It is important to note that wood flooring carries a certain degree of risk when implemented in schools. These educational institutions need to ensure to use of safe materials in order to protect students’ health and wellbeing. The product of interest is birch wood floors, which have no notable safety hazards. Birch wood floorings comply with the key flame spread requirements and possess unique properties making it a plausible choice of flooring for schools.
In order to properly assess the flame spread rating of birch wood flooring at schools, it is critical to analyze the codes and key characteristics of the product. According to §3280.203 flame spread limitations and fire protection requirements, the “flame-spread rating 76 to 200” must be ensured (Legal Information Institute par. 2). The birch wood flooring has a flame spread rating between 105-110, which falls in the acceptable range (American Wood Council 74). The fabrication process involves birch wood cutting the material into parquet or plywood pieces with subsequent molding, checking, pre-finishing, sanding, and protective coating (American Wood Council 31). The installation of birch wood flooring is done in accordance with standard procedures of subfloor preparation, acclimate flooring, blind nailing, installing in rows, and final fixating. The advantage of the product is the minimal need for maintenance, which can be limited to vacuuming or using a broom (American Wood Council 22). It is important to avoid harsh chemicals, oil soaps, and ammonia since these can damage the integral structure of the birch wood floor.
The key physical properties of birch wood floor panels are simple and constitute the natural features of the wood type. When compared to white oak alternatives, birch is harder, making it more brittle, but the difference is not significant in a school setting. The standard flammability test for wooden floors, including birch, includes exposing the material to fire in a controlled environment. The core parameters are measures such as fire intensity, horizontal orientations, and time required for complete incineration (American Wood Council 15). The performance criteria, according to the code, have a flammability score between 76 to 200 (Legal Information Institute par. 1). The ergonomic requirements fall within a category of general purpose. An example of a third party certification for air quality is Floorscore, whereas the environmental impact and other industry standard certifications can be provided Carb Verified (American Wood Council 63). Figure 1 below showcases the former’s certification mark.
Birch wood flooring is highly appealing and aesthetically pleasing with a wide range of colors available, but the uncolored versions have a warm yellow color. The lifecycle of the product is 25 years when it comes to appearance and coloration fading, but functionally, a properly installed birch wood floor can last up to 100 years (American Wood Council 21). Thus, the utility of the material is outstanding, considering its minimal impact on students’ health as well as the environment.
In conclusion, birch wood plywood and parquets comply with the key flame spread requirements and possess unique properties, making them a plausible choice of flooring for schools. The product of interest has no notable safety hazards, and students can be schools can be assured that the materials do not hinder the protection of students’ health and wellbeing. However, it still carries a certain degree of risk when implemented in schools but falls within the code requirements.
Works Cited
American Wood Council. National Design Specifications. ANSI, 2018.
Legal Information Institute. “24 CFR § 3280.203 – Flame Spread Limitations and Fire Protection Requirements.” Cornell Law School, Web.