ON THE BALL Top flooring tips from F. Ball and Co. Ltd. Stephen Boulton, Technical Service Manager at
F.Ball and Co, discusses the
importance of preparation and choosing the right products when installing a floor in a healthcare environment.
During any flooring installation, it is important that contractors take the time to select the products most appropriate for that environment. However, extra time and consideration must be taken in healthcare environments where very strict health and hygiene rules must be adhered to. If the correct precautions are not taken, and the products used are not appropriate, the health and safety of patients is put at risk.
IMPORTANT FIRST STEPS The first step in any installation should be to assess the subfloor for any moisture. If left untreated, subfloor moisture can cause floorcoverings to blister or warp, or cause an adhesive bond to fail, which may result in the lifting or cracking of the floorcoverings. This provides ample opportunity for bacteria to build up through the manifestation of dirt and germs, and can be detrimental to patient health.
To assess subfloor moisture levels, a digital hygrometer is used. This provides a simple and effective measurement of whether the subfloor is suitably dry to continue with the installation by measuring the relative humidity (RH) levels of the subfloor. RH levels below 75% (or 65% for wood floorcoverings, which are more susceptible to moisture) indicate that excess moisture is not
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present, and the installation can continue with no additional steps. Levels above those, however, require the application of a waterproof surface membrane to prevent future failure of the floorcovering.
FACTORS FOR
CONSIDERATION The next step is to apply a smoothing underlayment, which will create a smooth and level surface free from undulations and imperfections. There are smoothing underlayments available that have been designed specifically for use in clinical and biologically sensitive areas, such as healthcare environments, which comply with strict hygiene regulations. Protein-free and latex-free underlayments, such as high performance Stopgap 1200 Pro, help to prevent the growth of bacteria and reduce the risks to patient health.
In healthcare environments it is also important to select products that enable contractors to minimise the downtime of an area, so as to allow it to resume functioning as quickly as possible. For example, low odour smoothing underlayments enable hospital wards and corridors to be reoccupied immediately after the installation is complete. Likewise, fast-track smoothing underlayments that are ready to receive
floorcoverings in as little as 45 minutes also help to minimise installation time.
DURABILITY AND
LONGEVITY Aside from these immediate factors, the products selected must be capable of withstanding the demands placed on flooring in healthcare environments long-term. Heavy foot traffic is inevitable, and deep-cleaning processes are crucial, so heavy- duty underlayments, adhesives and floorcoverings should be used to ensure the durability and longevity of the installation. High bond strength adhesives, such as acrylic adhesives, are ideal for such environments as they are able to withstand the deep- cleaning processes while also ensuring a lasting, durable finish.
In high-risk environments like healthcare settings, selecting the correct products is a vital part of the installation process. Failure to do so can have a considerable effect on both the lifetime of the new floor and the welfare of patients, so you should always endeavour to make sure that the floor is dry, smooth and the floorcovering is adhered correctly to ensure optimum performance and a high-quality finish.
www.f-ball.co.uk www.tomorrowscontractfloors.com
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