Floors & flooring
complete replacement of the underlay and re-laying of the flooring can provide an answer.
MAINTENANCE Maintenance costs can rise substantially when incorrectly specified flooring is installed. Damage can be incurred more easily, leading to a rise in aintenance visits. Ongoing maintenance is essential to prolong a floor covering’s lifespan, but
it is important to take into account the views of the cleaning/maintenance team when it comes to making a final decision. In some cases, a floor covering may be specified for its aesthetics but the cleaning regime may far exceed the capabilities or time allowances of the maintenance team. If this is the case and the regime cannot be maintained, it could mean that the initial investment in the floor covering was not worthwhile.
ALLERGENS An unseen and often ignored factor at selection stage, but one which is extremely important, is to choose floor coverings which do not cause or exacerbate allergic reactions. For example, older flooring can retain more allergens and particulates, and can harbour living organisms such as dust mites if they are not properly and regularly cleaned. This can result in increased cases of allergies for residents – particularly vulnerable are older people and young children. Correct specification of floor coverings with a low allergy risk is advisable for housing.
AESTHETICS Aesthetics are always going to be an important factor in the decision making process. Floor coverings are usually required that can deliver the right look, but that are also comfortable underfoot. Improving the aesthetics of the interior is the number one reason why floor coverings are upgraded. Once you have determined the most important characteristics needed for
the flooring in that particular environment, then it makes sense to show these to the maintenance staff in order to determine which will be most suitable for the space. It may also be the case that residents of the building are consulted too, if it is a refurbishment, for example on their preferred colour choice. Many carpet and vinyl manufacturers provide samples which a registered landlord or housing association can use to consult with tenants.
SO WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO REPLACE A FLOOR COVERING? There are a number of factors that suggest when a floor covering needs to be refurbished or replaced. The obvious ones are rips and tears and patches that appear thinner than they should be. Some inferior types of vinyl flooring, for example, can break apart at weld seams. Discolouration can also occur when flooring becomes contaminated with microorganisms and bacteria. If a low maintenance flooring solution is being sought, then it is
recommend, as with all projects, to arrange a site survey and discuss the options with an experienced project manager. They can then advise on a suitable product to fit the budget and the environment. Once the correct product is selected, it should last for its specified lifetime.
However, this can be drastically reduced if it has not been installed correctly or the fitters haven’t used approved installation products, such as specified underlay and adhesives. On average, floor coverings are replaced every 10 years, however it can be done much more frequently due to change of building usage, planned refurbishment works and poor installation. Working with a flooring refurbishment partner can help ensure that the
floor covering you receive is well specified and installed. This reduces the risk of wrongly specifying a flooring material, which can be an expensive mistake. Durability and performance are the hallmarks of a well chosen carpet and careful consideration at the start can reap rewards over the long term.”
Richard Sutton is the general manager of Horbury Property Services
PRACTICAL AND COST EFFECTIVE DOMESTIC SAFETY FLOORING PERFECT FOR HOUSING
Gerflor have all your social housing flooring needs covered
We have low on the floor cost solutions that save you time and money, are slip resistant and meet HSE >36 guidelines and are also easy to fit with minimal subfloor preparation. Our floorings are tough and durable, loved and wanted by tenants and home owners alike, we are so confident that we are giving you the chance to try them for free!
*Applies to Griptex, Agrippa, T arasafe Ultra H2 Contact us for terms and conditions.
01926 622600 @
contractuk@gerflor.com www.gerflor.co.uk
gerflorhousing
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMM November 2017 | 37 0 ranges only
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TRIAL OFFER! *until 1st March 2018
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