport floor. • Understand Relative Humidity (RH) testing of concrete • Identify the three different types of MFMA maple flooring configurations. • Describe characteristics of the various configurations of sub floor systems. • Comprehension of the MFMA PUR Standards • Learn how to write a sports floor specification.
MFMA PUR Standards
Performance & Uniformity Rating
MFMA represents the worldwide sports flooring industry, and its goal is to balance technical standards with practical flooring system design to create uniform standards of performance for competition sports floors. When a specific flooring system is MFMA PUR Compliant, it is understood that testing is on a strict pass/fail evaluation – either a floor is compliant and passes the standards or it does not. Like all performance standards, there are tradeoffs between individual standards depending on the intended use. Carefully selected criteria will help you choose the characteristics that are most appropriate for the activities being performed on the floor.
MFMA PUR Standards Performance & Uniformity Rating Within the last 20 years, there has been a movement to quantify performance characteristics that best define a sports floor. As a result, there are hundreds of different sports flooring systems each with varying levels of performance. However, there are some common characteristics recognized as desired and important: • • • • •
Shock Absorption Vertical Deflection Area of Deflection Ball Bounce Surface Friction
Why Is Performance Important? With the evolution of understanding the scientific relationship between the athlete and the sports surface, MFMA Mill Manufacturing Members have engineered flooring systems to meet the demands of today’s athletes. Shock Absorption measures the ability of a system to reduce impact felt by the athlete Area of Deflection measures a floor systems ability to isolate movement Basketball Rebound measures the basketball response off a floor system. Vertical Deflection measures a floor systems ability to yield under foot Surface Friction measures the slip slide characteristics of a finished floor system
Why Is Uniformity Important ? The MFMA recognizes the importance of a sports surface’s uniformity and consistent game play for a high quality floor. • Shock Absorption +/- 5% provides consistent dissipation of force • Area of Deflection ≤20% ensures the same isolation of movement from one athlete to another • Basketball Rebound +/- 3% consistency assures even ball return • Vertical Deflection +/- 0.5 mm assures player confidence in predictable response • Surface Friction +/- 0.1 vital to the safety of the athletes
PUR
Shock Absorption
As an athlete impacts a sports surface, the impacting force is translated into two resultant forces: one absorbed by the floor and the other absorbed by the athlete. While hard surfaces such as concrete and asphalt provide little or no force reduction for the athlete upon impact due to running, jumping or falling, MFMA sports floor systems absorb these impact forces (shock) and are rated by the percentage of force reduction they provide as compared to hard surfaces. In general, a sports floor with a force reduction value of 60% will absorb 60% of the impact force and the remaining 40% is absorbed by the athlete.
PUR Vertical Deflection This characteristic is the measure of the floor system’s ability to provide vertical displacement at the point of impact. For example, a person jumping on a concrete floor would result in zero vertical deflection, while that same person jumping on a trampoline would create a vertical deflection of many inches.
PUR Areas of Deflection The area of deflection is a measurement of the surface of the floor that is deflected during impact. Area of deflection is based on the relationship between vertical deflection at the point of impact and the deflection at 20” (500 mm). A person jumping on a trampoline, for example, creates a very wide area of deflection. Some one jumping on sand creates a very limited area of deflection.
PUR
Basketball Rebound
Basketball rebound measures the basketball s rebound response off the sports floor system as compared to the ball s rebound off concrete. At 100% rebound, the basketball returns to a height equal to its rebound off concrete. Obviously, ball bounce may not apply to all sports activities.
PUR Surface friction measures an athletic flooring finish’s ability to control the sliding of athletes on a sports surface. The surface friction must be low enough to permit sliding when a large amount of horizontal force is applied to the floor surface and high enough to prevent uncontrollable sliding. Surface friction is a function of the specified floor finish.
Surface Friction
How to Include MFMA PUR Standards In Project Specifications Use the following format: 1.2 Quality Assurance E. The wood flooring system shall be a MFMA PUR Compliant system . Manufacturer must submit PUR Compliant letter from the MFMA.
Specifying a Maple Sports Flooring Sub Floor System Now comes the hard part, deciding what sub floor system to specify for your project. MFMA manufacturers have spent years testing and developing a host of sub floor systems to meet the needs of athletes and other users. There are two basic sub floor designs: floating systems and anchored resilient systems.
Sub Floor
Floating Systems
Floating systems are exactly what they sound like – they “float” over the concrete substrate and are not mechanically fastened to the concrete slab in any way.
Sub Floor Fixed systems are mechanically fastened by some method (anchor pins, screws, adhesive, etc.) directly to the concrete substrate. Anchored resilient systems are mechanically fastened to the concrete substrate, but have a combination of components that allow varying degrees of additional resiliency within the sub floor system.
Anchored Resilient Systems
Start Your Specification Decision By Asking Questions • Who will be using this floor? • What activities will be performed on the surface? • How often will the facility be used in an average year? • Is the facility going to be subjected to long idle periods? • What is the climate in the area of the installation? • What types of HVAC systems can I specify for the space? • Is the installation below-grade, on-grade, or above-grade?
Generic MFMA Sub Floor Designs • Resilient Pre-Engineered Fixed Panel System • Resilient Fixed Plywood Sleeper with Continuous Sub Floor System • Cushioned Sleeper System • Cushioned Sleeper with one layer of plywood system • Double Plywood system
Questions to Ask the Manufacturer When Specifying a Sub Floor System Design • Why did your firm develop this sub floor design? • Are there particular site conditions or end uses for which this sub floor design is particularly well suited? • Are there particular site conditions or end uses for which this sub floor design is ill suited?
