Floor Failure Analysis

TheForensicScienceof FloorsForensics is thescience of evidencegathering forpresentation to a court. The Forensic Scientists at Interior Specifications focuson all aspects of floors. We are Slip & Fall Experts.Each flooring product has a set of rules prepared by the industry’s governingbody. As a member of these associations (i.e. The National Wood FlooringAssociation, The Marble Institute of America, American Standards Testing andMaterials), we are kept up to date of current issues.When the gathering of evidence goes beyond relevant document review, we gointo the field and harvest materials, which our associate laboratories test.We test moisture, formulation, installation for identity, effectiveness, appropriatenessConcrete: performance, installationsAdhesives: moisture, stability, acclimation, gap, cupping, dimensional stability, bugsVapor Barriers: dynamic coefficient of friction dimensional tolerance, bond strength,Hardwood:Ceramic Tile: static coefficient of friction, bond strength, lippage, dimensional stabilitylippage tuft bind, edge ravel, bundle wrap, flame spread, bond strengthNatural Stone:Carpet:

Company ProfileOur institutional clients include, Retailers, Hospital Developers, HealthcareFacility Managers, Real Estate Managers, Educational Institutions, andGovernmental Institutions.Our litigation clients are 50% Defendant and 50% Plaintiff.Services  Forensic Investigations  Floor Safety Evaluation  Floor Testing  Materials Testing  Expert Witness Testimony  Written Specifications  Like Kind and Quality Assessment  Continuing Education Programs  Cost of Repair Assessment  Replacement ProgramsMoisture Vapor IntrusionWhy have there been so many more failures in the last 30 years than before?The floor-covering industry started to clean up its act in the 1970’s. VOC’s wereremoved from chemicals used as bonding and finishing agents. Asbestos wasremoved from materials and adhesives. This made the materials more sensitiveto moisture. We can find your problems and recommend a repair. We candesign installation protocols that will protect your materials.Hospital Floor SafetyHere is a place where the potential for a slip and fall is always present. We havebeen hired by both plaintiffs and defendants to find the cause(s) of a slip andfall. We consider the floor covering, we look at the victim, study shoe research,study age research, body type research, and industry standard maintenanceprotocols, looking for answers. We are here to help.

Looking for a Safety Floor Expert?Retailer Store FlooringWe have helped The GAP, Macy’s, Finish Line, Crate & Barrel and many otherswith floor-covering materials selection, installation protocols, and ongoingprograms. We have specified Wood, Cork, Dimensional Stone, Rubber,Linoleum, Vinyl, Ceramic Tile, Agglomerated Stone, concrete polishing andsealer. All good things in the right places, installed properly.

Forensic Science of FloorsEach flooring product has a set of rules prepare the industry governing body.As a member of these associations (i.e. National Wood Flooring Association,Marble Institute of America, American Standards and Materials), InteriorSpecifications is kept up-to-date of current issues.When the gathering of evidence goes beyond relevant document review, we gointo the field, and the laboratory to identify those conditions that have an effecton the floor at issue.We test:  Concrete for moisture, formulation and installation  Adhesives, for identity, effectiveness, appropriateness  Vapor barriers, performance, installations  Wood, moisture, stability, acclimation, gap, cup, dimensional stability, bugs  Ceramic tile, dynamic coefficient of friction dimensional tolerance  Natural stone, static coefficient of friction, bond strength, lippage, curl, dimensional stability  Carpet, tuft bind, edge ravel, bundle wrap, flame spread, bond strength  Rubber and Vinyl flooring, bond, compressive strength, tensile strengthWe prove both hard and soft evidence as the case requires, with theinterpretation of a flooring expert.MOISTURE VAPOR INTRUSIONWhy have there been so many more failures in the last 30 years than before?The floor-covering industry started to clean up its act in the 1970's. VOC's wereremoved from chemicals used as bonding and finishing agents. Asbestos wasremoved from materials and adhesives. This made the materials more sensitiveto moisture.We can find your problems and recommend a repair. We can designinstallation protocols that will protect your materials.

