When should Flooring Commissioning be specified?
When flooring failure would create significant replacement cost, operational disruption, or liability exposure. Common project types: hospitals, data centers, corporate headquarters, educational facilities, government buildings, and any facility where flooring failure is unacceptable.
Is Flooring Commissioning required by building codes?
No. Unlike firestopping, building envelope, and HVAC, Flooring Commissioning is not code-required. It is specified when owners or architects recognize the need for independent verification and a neutral evidentiary record.
Is Flooring Commissioning the same as inspection?
No. Inspection is a point-in-time observation. Flooring Commissioning is continuous verification from specification through turnover, producing a structured evidentiary record tied to specific manufacturer requirements and project specifications.
What is the difference between Flooring Commissioning and flooring inspection?
Flooring inspection observes conditions at a moment in time. Flooring Commissioning is continuous independent verification from specification through turnover that produces a structured neutral evidentiary record for accountability and warranty enforcement. The distinction is scope, duration, independence, and the evidentiary record produced.
How is Flooring Commissioning different from contractor quality control?
Independence. Contractor QC is self-certification — the installer verifying their own work. Flooring Commissioning is independent third-party verification that produces a neutral record. In disputes, independent documentation carries weight. Self-certification doesn't.
Does the commissioning agent perform testing?
No. All testing (moisture, pH, flatness) is the contractor's responsibility per RFCI guidelines and manufacturer instructions. The agent verifies that testing was performed correctly and documents the results.
Does the commissioning agent prescribe means and methods?
No. The agent verifies compliance with the contractor's chosen means and methods against manufacturer requirements and project specifications. The agent does not prescribe, direct, or approve installation methods. This preserves the contractor's responsibility for their own work while providing independent verification that requirements were met.
When does Flooring Commissioning need to begin?
Before installation starts — ideally during pre-construction. The agent must review specifications before work begins. Substrate conditions and acclimation periods cannot be verified retroactively.
What happens if non-compliance is found during installation?
The agent documents the condition and notifies the project team (owner's representative, architect, contractor). The agent does not stop work, direct corrections, or make acceptance decisions. The agent provides a factual record for the owner's and architect's decisions.
Does Flooring Commissioning help with warranty enforcement?
Yes. When flooring fails, manufacturers frequently deny claims by arguing installation requirements weren't followed. Without independent documentation, disputes are unresolvable. Commissioning documentation provides neutral evidence of whether requirements were met.
Does Flooring Commissioning protect the architect?
Yes. When flooring fails on a project, the owner's attorney contacts the architect as well as the contractor and manufacturer. If Flooring Commissioning was specified and the neutral evidentiary record shows the contractor deviated from specifications, that record documents what was specified and whether it was followed.
Does Flooring Commissioning delay the construction schedule?
No. The agent observes work in parallel with normal construction activities. Early engagement can actually prevent delays — discovering problems before materials arrive costs less than discovering them mid-installation.
What ASTM standards apply to Flooring Commissioning?
The commissioning agent verifies contractor compliance with applicable ASTM standards including F2170 (relative humidity in concrete slabs), F1869 (moisture vapor emission rate), F710 (concrete floor preparation), and E1155 (floor flatness and levelness). The agent does not perform testing — the agent verifies testing was done correctly.
Can Flooring Commissioning be added to a project already in progress?
It is possible but less effective. Flooring Commissioning ideally begins during pre-construction with specification review. Substrate conditions and acclimation periods cannot be verified retroactively. The earlier commissioning is engaged, the more complete the evidentiary record.
Who provides Flooring Commissioning services?
Flooring Commissioning is an emerging specialty. As the category develops, qualified providers will be listed here based on demonstrated independence, flooring systems expertise, and defensible documentation experience.
Current provider: CertiFloor (certifloors.com)
When evaluating any provider, verify: independence from installers and manufacturers, knowledge of applicable ASTM standards, experience with manufacturer installation requirements, and ability to produce comprehensive commissioning documentation.