How facilities managers can maximise their flooring investment

Picture this: You’re walking through your newly renovated facilities, admiring the brand new flooring which perfectly complements your company branding and aesthetic. It looks impressive today – but will it still hold up five years from now? Will it be safe and durable for years to come or will you face countless maintenance and repair jobs?

For facilities managers, flooring isn’t just about the aesthetics of a business’ premises; it’s a long-term investment that requires careful consideration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to maximising your flooring investment so you can find a flooring solution that saves money, enhances safety and stands the test of time.

Key considerations: Choosing the right flooring for long-term value

Getting new flooring for your facility is a big investment, so when it comes to finding the best solution for your business, there are a number of factors to consider to ensure you get the most value from the upfront cost.

• Durability:  To minimise ongoing maintenance costs and enhance safety, it’s important to choose materials that can withstand the wear and tear of heavy traffic.
• Safety and compliance: For many businesses, the type of flooring used will be dictated by safety regulations. Make sure your flooring choices adhere to industry standards for the likes of slip resistance and fire resistance.
• Ease of maintenance: Flooring that’s difficult to keep clean or maintain will be a waste of both time and money, so it’s important to consider this to minimise upkeep costs and labour.
• Aesthetics and branding: While safety is paramount, incorporating flooring that enhances the company’s image is especially important for areas your customers and suppliers would see.
• Sustainability: As many companies seek to prioritise sustainable business practices, choosing an eco-friendly flooring option that aligns with ESG goals is becoming an increasingly important consideration.

Proper installation: Laying the foundation for high performance

Investing in high-quality flooring is only half the battle; to make sure your new floors really stand the test of time, it all comes down to proper installation. Many facilities managers focus on choosing the best flooring materials but overlook the installation process, however, even the most durable flooring can deteriorate too soon if it’s not fitted to a high standard. 

Some common issues caused by poor installation include uneven surfaces that create trip hazards, low quality adhesive that leads to peeling and bubbling, moisture damage from failing to prepare the subfloor properly, and misaligned tiles that weaken the floor’s structure. These problems don’t just impact the overall look of the flooring; they can lead to compromised safety, extra maintenance costs and disruptions.

So, how can you make sure your facility’s flooring is properly installed from the start?

Expert subfloor preparation

As with many things, a strong foundation is key to long-lasting success. If the subfloor isn’t properly prepared ahead of installation, the materials may shift, crack or retain moisture. To achieve the best results, make sure the surface is level, clean and dry before laying the material.

Choose the right installation method

The best installation technique will depend on the flooring material so it’s important to check which method is best. Floating floors, glued-down installations and click-lock systems all have their pros and cons, but a professional flooring expert will be able to recommend the best approach for long-term performance.

Plan meticulously

In commercial and industrial spaces, unnecessary downtime can become very costly, so a well-planned flooring installation is crucial. Involving experienced installers who can work quickly and effectively, and who understand how to coordinate the process, will make a huge difference in keeping your day-to-day operations running smoothly throughout the process.

Proactive maintenance and refurbishments: Extending the lifespan of your floors

Now that your high-quality flooring has been expertly installed, it’s important to put a proactive maintenance plan in place to keep your floors in the best condition for years to come. 

This doesn’t need to be an exhaustive list of tasks that take time away from your business’ day-to-day operations, but ignoring any maintenance until faults and damages arise will only reduce the overall lifespan of your flooring. 

To get the most out of your investment, here’s a quick checklist of proactive maintenance to consider:

• Regular cleaning schedules to suit your floor type and traffic levels
• Installing protective measures such as entrance matting to reduce dirt and moisture
• Periodic inspections to catch early signs of wear or damage

High foot traffic, heavy equipment and unexpected spills can all lead to wear and tear as time goes on – no matter how durable your flooring materials are. Waiting until you need to fully replace the floors might seem like the only solution, but neglecting minor flooring damage can lead to bigger, costlier problems later down the line.

For instance, a small crack or loose tile can quickly escalate into a trip hazard, while untreated moisture damage can result in mold growth or deterioration of the subfloor. Not only do these issues impact safety – they can also lead to expensive emergency repairs and downtime for your facility.

Instead of waiting until flooring issues become major disruptions, consider these proactive refurbishments to refresh your flooring without an expensive overhaul:

• Targeted repairs on damaged sections instead of a full flooring refurbishment
• Resurfacing worn or scratched floors with specialist coatings for an added protective layer
• Applying high-performance sealants and coatings to protect against future spills, stains, and wear for those high-traffic areas
• Upgrading with sustainable solutions, such as modular flooring that allow for easy replacements in the future

Maximising your flooring investment isn’t just about choosing the right materials – as a facilities manager, you need to ensure proper installation, proactive maintenance and cost-effective refurbishments that keep your flooring in top condition well into the future. By taking a strategic and carefully considered approach, you can reduce long-term costs and maintain a safe, professional environment.