Slip and Fall ExpertAn integral part of a “Slip and Fall” accident is the FLOOR. As the complete floorexpert, Interior Specifications is fully aware of the appropriateness of each floorsurface for ambulation. Extensive research and evaluation of floor surface materialshas been underway at Interior Specifications since the enactmentment of Public Law101, The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.Interior Specifications reviewed the standards of care for safe ambulation as specifiedby OSHA, ANSI, and ASTM. We have read floor maintenance protocols and instructedmajor retailers. Aided in the preparation of these protocols for The GAP, and BananaRepublic. Our owner, Kenneth D. Newson, FACFE, DABFE, DABFET, has publishedand updated a treatise on the Coefficient of Friction and current science *(read TheDaubert Dilemma in the Slip & Fall Case). Interior Specifications has provided forensicinformation on the Coefficient of Friction of Ice, Concrete, Rubber Flooring, VinylFlooring Natural Stone, Ceramic Tile and Carpet. We have made forensic studies forother experts in the area of shoe safety, ambulation proclivities of the aged, infirm,and obese.  English XL Slipmeter  ASTM F1679-04 “Standard Test  Method for using a Variable Incidence  Tribometer (VIT)  ASTM F1679-e1 (Withdrawn 2006)  Brungraber Mark II Slipmeter  ASTM F1677-05 “Standard Test Method for using a Portable  Incineable Articulating Strut Slip Tester (PIAST )  ASTM F1677-05 (Withdrawn 2006)

Since 1998, Interior Specifications has represented over 100 slip and fallplaintiffs, and over 100 slip & fall defendants. Interior Specifications hastestified as to the standard of care in the hospitality industry, and the realestate management industry (Mr. Newson complete the Certified PropertyManager Curriculum of the National Board of Realtors), as it pertains to floorsafety. Interior Specifications has testified to the appropriate floor safetyspecifications in airports, on trains, hospitals, restaurants, and banks.Since 1998, Interior Specifications has represented over 100 slip and fallplaintiffs, and over 100 slip & fall defendants. We have been hired to provideforensic studies for hospitals, shopping malls, airports, restaurants, boatdocks, religious centers, schools and parking lots boat docks, religious centers,schools and parking lots.Our clients include many of the liability carriers in the United States, and yeteach case is represented on its merits, without regard to the names in the casecaption.A human being walking on a floor, this makes up a system. Any breakdown ina system can lead to a failure. The point is, if there is an anomaly in the floor itmay precipitate a slip and fall, if there is an anomaly in the human being itmay precipitate a slip and fall. This would be a failure of the system.As Forensic Scientists, it is the job of Interior Specifications to gatherinformation from credible sources and relate that information to our expertisein floors. We look at standards published by OSHA, ANSI, ASTM and others,such as the National Floor Safety Institute. Interior Specifications investigatesthe roll the floor plays in a Slip & Fall accident. In our role as investigators wehave studied Age, Health, Obesity, and its effects on ambulation. Also, shoesand their role in a slip & Fall.Floor covering materials are tested in a laboratory using a bench test underASTM F2047, the James Machine. Materials manufacturers then post theresult of this test in their “Product Data Sheet”. We are licensed to performmany types of field tests on floors. Since September 2005 ASTM F1028 hasbeen the applicable protocol for the measurement of Static Coefficient ofFriction on a smooth polished surface in the field (see The Daubert Dilemma inthe Slip & Fall Case). The standard describes a drag sled that is cumbersomebut effective.Interior Specifications is a licensed floor covering contractor, and knowledgewith construction techniques that effect the floor. Things like the constructionof stairs and ramps, or the location of a hand rail can play a role in a Slip &Fall accident.

IS THIS FLOOR SAFE IN A HOSPITAL?IS THIS FLOOR SAFE IN A HOSPITAL?

Interior Specifications answers floor safety questions, after a thoroughinvestigation.What materials make the safest floor in an area exposed to contaminate?Interior Specifications can answer that question.Kenneth D. Newson, FABFE, DABFET, DABFET is a graduate of the Institute ofReal Estate Management, part of the National Board of Realtors, qualifying tobe a Certified Property Managers. He is fully aware of the standards of care inthe Real Estate Management Industry, an experienced facilities manager.Interior Specifications has provided expert testimony in over 300 PersonalInjury cases, ½ Plaintiff and ½ defense (approx.), in over 10 different states andFederal Court.There are many standards related to ambulation on planar surfaces.Is this planar surface safe?

