How Can Anti-Bacterial Flooring Enhance the Overall Hygiene of Educational Institutions?

 In the current situation a lot of people are looking for flooring solutions that help to prevent the spread of viruses such as Covid-19 and other bacteria. Anti Bacterial Flooring helps to achieve this by trapping particulate matter ready for cleaning rather than allowing it to be recirculated in the breathing zone (as carpet tiles do). But there are even more steps that can be taken and many resinous floor coating systems offer a choice of antimicrobial and/or antibacterial additives or products which make these floors resistant to unwanted life.

 Includes spas, leisure centres and restaurants as well as health facilities

Although the term antimicrobial may bring to mind environments such as hospitals or scientific labs, this protective flooring is not restricted to these types of environments and can be used in any setting where improved hygiene is required. This includes spas, leisure centres and restaurants as well as health facilities, care homes and laboratories.

 Antimicrobial flooring is designed to be easy to clean and disinfect

A key reason for the increased demand in antimicrobial flooring is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has brought the importance of keeping a clean environment to the forefront of our minds. Antimicrobial flooring is designed to be easy to clean and disinfect - so the removal of dangerous bacteria and viruses can be speedily and effectively achieved.

 The risk of abrasions and the onset of stains and discoloration

As an additional benefit, the majority of antimicrobial flooring also works to deter fungus, mold and mildew, thus providing the same level of protection to the substrate as it does to bacteria and other microorganisms. These added benefits not only improve the appearance of the flooring but can help to prolong its lifespan by reducing the risk of abrasions and the onset of stains and discoloration.

 Flexible vinyl flooring products to provide antifungal protection.

With the right treatment, all types of flooring can be made resistant to a range of unwanted microorganisms. For example, a coating of zinc pyrithione can be added to vinyl flooring surfaces to provide robust antimicrobial protection and to prevent the growth of fungus. Thiabendazole or isothiazolinone additives are also used in the topcoats of some flexible vinyl flooring products to provide antifungal protection.

Similarly, concrete flooring can be protected with a range of antimicrobial and/or antibacterial coatings which can be incorporated into the surface or added as a pre-coat to existing floor coverings. PUMA-CRETE floors for instance, which are used in food processing and other manufacturing industries, have an integrated system which provides both antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Conclusion

It may be a while before every type of flooring is offered as antimicrobial and/or Anti Bacterial Flooring but for the time being most resinous flooring choices can have an antimicrobial or antibacterial additive or product applied to them. This is easily done without impacting on the integrity of the floor and can be applied to any existing surface as long as it is clean. Please get in touch with our team of Territory Managers, Architectural and Engineering Representatives to discuss your requirements for a new or existing industrial floor with the option of an antimicrobial additive. This is a valuable investment in your indoor environment and one that will work tirelessly to protect you, your staff, visitors and customers.