A gym floor is a big investment for any athletic facility. To get a good return on the time, effort, and money you’ve poured into your floor, you’ll want to protect it from damage. Effective walk off mats, strict maintenance routines, and durable covers can keep your investment looking new for years to come.
Stop dirt at the door. Protect your floor by keeping it free of grit. When dirt collects on the floor, it acts like sandpaper, abrading the surface with every step. Asking gym users to avoid wearing street shoes indoors is a start, but unfortunately, it’s difficult to enforce. Walk off mats can provide the solution. Placing mats at the entrance is the easiest way to avoid the spread of dirt inside the building.
Mats are available in numerous varieties with beautiful designs, and frequently feature custom logos to promote events or brands. The most commonly implemented mats are scraper mats, which are used just outside the entrance. Typically constructed of vinyl or rubber, these have nubs that aggressively dislodge debris from shoes. Additionally, wiper mats can be placed inside the entryway. These are typically topped with carpet, which naturally absorbs the moisture and debris loosened by the scraper mats. To maximize their effectiveness, these mats should be vacuumed and maintained on a daily basis.
Stay free of debris. While walk off mats are very effective, they can’t possibly eliminate all of the dirt being trekked into your facility. That’s why dust mopping should be a critical component of your floor protection plan, allowing you to remove surface soils before foot traffic can grind the dirt into the floor.
Synthetic dust mops are manufactured using man-made yarn or plastic. Dust is collected and held by static electricity, and they are generally stitched in a looped end pattern – preventing fraying and allowing them to be laundered numerous times. Microfiber dust mops are also made of plastic fibers, which hold very fine dust particles, preventing any of the dust from going airborne. They are extremely durable, and can be rinsed clean or laundered numerous times.
In addition to daily dust mopping, you should damp mop your gym floor at least once a month using a cleaning solution of one part white distilled vinegar to two parts warm water. This solution is far gentler on the finish than cleaners containing detergents, and won’t dull the shine the way soap can.
Protecting your floor doesn’t have to be a chore. It’s not all about sports – gyms frequently host various other events, such as conferences, award ceremonies, and graduations. These occasions are often accompanied by high heels, tables, and chairs. Using a gym floor cover during these activities protects the surface from spills, scrapes, scuffs, and dents.
Conventional floor covers come in two primary varieties: rolls of plastic and carpet tiles. Plastic is virtually stain proof, and is available with both smooth and slip-resistant surfaces. These can last between 3 and 10 years depending on quality and frequency of use. The carpet-based floor cover is constructed of large polypropylene tiles that are very durable, easy to clean, and stain resistant. They have a 15 to 20 year lifespan, and are installed by placing them side by side across the floor.
A quality gym floor is a functional and beautiful asset that should never be taken for granted. The longer a floor is neglected, the more difficult and expensive restoration becomes. Keeping dirt and debris at bay through frequent cleaning, walk off mats, and floor covers will keep your gym floor looking new – extending its life and protecting your investment for years to come.