IICRC
B eneath every beautiful flooring installation lies a crucial but often underappreciated process: floor (substrate) preparation. While many in the industry treat it as a necessary evil, smart retailers and contractors are recognizing it as a hidden profit center—and a safeguard for long-term success. Who Starts the Conversation? The opportunity begins with the salesperson—the first point of contact who generates the quote for installation. It’s at this stage that floor prep should be introduced, not as a surprise add-on, but as a fundamental part of a proper installation. Understanding Moisture-Sensitive Flooring Products Any flooring product that relies on adhesive bonding is considered moisture-sensitive. This includes everything from wood (engineered or solid) to rubber, resilient sheet goods, woven vinyl, LVT planks and tiles, VCT, solid vinyl, carpet tile, glue-down broadloom, and vinyl or rubber-backed products. Even carpet, when glued down, can be impacted by moisture migration through the slab. Substrate vs. Subfloor: What’s the Difference? Clarity matters. The subfloor is the structural layer—wood sheathing on framing or poured concrete—that supports the substrate, which is the actual surface flooring is installed on. Flooring materials are not adhered directly to structural framing; they are installed on the prepared substrate surface. ASTM F710: The Foundation for Evaluation ASTM F710 outlines the standard practice for preparing concrete to receive resilient flooring. It includes assessment of flatness and surface condition, measurement of moisture content (typically via ASTM F2170 in-situ RH testing or ASTM F1869 calcium chloride tests), and the removal of contaminants. Proper testing is non-negotiable—it provides the data to justify necessary prep and protect against future failure. HIDDEN PROFIT CENTER: Floor (Substrate) Preparation
Bob Blochinger Inspection Division Chair Robert is a 45-year veteran of the flooring industry. Approved Instructor IICRC. Current member of NAFCT, NFCAP, IICRC BoD and Inspection Division Chair. Editor & Publisher of The Flooring Inspector magazine, (NICFI). Editor & Publisher of the current IICRC Inspector Review.
“ “Floor
preparation isn’t just about meeting minimum standards— it’s a strategic opportunity.”
60 Premier Flooring Retailer D2 | 2025
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