Magnifying glass and a pen lying on old wooden texture, top view


The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) announces the publication of the revised American National Standard ANSI/IICRC S220 Standard for Professional Inspection of Hard Surface Floor Coverings (2nd edition, 2026). Additionally, a Red Line Version of the Standard showing changes made to the 1st Edition, 2021, Standard is also available.

"The revised ANSI/IICRC S220 remains an important resource in the inspection industry. Incorporating changes in technology and clarifying language, the revisions help solidify the significance of the document," says Jessic Violand Bruno, S220 Standard Consensus Body Chair. "The S220 seeks to raise the bar on the inspection industry. It remains a resource for those using the document to know and understand what is involved and necessary for a hard surface flooring inspection."

ANSI/IICRC S220 Standard describes the non-destructive procedures, methods, and systems for professional inspectors to follow when inspecting light commercial and residential hard surface floor coverings—including stone, laminate, prefinished wood, ceramic, and resilient. The Standard does not specifically address the protocols and procedures for installing hard surface floor coverings.

Professional inspection of hard surface floor coverings consists of the following components, for which procedures are described in the ANSI/IICRC S220 Standard:

• Professional Hard Surface Floor Covering Inspector
• Commissioning Parties
• Writing Inspection Reports
• Inspection Tools and Equipment
• Photography
• Chain of Custody, Storage, and Handling
• Wood Flooring Inspection
• Stone, Ceramic Flooring Inspection
• Resilient Flooring Inspection
• Limitations, Complexities, Complications, and Conflicts

"The ANSI/IICRC S220 represents a critical area in the inspection industry," adds IICRC Standards Chairman Brandon Burton. "Hard surface flooring represents many of the highest value flooring materials, in addition to several areas in flooring technology that have seen significant changes in production and installation technology. Proper and professional inspection is key for both of these reasons."