The Importance of Hard Samples and Mock-ups with Resinous Flooring Projects
by Ray Fox - Architectural Specifications Representative
The importance of providing hard samples or installing an actual mock-up cannot be overstated. They provide owners and architects with vital information including color, texture, thickness, cleanability and other features.
Hard samples offer physical assurance the bid meets the specification/project requirements and also matches what the supplier/installer plans to install.
Mock-ups are the actual jobsite reference points for the agreed upon system, including all of the attributes that a physical sample provides.
Both tools provide the installer with a reference point should any questions arise about the finished installation.
Specification & Submittal Requirements
Your decision whether to use hard samples or mock-ups will be guided by the project specification. In most cases, both are required. If you’re a supplier of material and/or the installation contractor, it’s critical you become familiar with the specification and submittal requirements.
Division 9 (finishes), most often Section 096723, is where Resinous/Epoxy/Fluid Applied flooring is listed. Within Division 9, samples are usually listed in Part 1 – General – Submittals. Mock-ups are generally listed in Part 1 – General – Quality Assurance.
It’s also important to refer to Division 1 – General Requirements. Many people overlook this division. Additional requirements for submittals, samples and quality assurance are often, if not always listed in Division 1.
Size requirements for hard samples and mock-ups will be determined by the specification/architect. Hard samples are typically 6 x 6 inches, and mock-ups are generally 4 x 4 feet (although we’re seeing more 6 x 6 feet and larger). Often, the installed mock-up may be incorporated into the finished flooring installation, provided that the mock-up has been properly protected and maintained. As an installer, you need to be aware that mock-up requirements are becoming more frequent and the cost of mock-up installation should be factored into your project estimate.
Hard Sample Approval
Samples are almost always required as part of the submittal package. Again, they should represent the approved color, texture, thickness, cleanability and features such as chemical or abrasion resistance. I believe three samples should be provided for each type of flooring system that’s required for the project. All should be approved AND signed off on by the owner/architect and the GC. The owner/owners rep, contractor and the installer should each have an approved and signed set!
The contractor’s set of samples should be kept with the job file and protected from loss or damage. These samples serve as a reference point for ongoing installation inspections and any issues that arise regarding what was approved vs. what was installed. They protect the owner, the contractor and the installer.
Mock-Up Installation & Approval
A mock-up consists of a miniature floor coating installation with all surface prep, priming, coating, etc. It must duplicate the actual finished floor, including thickness and texture.
Mock-ups should be installed in an area of the floor that’s protected from ongoing jobsite work and should ideally have the finished lighting systems in place. Adjustments can be made to the mock-up until it complies with the specified project flooring requirements.
Cove base, if required as part of the flooring system, should always be included in the mock-up.
The finished and approved mock-up will be the reference for ongoing flooring installation, finished floor and final inspection reference.
Key Takeaways
- Requirements for samples and mock-ups are detailed in the project specification.
- Samples and mock-ups are used as a reference for the approved and required flooring system. They should be protected.
- Samples and mock-ups should always indicate approved color, thickness, texture, gloss level and any other key attribute.
- Samples and mock-ups should be signed off on by the owner/owners rep, the contractor and the installer.
- Physical samples and mock-ups protect all parties in the event questions arise about the installation.
APF Sample Inventory
APF maintains an inventory of hard samples for our Standard Colors (5 x 5 inches), Granitex (5 x 5 inches), ColorChrome (4 x 4 inches) and Colored Quartz (4 x 4 inches). We also have a small selection of System samples in various colors and sizes, including CastorCrete (urethane mortar).
Specific project samples and custom color or system samples can be produced and supplied upon request. Contact us for requirements, costs and lead times.
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