Is this planar surface safe?MOISTURE VAPORINTRUSIONWhy have there been somany more failures in thelast 30 years than before?The floor-covering industrystarted to clean up its act inthe 1970's. VOC's wereremoved from chemicalsused as bonding andfinishing agents. Asbestoswas removed from materialsand adhesives. This madethe materials more sensitiveto moisture.We can find your problems and recommend a repair. We can designinstallation protocols that will protect your materials.What We DoAs a member of ASTM, Interior Specifications provides its clients with a varietyof professional services that are always accurate, and conform to the latestASTM standards. We provide a clear understanding of the floor related issuesinvolved in your project, weather it is construction consultation or litigation.FLOOR COVERING CONSULTANTSWe assist our clients with life cycle studies, value engineering, specifications,purchasing procedures and budgeting. In short, we help our clients decideexactly what type of floor they need and how much they should budget. AtInterior Specifications we provide any value engineering that is appropriate forthe project.FLOOR FORENSICSWe take pride in our floor forensics services. When it comes to safety floor analysisand slip and fall investigations, we have the expertise and knowledge to back up all ofour claims. If you need evidence for a court case or insurance claim, InteriorSpecifications is the company that will be ready to tackle any situation.

Summary of Services  Development of replacement/new programThe floor covering industry today isbased on SERVICE. The carpet  Development ofmanufacturers of the world havedeveloped limited distribution to remediation/repair programemphasize this modern approach to a  Life cycle cost studydeveloping industry, as well as controlthe quality of its service providers.  Budgeting of repair, or replacementInterior Specifications holds aprominent place in this industry  Development ofbecause, it provides products andservices the not only equal the best Purchasing/Leasing programparts of all the alignments, but  Management of laborfurnishes a menu of services that goesbeyond any individual floor covering requirementsprovider. We do not manufacturer any  Development of maintenanceproduct, but service all flooringmaterials required, from conceptions programassistance to long term finance andmaintenance.  On going inspection and counseling services  Recycling programs Forensic Examination  Expert Witness services (like kind and quality)  Appraisal of damageExpertise in Multiple Types of FlooringInterior Specifications, in conjunction with its manufacturing and serviceaffiliations can offer the consumer, designer, and the general contractor everyadvantage the newly evolved flooring industry can provide.

CarpetCarpet ceased to be a luxury item after World War II. Nylon became plentiful,and broadloom sewing machines could sew on backings wider than 54 inches.In a normal year, the carpet industry of the United States produces enoughcarpet, in 12-foot widths, to wrap the Equator 25 times.Modern commercial carpet is a blend of several scientific disciplines. The blendof Chemistry, Physics and Mechanics produces materials that are durable,cleanable, long lasting and recyclable. The problem for the Forensic Scientist isone of understanding the manufacturing process and guiding the testingprocesses (using ASTM and industry standards), when a failure takes place. Tocomplicate the science of carpet, the Forensic Scientist must have an in depthknowledge of the craft of installation, and an understanding of how carpet isused in a commercial environment, whether it is Healthcare, Institutional, orRetail.This is the uniqueness of Interior Specifications. The years of training byseveral carpet manufacturers, the exposure to the design process (as a memberof the Board of Directors of the Society of American Registered Architects), and35 years as a licensed floor-covering contractor, has made a complete package.Interior Specifications has provided expertise in floor covering specification to;Burbank Airport, Baltimore Washington International Airport, DenverInternational Airport, the University of California at Los Angeles, University ofCalifornia at Los Angeles and San Francisco Medical Centers, Cedars SinaiMedical Center, Kaiser Permanente, California State University at Northridge,The GAP, Macy’s, Finish Line Stores, Universal Studios, Warner BrothersStudios, Paramount Pictures, Bruckheimer Productions, and many others.Interior Specifications has provided floor installation specifications to; The Gap,Crate & Barrel, Finish Line Stores, The City of Orange, City of Las Vegas, TheCalifornia State Contractors License Board, UCLA, USC, Barstow College,California State University at San Luis Obispo, California State University atLong Beach, California State University at Northridge.For 13 years, Interior Specifications has been the industry expert for carpetfailures for the California State Contractors License Board, and the CaliforniaAttorney General.In 1994 Kenneth D, Newson was contacted by the Architects for CaliforniaState College at Northridge. The Earthquake had decimated their dormitories.

