Listed below are the most frequently asked questions about our Sphera homogeneous vinyl collection.
If you would like to download technical/environmental specifications, BRE results, NBS specification, please visit the Sphera downloads section.
For installation, cleaning & maintenance guides and videos, please visit the Installation & Floocare section.
All available BIM objects for our Sphera collections can be directly downloaded from the BIM page.
Sphera Element utilises new technology which delivers bright and intense colours, resulting in high light reflection values, and a range which his fresh and novel. 45% of the range have LRV’s higher than 40 and the average Light Reflectance Value of Sphera Element collection is 38.
The production process combines the two existing techniques for non-directional product to create the best possible product with ensured non-directional results.
Why have non-directional? Because non-directional is appreciated more. Our visual is really non-directional through how it is made.
We strongly believe that lacquering needs to be done before embossing to ensure the thickness of the top-layer is consistent over the surface of the product. This has been proven over time by Eternal and other Forbo project vinyls.
Proven embossing process following the top-layer application delivers a durable performance - the evenly distributed top-layer provides optimal all-overprotection
Our top-layer is more flexible and has self-correcting properties for small dents and damages - this means it returns to its original form. If something is very stiff, it will be hard to break it; but as soon as you have done so there is no recovery possible.
Forbo is the only manufacturer who has this top-layer and we have a long track record that shows its performance.
The only change with Sphera is that curing now is done by UV light instead of heat, delivering a similar performance in a more efficient way.
Yes, this is a standard fitting option in Europe particularly in healthcare. The butterfly corner offers better protection from wheel damage on external corners.
Standard corner fitting (UK standard) is also possible:
Extrusion process is the most efficient process for chip making.
- Innovative visuals can be made because of good process control of the chip size and shape plus the possibility to add highlights in the extrusion process.
- Accent/highlight chips are introduced into the chip mix and are there through and through the product
The colour pigment is made by a third party specialist colour preparation company - we have worked with them for many years.
They produce so-called Holcopril, tiny round spheres full of colour pigments in closely harmonised uni colours.
Each Holcopril consists of:
- 70% pigment (different colours)
- 30% wax
- One uniform layer
- Wear layer = product thickness
- Visual is through and through
- Visual is created by the production process with limited options
- Lower dimensional stability than heterogeneous vinyl
Sustainable, Modern, Advanced, Robust, Technology
Yes however, as a solid vinyl sheet product, this cannot be recycled on the Back to the Floor scheme but will be collected and processed free of charge to avoid land fill costs.
Find out more about our 'back to the floor' scheme here
Embossing helps to hide minor subfloor imperfections and high traffic wear areas by diffusing the light. It also makes the product surface appearance more matt, which is a visual big plus and consistent with our other vinyl ranges.
With homogeneous and its intended segments, cleaning and maintenance is key and any surface embossing must have no impact on this. That is why we created a rounded, shallow embossing structure that gives all the benefits without impact on caring for the product.
Sphera can be cleaned using standard cleaning methods in the same way as Eternal sheet vinyl. These cleaning methods have been tried successfully on trial installations. Standard flat micro-fibre mop, red pad and neutral detergent are recommended.
View the Sphera cleaning and maintenance video here
Forbo Flooring offer a range of acoustic underlay systems that offer improved impact sound reduction properties.
These include:
• Corkment which can be used under any Forbo Sheet linoleum or vinyl floor covering offering an impact sound reduction value of 14 dB.
• Vinylbase which can be used under Forbo sheet vinyl floor coverings offering an impact sound reduction of 18 dB.
In addition, single stick acoustic solutions are available in:
• Linoleum, offering impact sound reduction values of 14 dB or 17 dB.
• General purpose sheet vinyl, offering impact sound reduction values of 15 dB to 19 dB.
• Vinyl Safety flooring, offering impact sound reduction values of 18 dB.
All Forbo products are supported by system performance test data, product compatibility, installation guidance, and wear life warranties.
For further information on product compatibility and installation guidance please contact us.