Resilient PrePre-Engineered Fixed Panel System This anchored resilient system consists of maple flooring installed over pre-engineered panels with resilient pads or a resilient layer. The pre-engineered panels are installed in a brick pattern and attached to the concrete slab by concrete anchors. The surface maple, pre-engineered panels and resilient layer are installed over a 6 mil polyethylene vapor retarder.
Resilient Fixed Plywood Sleeper with Continuous Sub Floor System The anchored resilient cushioned plywood sleeper system with continuous sub floor consists of maple flooring attached to a continuous sub floor layer installed over factory-drilled engineered sleepers with resilient pads that are anchored to the concrete slab with concrete anchors. The surface maple, pre-engineered panels and resilient layer are installed over a 6 mil polyethylene vapor retarder.
Cushioned Sleeper System The cushioned sleeper floating-floor system consists of 2” x 3” x 4’ (nominal) kiln-dried hemlock, spruce, pine or fir sleepers installed over 3/8” x 2 ¼” x 3” or 5/8” x 2 ¼” x 3” rubber or neoprene pads. The pads are mechanically fastened to the bottom of the sleepers and are generally spaced at 1-ft. intervals on the sleepers. The sleepers with pads are installed end-to-end at right angles to the direction of the finished maple surface with end joints staggered 24” in adjacent rows. Sleepers are spaced between 8” and 9” o.c. depending on the grade of the maple flooring surface and the resiliency required for the project. The surface maple, sleepers and pads are installed over a 6 mil. polyethylene vapor retarder.
Cushioned Sleeper with One Layer of Plywood System The cushioned sleeper with plywood floating-floor system consists of 2” x 3” x 4’ (nominal) kiln-dried hemlock, spruce, pine or fir sleepers installed over 3/8” x 2 1/4 “ x 3” or 5/8” x 2 ¾” x 3” rubber or neoprene pads. The pads are mechanically fastened to the bottom of the sleepers and are generally spaced at 1-ft intervals on the sleepers. The sleepers with pads are installed end-to-end at right angles to the direction of the finished maple surface with end joints staggered 24” in adjacent rows. Sleepers are spaced 12” o.c., and a layer of 15/32” x 4’ x 8’ APA (or manufacturer approved equipment) rated sheathing, exposure 1, 4-ply is installed over the sleepers at a 90 degree angle to the direction of the finished maple surface. The surface maple, plywood, sleepers and pads are installed over a 6 mil. polyethylene vapor retarder.
Double Plywood System This low profile floating floor system consists of two layers of 15/32” x 4’ x 8’ APA (or manufacturer approved equipment) rated sheathing, exposure 1, 4-ply generally installed at 90 degree angles to the direction of the finished maple surface. 3/8” x 2 ¼” x 3” or 5/8” x 2 ¼” x 3” rubber or neoprene pads are mechanically fastened to the underside of the bottom layer of plywood and are generally spaced at one foot intervals (32 per plywood sheet). The surface maple, plywood and pads are installed over a 6 mil. polyethylene vapor retarder.
Specifying a Maple Sports Flooring Surface There are several types of maple surfacing products from which to choose. Maple flooring comes in three basic configurations; randomlength strip, finger-jointed strip, and parquet. Each of these surface materials can be installed in a single direction, or can be laid in patterns such as a checkerboard, chevron, etc.
MFMAMFMA-RL (Random Length“ Strip Flooring A typical specification should appear as follows: 2.1 Materials A. Flooring shall be MFMA-RL (Random Length) northern hard maple, 25/32” thick x 2 ¼” wide, Second and Better grade; T & G and EM; grade marked and stamped as produced by an MFMA Member Manufacturer. NOTE: The most common thickness specified is 25/32”, but ½” and 33/32” thick random-length strip flooring is also available. However, 33/32” is considered over-engineering for a gym floor.
MFMAMFMA-FJ (Finger Jointed“ Strip Flooring A typical specification should appear as follows: 2.1 Materials B. Flooring shall be MFMA-FJ (Finger Jointed) northern hard maple, 25/32” thick x 2 ¼” wide, Second and Better grade; T & G and EM; grade marked and stamped as produced by an MFMA Member Manufacturer. NOTE: Finger Jointed flooring is a number of random-length strip segments joined together at the manufacturing plant to form a consistent length board.
“MFMA-PQ (Parquet) Flooring” A typical specification should appear as follows: 2.1 Materials A. Flooring shall be MFMA-PQ (Parquet) northern hard maple, 5/16” thick, Second and Better grade; fastened together in panels using mesh, tape or wire backing or paper facing; grade marked and stamped as produced by an MFMA Member Manufacturer. NOTE: Individual pickets, assembled into panels, are either joined together by wire, mesh, or tape on the back of the panel. Parquet flooring is typically installed directly to the concrete substrate using adhesive/mastic, or over sub floor systems that contain continuous sub floors (plywood or similar).
Summary • The MFMA is a non-profit, authoritative source of technical and general information about maple, beech and birch flooring products that oversees the MFMA Accredited Installer (AI) and Mill Accreditation programs. • Wood is a managed resource and is one of the few natural resources that is recyclable, biodegradable, re-useable and renewable. • Selection factors for flooring systems include green features, cost, appearance/grade, slab depression/floor elevation requirements, relative humidity and Performance & Uniformity Rating (PUR) Standards. • Northern hard maple is available in three grades; First, Second and Better and Third grade. • There are two basic sub floor designs: floating systems and anchored resilient systems. • Northern hard maple flooring is available in three basic configurations: random-length strip, finger-jointed strip and parquet.
Course Evaluation AIA Members can log in to the CES Discovery system and leave feedback for program number MFMA 2011.
Thank You
If you have specific questions about specifying maple for your next flooring project, contact the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association at maplefloor.org