As Forensic Scientists, Interior Specifications is asked to look protocols notonly install carpet by use that carpet. Knowledge of adhesives and tools andmove-in schedules are part of such an examination.Interior Specifications has been task with guiding legal council in the pursuit ofthe truth about a carpet failure. This carpet is less than 1 year old. Loops ofpile began to pull out and the carpet began to come apart. Being a high trafficpublic building, repairs were made with left over pieces from construction.Interior Specifications was asked Why, Who was at fault, how best to repair.We scoured the construction paper trail; we prepared the laboratory testprotocols, and interpreted the results.Interior Specifications’ 40+ years of experience in interior design andconstruction brings an insight to the workings of all of the parts of a floor-covering project.The complaint was the carpet was rippling due to poor installation. Theinvestigation found that the carpet had an attached cushion, and was glued tothe concrete in new offices. There were ripples in the common areas. Theconstruction timeline showed movers arriving 4 hours after the carpet layerswere finished. The moves used dollies to bring in furniture. The problem, theinstructions that came with the adhesive required a 48-cure time prior to wheeltraffic. The documents revealed the truth.

WoodWood Floor Covering has been around almost as long as dirt, and todayrequires an exacting understanding of the materials, related chemicals,installation protocols, site conditions and the industry standards. Woodflooring products can be found in retail stores, commercial offices,gymnasiums, hotels, museums, and residences.The complexities of wood flooring system are specific to what type of woodflooring, the thickness, the width, the species, and the manufacturing method.Included in this mix are solid woods, engineered woods, cork, engineered grass,and plastic laminates. The variability in site conditions and sub-structuresmust be in balanced with the floor-covering material.Wood flooring products are highly sensitive to the presence of moisture.Interior Specifications is licensed to provide all of the required testing related tomoisture. This includes ASTM F1869, ASTM F2420 and ASTM F2170,electronic impedance, and bond test evaluationsAs a member of the National Wood Flooring Association, Interior Specificationsis kept up to date with changes in the industry. Also, Interior Specificationskeeps an extensive library of standards and instructions for the installation ofthese materials. The years of training by wood flooring manufacturers anddistributors, the exposure to the design process (as a member of the Board ofDirectors of the Society of American Registered Architects), and 35 years as alicensed floor-covering contractor, has made a complete package.Interior Specifications has provided expertise on materials and installation for use incommercial offices, multi-family residential projects, retail stores and athletic facilities,dance studios, and schools. Interior Specifications has provided wood related flooringspecifications to, The GAP, Banana Republic, Macy’s, Finish Line, Gymboree, 24Fitness, Barstow College, City of Los Vegas, City of Orange, City of Huntington Beach,UCLA, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Kirov Ballet, Dance School of thePacific and The American Institute of Architecture.

StoneThroughout history, floors have beenconstructed using stone. Natural Stone(Dimensional Stone) comes from quarriesaround the world. There is a multitude ofnuance in each stone. As a member of theMarble Institute of America, InteriorSpecifications maintains an awareness ofthe factors related to a proper selection, installation and expectation of naturalStone Flooring.This category of floor covering also includes Ceramic Tile flooring, EngineeredStone Flooring, and Engineered Glass flooring. There is interplay between theMarble Institute of America and the Tile Council of North America. InteriorSpecifications maintains a relationship with the Tile Council of North America,and blends the discipline of both organizations in preparing an opinion.Interior Specifications has been called in by Engineered Stone Manufacturersand distributors to investigate installation failures. These projects were inHospitality Healthcare and Retail.The specification of a sub-structure for each product is related to the itemsdimensions and the site conditions. Interior Specifications address these issueswith the eye of the long time contractor. The performance of a stone floor isdirectly related to thequality of theinstallation protocoland the contractor’sadherence to thatprotocol.Interior Specificationsis expert in Stone andCeramic Tile failures.EngineeredStone:

