Extending the Life of High-Traffic Floors

In a large business atmosphere, especially one with a lot of foot traffic, such as an airport, flooring can be an expensive asset. In environments like this, the durability of the flooring is paramount. There is the initial installation, then you have the routine cleaning, maintenance, repair, refurbishing, and after a certain amount of time, there will be the removal and reinstallation of new flooring.

How much would it be worth to your business to extend the life of your flooring by 2-4 years?

That was the case with one of our clients. Before we started working in their building, they would replace their high-traffic area flooring every 3-5 years due to wear and tear. However, after receiving consistent cleaning and service year after year, proper maintenance and proactive safeguards, they are now able to extend the lifespan of their flooring. They have seen a 25% increase in foot traffic AND now replace flooring every 5-7 years. Our consistent methods have helped increase the longevity of their flooring despite their boost in business.

By following just a few basic procedures, it is possible to vastly expand the life of your floor and stretch the flooring budget a little further. Using some common maintenance methods as well as a few preventative measures can keep floors in great shape.

Routine Cleaning

Keep your floor clean and especially free from dirt and grit. It will do wonders for maximizing longevity. Dirt, rocks and small sharp objects can easily cause abrasions on the surface of the floor and that will scratch the sealant and speed up the wearing process.

• Sweep often and remove any dust or debris that is visible throughout the day.
• There should be a daily cleaning of all floors, including sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping.
• Regular deep cleaning, floor sealing, and restoration efforts can add years to the life of your floor.

Use the Correct Solutions

Make sure you choose the right cleaner and proper dilution control systems for your specific floor material. Be it carpet, vinyl, laminate, or hardwood, correctly caring for your floors and keeping them clean will not only make them look good but will allow you to enjoy them for years to come.

• Utilize green cleaning solutions where you can, they are better for people and the environment.
• Read the directions carefully. Some chemicals will be harmful to some flooring materials or could cause issues if not diluted properly.
• Keep your solutions separate and do not cross contaminate. Sometimes two chemicals that are very safe when they are separate can be toxic when they are mixed.

Look for Imperfections

Commercial flooring is subject to a variety of unique stresses, including heavy and sometimes constant foot traffic. It may be harder to see weak spots in your flooring during these times. However, a clean floor usually makes it a lot easier to see imperfections in the flooring. It may be an upturned corner, a crack, snag or tear. During the cleaning process, take note of the issue and proactively fix that area. It will help your entire floor space last longer.

When you pay careful attention to these issues with floors and stairs and provide the needed maintenance or repair, it can also help avoid trip hazards and health risks before they are an issue.

At the end of the day, clean floors have a measurable value, even beyond their lifespan. Customers prefer cleanliness and a clean facility can help generate more revenue. That can make a big difference to your bottom line. Careful and consistent floor cleaning, maintenance and repair can help your employees be more productive and your customers will want to spend more time in your facility.

Beautiful floors aren’t just good looking, they protect your investment and positively impact everyone who sets foot in your business.