Choosing Vinyl for Commercial Flooring
There are many different commercial flooring options available that are suitable for any business or location. However, finding what is perfect for your particular business may seem like a pretty daunting and overwhelming task if you are unsure of what you should look for, what to take into consideration, and keep within a specified budget.
There are also several trends in commercial flooring that have been emerging over the years such as rectangular tiles and digital graphic applications. Many new products are coming out that have helped expand the sheer volume of choices there are available for commercial flooring.
First: A Few Considerations
Before choosing which commercial flooring option would be best, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. It is important to understand what your business needs and style are. Determining the amount of traffic you will get, how often the floors can be cleaned and maintained, and the budget is also an important consideration to take.
Depending on where the flooring is going to be installed, it is also best to familiarize yourself with the different flooring requirements that different types of surfaces require.
Second: Options
Next, you will start looking at the many options that are available to choose from. Wood is a viable option and is considered a higher-quality material. It is easy to clean, and there are a number of different finishes you can choose from to find the best style for your business. However, if you are in an area where there is a lot of humidity or moisture, then wood flooring may not be the best solution. Wood can also be easily scratched, especially if you see a lot of foot traffic.
Tile is another commercial flooring option and is extremely durable as well as stain resistant. Unlike wood, it is better suited for higher traffic areas. However, it is a noisy option to choose because there is no padding to help dampen sound and any repairs can end up being costly.
Carpet, another common flooring option, requires a lot more maintenance than the previous flooring options but can offer insulation and noise reduction. It is an affordable option but can stain and wear quickly and typically isn’t recommended for high-traffic areas.
Third: Decision
Finally, it’s decision time. Vinyl, while it is not mentioned above, may actually be the best option for your commercial flooring. Vinyl is a relatively inexpensive and affordable solution that is extremely durable, lasts a long time, and offers many different styles and choices to choose from. It requires minimal maintenance and holds its own against scratches and dents which make it an ideal option for high-traffic areas.
Vinyl flooring is very resilient, water-resistant, and durable which also helps to control the costs associated with this flooring option. There are even vinyl options available that mimic the look of hardwood or ceramic. Vinyl can also be customized, and you can choose from a wide selection of different colors, textures, and styles.
A common problem with vinyl flooring could be the dulling of the color or finish over time. Small debris, over time, can make small scratches on the surface of the flooring, almost like sandpaper. However, some precautions can be taken to help minimize any damage that can occur such as regular cleaning and maintenance and commercial floor sealers.
Vinyl Maintenance
It is important to sweep, mop, or vacuum vinyl flooring regularly to keep the surface free of debris and dirt, especially in a high-traffic area. Using floor mats at entrances will capture some of this dirt before it has the chance to settle onto the flooring. It is also recommended to keep as much of the vinyl flooring out of direct sunlight as possible since long-term sun exposure can cause discoloration. Mats at the entrance and the use of curtains in sunny areas can drastically reduce any discoloration that could occur.
For any dents or scratches you see, a liquid seam filler can be used to help repair the minor damage. The solutions should be applied to floors that are clean and dry, and then allowed to dry completely.
It is also possible to repair individual sections of vinyl whether it is installed as a sheet or tiles. As long as the removed section is matched with a patch tile or sheet, then there will be no problem.
A Reasonable Option
It is important to research the vinyl you choose to make sure that you are getting your materials from a well-known and reputable source. Vinyl can last between ten and twenty years if properly installed and taken care of, can improve energy efficiency, has a low contribution to greenhouse gasses, and is highly durable.