RubberRubber flooring this has beentraced back to the 12 century. In1894, Philadelphia architectFrank Fumess patented a systemfor rubber floor tiles. Rubberflooring evolved and began to bepopular in the 1970’s. Today theadvantages and values of rubberflooring are coming to theforefront of the facilities specifier.Rubber flooring providesincreased R -values forinsulation, it provides a higherstatic coefficient of friction thanother common floor covering materials, it is recyclable, and sustainable. Specify itwrong and it’s a nightmare.There are many proper uses for rubber flooring. Healthcare, Sports Floors,Schools, Transportation, Manufacturing and many others. Caution, your“installation is only as good as the floor you cover”. In other words, proper sitetesting and preparation are essential.Interior Specifications, a flooring expert, is fully knowledge in the manners ofsite testing, sub-floor preparation, adhesives systems, and warranties relatedto these products. We are experienced in site investigations related to thefailure of rubber flooring.Interior Specifications has worked in the capacity of expert, contractor andspecifier for rubber flooring on hundreds of projects. Our clients include majorhospital managers, such as Kaiser Permanente, Columbia Medical, TennantHospitals, UCLA, UCSF, USC. Hospital developers: McCarthy, and PCL.University facility managers: UCLA, USC, California State University atNorthridge, California State University at San Louis Obispo, California StateUniversity at Long Beach, California State University at Los Angeles.Specialty floor covering requires a superior insight into the working of floors, asfloor experts, Interior Specifications has such insight. We have brought inwhere others don’t meet the challenge.

ConcreteThis is a fallacy. As concrete cures, a film appears on the top as the aggregatesettles towardthe bottom.This topcoat iscalled the“cream coat”Concrete isporous, vaporsand thin liquidstravel throughthe pores, oftenallowing agentsto stain. Thecream coatdoesn’t wearvery well orlong.Some of thesolutions tomakingconcrete wearbetter are to seal the concrete, coat the concrete, or polish the concrete.Interior Specifications, the “floor expert”, knows about these processes andguides the specifier to the proper treatment for the project.Interior Specifications, the Forensic Examiner, is aware if the installationprotocols for the treatments and investigates coating failures.Why is the Epoxy topping de-bonding from the concrete in this factory?In this case Interior Specifications reviewed the installation protocols published by themanufacturer of the epoxy coating, and looked at the equipment that was actuallyused. The site was tested for anomalies. The issue was resolved before trial.

HealthcareIn the years of contracting and specifying, Interior Specifications has found aniche market, one requiring the utmost in for technical expertise. That marketis Healthcare.We haveperformed infacilities fromManhattan toHonolulu, in over100 hospitals.We advised onthe materialselection forseveral UniversityMedical Centers,RegionalHealthcareCenters, andlocal Doctor’sHospital. Wehave worked inVeterinary Hospitals, and Urgent Care facilities.All kinds of floor covering materials are used in healthcare facilities. IncludingWood, Rubber, Vinyl, Linoleum, Carpet, and Sealers. Interior Specificationsknows them all.Today there is a focus on materials that will function well, maintain easily andalso be GREEN. Interior Specifications can guide in that materials selectionprocess, as well as develop the proper installation protocol.Interior Specifications, the forensic scientists have been called intoinvestigations of the truly unusual healthcare floor failures.

MoistureSince the removal of VOC’s and asbestos from floor covering adhesives, thefloor failure rate has grown disproportionately to the increase in materialsconsumed. The “Clean Air Act” and health concerns have made floor-coveringmaterials more susceptible to failure from moisture vapor intrusion.Interior Specifications is licensed to perform all of the standard moisture vaporintrusion field tests recognized by ASTM and ANSI. We then relate the resultsof the tests taken to the requirements published by the manufacturers of eachmaterial used.As part of the investigative process, we look at factors that would indicate thatmoisture vapor intrusion is likely in a given project. Moisture vapor intrusion ispossible above grade. Given our familiarity with the current science andmaterials available, we develop protocols that will eliminate the danger orremediate the damage affected by moisture vapor intrusion.We have chaired symposiums on moisture vapor intrusion for The Society ofAmerican Registered Architects, and the American Institute of Architecture. Wehave published extensively for the Society of American Register Architects.Moisture sensitivity must be addressed when floor-covering materials are goingto be installed.Epoxy Topcoat:

Contact us today. 5737 Kanan Road #549 Agoura Hills, California 91301PH: 818-991-4300 FAX: 818-475-5099 EMAIL: [email protected] CONTRACTORS LICENSE #710802 ABFE #10104 http://www.4floors.com/