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GET SOCIAL


Designer Contracts’commercial director Louise Walters offers guidance on the specification of floorcoverings for the social and public housing sector.


What should be the key considerations when specifying flooring for use in social housing?


Safety, practicality and durability are key.


Would you recommend using different materials in living areas, bathroom and kitchens for example?


We would recommend using a slip-resistant, water resistant flooring choice in areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Softer options like carpet will always be a popular choice for bedrooms and living areas, but we would suggest one made from polypropylene which is naturally stain resistant – particularly in family homes where spills and accidents can so easily happen.


How about in communal areas such as corridors and walkways?


High traffic areas require a more hardwearing, durable flooring than anywhere else in a property. Over time excessive use can mean the floorcovering can lose its appeal. Hard flooring such as vinyl or safety flooring are robust options that will help with appearance retention and durability. Underlay plays an important role too – we always recommend a good quality option as it can help prolong the life of flooring – and can reduce noise on harder surfaces – particularly useful in higher traffic areas.


Are there any guidelines or safety standards that need to be met?


Tenant safety is incredibly important and there are a number of requirements that need to be met. These include the addition of stair nosings to communal staircases, which can help reduce accidents by defining the edge of a step. Transition strips between rooms and differing flooring types are another essential accessory that help provide a safe transition for tenants


32 | SOCIAL HOUSING


between rooms. The aim should always be to deliver a safe and durable solution, whilst creating a space that feels like home.


How important are style trends when specifying for social housing?


Being able to provide a stylish option is important whether it’s for the social or private sector. People have an expectation that floorcoverings are not only safe and practical, but modern and aesthetically pleasing too.


Are there any special considerations when specifying for different types of use, for example supported living for the elderly or disabled?


Care settings are demanding areas that require a durable, hard wearing flooring. Wet rooms and bathrooms should have the appropriate slip- resistant flooring, while carpet should be selected with an impervious backing to prevent liquids from


penetrating the subfloor. Some ranges also offer special anti-microbial treatments to the yarn, preventing odour, bacterial and fungal growth.


Is sustainability a main concern at the moment?


Absolutely! Sustainability is a hot topic, not just how the product is made, but how it can be recycled once it reaches the end of its life. We have worked hard to recycle where possible and last month we were named Carpet Recycling UK’s Takeback Partner of the Year 2019. This is the fourth time we have won this prestigious award and it is down to our recycling scheme which is currently diverting over 250 tonnes of waste from landfill each year.


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