In most areas of life, red tape and regulations make things more difficult. But, in the case of sports floor specification, legislation has made things a lot less confusing, with the introduction of European Standard EN14904. Unlike domestic specifications, which tend to centre on aesthetics and budget, a sports floor needs to perform to the highest standards too. Numerous other factors also come into the mix - including accreditation, suitability, maintenance, construction parameters, fire testing and environmental impact. In the past, ensuring satisfaction across all areas was a complicated task. By setting a minimum and consistent standard for sports floors, wherever they are located in the European Union, EN 14904 makes it easier to compare different types of surfaces in terms of their compliance with minimum safety and performance standards. And, in today's market, this is an issue that is becoming more and more important.
All sports floors, which previously met BS7044 part four as a minimum standard, now have to comply with the new European EN 14904 standard. Various performance characteristics are tested to meet specific parameters. They include: Vertical Deformation - to reduce the risk of injuries caused by diving and falling; Energy absorption - to reduce injuries caused by jarring, Uniform friction - for optimum grip/slip performance across the entire surface; Vertical ball bounce - for a true and consistent bounce across the surface; Resistance to indentation, rolling loads and impact; Abrasion resistance, and correct light reflection, so that both sighted and visually-impaired can clearly see line markings at all speeds.
Reflex Activity and Multisport flooring systems excel in all categories of EN14904 Test - A4 Category.
Reflex are a member of BWFA (the British Wood Flooring Association). BWFA is the trade association solely representing the UK wood flooring industry. The prime aim of the association is to ensure high standards of craftsmanship in the installation of wood flooring. They aim to continuously raise skill levels in the flooring industry. BWFA brings together suppliers, installers, specifiers and customers in the creation of first class wood flooring.
