General wear and tear can happen to all flooring over time, but the flooring in communal spaces can drastically decrease its longevity. And since it’s impractical to expect accidents not to occur, this would imply that routine cleaning costs are necessary.
Fortunately, flooring can last for years to over a decade depending on how well it’s maintained. And whether it be professionally performed or through hiring, regular maintenance will not only protect the health of workers but sustain all flooring types in the workplace and save on replacement costs for years to come.
Wood Flooring
Wood is very durable and can last 25 years or more with general use. In highly trafficked spaces, the likelihood of water damage, scratching, marks, discoloration, and creaking increases dramatically. If the wood flooring is experiencing superficial issues, staining the floor can give it a renewed look and appeal. Staining colors the wood and brings new life to the interior by brightening up the room.
However, staining wood will not protect it like sealant probably could. Sealant is a hydrophobic coating that repels the negative effects of water from accidental spills and leaks. Steam cleaning, on the other hand, could sanitize wood floors, but can damage unsealed wood. If considering these options for the first time, take care to follow instructional manuals or hire professionals.
Carpeted Flooring
Unlike wood, tile, and other types, carpet only lasts for about 10 years. This is likely due to the fibrous nature of carpet: as you know, carpet has the unfortunate tendency to hold on to stains, which can be tricky (and costly) to remove once they’re made. Carpet is also susceptible to matting, dirt, and discoloration from stains.
Most importantly, mold hiding underneath the carpet is very dangerous and difficult to spot, as the mildew smell tends to permeate from mold buildup into areas beyond, concealing its source. Walking over moldy patches can send the mold spores into the air, which can cause sickness. This is especially devastating in crowded-gathering areas. If left untreated, mold can ruin flooring entirely and needs immediate replacement.
According to The Carpet and Rug Institute, carpets should be inspected and deep cleaned at least once annually or every 18 months, depending on how often the carpet is used. If desired, they recommend searching for SOA-certified professionals. SOA-certified vacuum cleaners should be used at least once weekly and more for high trafficked rooms with carpets. For in-house cleanings, purchase throwaway products like mats to decrease dirt buildup, moisture, and staining.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is liquid-repellant, making it seem like the perfect flooring to prevent water damage. However, this is not the case, and certain cleaning products, tools, and solutions are often the main cause of damage. This is why The Cleaning Institute suggests using alkaline solutions that won’t corrode the tiles and non-abrasive cleaning products like sponges to prevent scratching.
This also includes using dyed cleaning products with caution because - unbeknownst to many - tile is quite porous, which means it can be easily stained. In the workplace, this would likely be due to dark liquids like coffees, teas, and sodas, which are especially difficult to lift.
If liquids seep between the grout and underneath tiles, they can loosen them and cause further damage to the floor beneath them. Thus, recaulking tiles routinely or applying grout sealer can reinforce them and lock out moisture completely. Additionally, preventative measures such as these will save individual pieces from needing replacement and creating a mismatched design, which can be unsightly.
At the end of the day, flooring is far from the first thought in a busy workplace, so its needs often go overlooked. Sadly, it’s only when the problem becomes noticeable – at which point, it may already be dire – that the issue is resolved. The good news is that with the proper cleaning routine, all floors are virtually savable. Because if issues are spotted early on, the most concerning of them can be prevented.
Let Bayside keep your floors in excellent shape! For all of your cleaning and property service needs, trust Bayside CBS. Contact us today for your free consultation.
