5. 11. 2020
Fortelock tiles provide thermal insulation
Fortelock floors are taking a bold step forward and have newly been awarded the certificate for the Determination of thermal resistance and thermal conductivity in accordance with ČSN EN 12664.
Fortelock tiles boast excellent properties such as sound insulation and sturdy interlocking joints. The newly obtained thermal insulation guarantee is another reason to choose a Fortelock floor.
The best thermal properties are offered by the Fortelock Industry range of tiles. If you want to keep more heat in the room and feel less cold, explore the offer in our e-shop.
What the measurement shows
Measurement according to EN 12664 determined the thermal conductivity of Fortelock tiles to be 0.155 W/(m·K). The specification tables for all ranges give the same value, from Industry through Invisible and XL to Business and ESD. PVC therefore acts as a thermal insulator with a conductivity similar to laminate, so the floor does not feel cold even where there is cold concrete underneath. The elasticity of the material also dampens noise and machine vibration and, when standing for long periods, reduces back and leg fatigue compared with concrete, epoxy or ceramic. The thickness varies by range, from 4 mm for XL to 10 mm for Industry Ultra.
Frequently asked questions
Does PVC flooring feel cold in an unheated garage?
Less so than bare concrete, because PVC acts as a thermal insulator. However, for a loose-laid floor, the technical data sheet gives an operating air temperature of +15 to +27 °C; with a wider range, the tiles are glued with PU adhesive. If the floor is to operate at temperatures below 0 °C, you need to contact the Fortemix sales department.
Does Fortelock flooring work with water-based underfloor heating?
Yes, provided the conditions in the technical data sheet are met. The water in the system must not exceed 28 °C, and the heating is switched on gradually from approximately 20 °C, with the temperature increased over 7–10 days. If the floor temperature changes by more than 15 °C, the tiles are glued over the entire surface with PU adhesive.
Do Fortelock tiles dampen noise and impacts?
Yes. PVC dampens noise and machine vibration, and the elasticity of the material helps to absorb impacts. According to the manufacturer, this reduces back and leg fatigue compared with concrete, epoxy or ceramic, which people who stand or kneel on the floor for long periods, for example in a workshop or warehouse, will appreciate.
Do Fortelock tiles change size with temperature?
Only minimally, but it does need to be taken into account. The dimensional stability after exposure to heat is no more than 0.25% for the standard ranges. PVC naturally expands, so a 10 mm expansion gap is left at the walls, and areas exposed to direct sunlight or a heat source are glued. Read more in the article Expansion gaps in PVC flooring: why they matter and what happens when they are missing.
