Stair Treads and Vinyl Wall Base

The Johnsonite website (just to pick one manufacturer) claims that all of their wall base is FloorScore certified... however, if you visit the SCS FloorScore database, you won't see Johnsonite wall base products listed under "wall base". In fact, you won't find any wall base products listed. They are listed by manufacturer, though, if you're willing to wade five pages deep. In other words, you may need to dig deep on the SCS FloorScore website to find what you're looking for. If I were a manufacturer, I would make double-darn sure that my products were correctly listed on the SCS website, since a lot of folks might be specifying products based on what they find (or don't find) there!

Joseph, I wouldn't consider wall base "flooring" that needs to be certified, although ideally it would be. The stair treads I would consider flooring and would want to certify them, however.

The original EQc4.3 text specifically requires that wall base be FloorScore certified. The 4/14/10 addendum completely replaces that text, with no mention of whether wall base is in or out. As usual, it's as clear as mud (or wall base adhesive). Since FloorScore certified wall base is readily available, I include it. The material that wall base is made out of is similar enough to resilient flooring material that I don't see any appreciable difference.

I hear why you're confused. I usually include FloorScore rubber base and also include it within this credit.

A more specific cove base question. My project has a gymnasium with a wood floor system that uses Johnsonite vent cove base to improve air circulation and expansion of the floor. This product is not FloorScore certified per Johnsonite and has no other testing certifications. It appears surprisingly that they may be the only manufacturer of this particular product. Maybe that's why they don't feel the need to test it. As you've indicated, wall base is explicitly included in the EQ4.3 credit, and I also include it routinely in my documentation. I see no addendum, CIR or thread here or in the Schools system that indicates any ability to exclude this particular product or any other alternate compliance than third party certification. Is there any way to comply? How are other projects with gym floors dealing with this?

Have you tried calling the manufacturer or comparing the MSDS between the vented base and regular base? The last time I used a vented base, it seemed like the same stuff molded into a different profile. I think your best bet is to call them and ask your question. The company you cite is a good one for green material information and they have probably addressed this previously.

Hi Susan, Yes I did call Johnsonite, and they indicated that they don't feel the need to have the vent cove base tested for certification since they don't sell enough of it. As you say, I'm not certain why the vent would make a difference if the product is the same as other materials that they do have certified, but they definitively could not provide appropriate third party testing for the vent cove base product. So far no one has been able to suggest a compliant substitute. I am told this construction is common to gym floors. Are school and recreational projects with these floors just giving up this credit?

Michelle, I can only thing of one other thing you could do and that would be to pull the MSDS sheets for the vented base and the same manufacturer's FloorScore compliant MSDS, verify them as the same and submit them both for review or for a project CIR. Have you checked with the School's forums on this site?

Hi Susan, I really appreciate that you are still thinking about this. I almost posted something moments ago. I talked to Johnsonite about the vent cove material, and they indicate it's not the same as their other FloorScore wall base or rubber floor products. So I've basically struck out, and no response from my post on the Schools forum. Interestingly Johnsonite tells me that they will proceed with certifying this product now that they have seen the McGraw Hill projections for LEED and schools construction for next year. They have now decided it makes financial sense for them to do so. At least future projects won't be SOL. I am wondering however looking at Tristan's post if other projects may not be including the "wall base" under this credit. And may be achieving the point that way. I can't in good conscience leave it out. It is part of my flooring system.

Dear all, concerning the post title about treads, we intend to use PVC nosing for the stairs. How would this affect the documentation of this credit. A colleague told me it's prohibited to use PVC products, is this true?

Hi Diaa, This credit does not outright ban any particular products. You would need to see if the products you are considering meet the credit requirements above. You may want to consider vinyl over PVC: http://www.rfci.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=94&Itemid=89