When a flooring product bears the FloorScore label, you can rest assured it has ...
When a flooring product bears the FloorScore label, you can rest assured it has undergone rigorous testing and met strict emissions criteria set by SCS Global Services.
It's a voluntary program that gives a thumbs-up to hard surface flooring, adhesives, and underlayments that contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
FloorScore certification is a program that tests flooring products for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It helps people choose floors that are better for indoor air quality.
FloorScore certification checks if flooring products give off low levels of chemicals that can pollute indoor air. The Resilient Floor Covering Institute and SCS Global Services created this program in 2005. It aims to improve air quality in buildings.
FloorScore uses strict testing methods to measure VOC emissions from floors. Products that pass get a FloorScore label. This shows they meet the tough air quality rules for flooring.
The certification covers many types of hard flooring. These include vinyl, linoleum, laminate, wood, ceramic, and rubber. It also checks flooring adhesives and underlayments.
SCS Global Services is the main group that gives out FloorScore certifications. They are experts in testing products for environmental and health impacts.
SCS works with labs to test flooring samples. They use small chambers to measure chemicals released by the flooring. If a product passes, SCS gives it the FloorScore seal.
The Resilient Floor Covering Institute supports the program. This trade group represents flooring makers. They help set the rules for FloorScore testing.
Manufacturers can apply to get their products certified. They must send samples for testing and agree to follow-up checks. This ensures the flooring keeps meeting the standards over time.
FloorScore certification plays a key role in ensuring safe and healthy indoor environments. It sets standards for flooring products that impact air quality and consumer well-being.
FloorScore-certified products meet strict health and safety rules. These floors give off fewer harmful chemicals into the air. This means less risk of health issues for people who live or work in buildings with these floors.
The certification checks for over 35 specific chemicals. It makes sure floors don't release dangerous amounts of these substances. This helps protect people from breathing in toxins that could make them sick.
Certified floors are safer for everyone. But they're especially good for kids, older adults, and people with breathing problems.
FloorScore certification focuses on indoor air quality. This is important because people spend a lot of time indoors.
Certified floors release fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are gases that come from some materials. They can cause headaches, dizziness, and other health issues.
Better air quality means:
● Fewer allergies and asthma problems
● Less eye and throat irritation
● Lower risk of long-term health effects
Buildings with certified floors often have cleaner air. This can lead to better health and comfort for the people inside.
FloorScore certification is becoming more important in the flooring market. Many buyers now look for this label when choosing floors.
Some reasons it matters in the market:
● Green building projects often require certified floors
● It can help buildings meet LEED standards
● Certified products may be needed for certain government contracts
Companies offering certified floors can attract more customers by showing health and environmental concerns. This certification aids consumers in making informed choices for safer home or workplace floors.
With growing awareness of indoor air quality, FloorScore-certified products are likely to grow in demand.
Getting FloorScore certified involves a detailed process to ensure flooring products meet strict air quality standards, including assessing materials, testing emissions, and ongoing quality control.
The first step is a thorough review of the flooring product's materials. Manufacturers submit detailed information about all components used. This includes:
● Raw materials
● Adhesives
● Coatings
● Finishes
Experts check these materials against a list of restricted substances. They look for any chemicals that could release harmful emissions. Products containing risky materials don't move forward in the process.
Next, the flooring undergoes strict emission testing. Labs use special chambers to simulate real-world conditions. They measure the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released over time.
Key aspects of emission testing:
● Products are placed in chambers for several days
● Air samples are taken at set intervals
● Advanced equipment analyzes VOC levels
● Results are compared to strict air quality limits
Only products that stay below these limits can earn FloorScore certification.
Certification isn't a one-time event. FloorScore requires ongoing quality control to maintain certification. This includes:
● Regular retesting of certified products
● Surprise factory inspections
● Review of manufacturing processes
● Checks on material sourcing
Manufacturers must keep detailed records. They need to show consistent product quality. Any changes to materials or processes require new testing.
All the strict control helps ensure FloorScore-certified flooring stays safe for indoor use over time.
FloorScore certification sets limits on harmful substances and aligns with key regulatory standards.
FloorScore sets specific limits on VOC emissions from flooring materials, including testing for over 35 individual VOCs and TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds).
The emission limits are based on health impact assessments. They aim to keep indoor VOC levels below those known to cause health issues.
FloorScore-certified products comply with rigorous international standards. Moreover, this certification fulfills the requisites of numerous green building initiatives, including LEED, WELL Building, and the Collaborative for High Performance Schools.
Also, the program is recognized by the EPA and other government agencies, giving it credibility as a trustworthy standard for indoor air quality.
FloorScore-certified products offer important advantages for homes and buildings. These products help create healthier spaces, provide clarity on materials used, and can assist with green building requirements.
FloorScore-certified flooring releases fewer harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Less VOCs can reduce headaches, allergies, and other health issues. People often feel better and more comfortable in spaces with certified flooring.
FloorScore certification provides clear information about flooring materials. Buyers know exactly what's in the products they choose.
Manufacturers must disclose all ingredients used. This openness helps consumers make informed choices.
Certified products come with detailed reports that show emission test results and product contents. Such transparency builds trust between producers and buyers.
FloorScore certified products help meet building codes and green standards and earn points in green building systems, such as LEED and WELL Building Standard.
Using certified flooring may help projects get approval faster. It shows a commitment to healthy indoor spaces.
Some insurance companies offer lower rates for buildings with certified materials. This can save money over time.
FloorScore certification requires ongoing checks and updates to maintain its validity. Companies must show continued compliance with air quality standards through regular testing and renewal processes.
FloorScore certified products undergo testing at set times to ensure they still meet indoor air quality rules. Products that pass keep their certification.
Companies must also have their factories checked. Inspectors visit to make sure good practices are still in place. They look at how products are made and stored if there are any changes that might affect air quality.
FloorScore certifications don't last forever. Companies need to renew them to stay certified. The renewal process happens every year.
To renew, companies send in new product samples. These go through the same strict tests as before. They also share info about any changes to their products or how they're made. If everything checks out, the certification continues.
Renewal keeps the FloorScore label meaningful. It shows that products still meet high standards for clean indoor air. This gives buyers confidence in their flooring choices year after year.
Consumers can make informed choices about flooring by understanding FloorScore certification. Knowing how to identify certified products and compare different certifications helps shoppers select healthy, low-emission options.
FloorScore certified products display the official FloorScore logo. This logo features a green leaf and the text "FloorScore Certified" in a circular design. Look for it on product packaging, labels, or marketing materials. Certified items are also listed in the SCS Green Products Guide, a searchable online database.
Products that can earn FloorScore certification include:
● Hardwood flooring
● Laminate flooring
● Vinyl flooring
● Linoleum
● Ceramic tiles
● Rubber flooring
● Floor adhesives
● Underlayments
When shopping, ask the store staff to point out FloorScore certified options. Check product details and specs for mention of the certification.