Whiteboards 101
By: Scott T. Newman
Are you considering making the switch from chalkboards to whiteboards? You are not alone. Thousands of purchasing professionals within the educational arena have already made the switch.
Whiteboard sales have been outpacing chalkboard sales by a factor of 10 for the past five years. With all the new technology in today's classrooms, this is no surprise. Dust can wreak havoc on monitors, keyboards and towers, severely limiting their ability to perform properly. Most importantly, students and teachers alike are complaining of allergy-like symptoms from inhaling the chalk dust.
New whiteboards offer a great alternative, but where do you start? How do you know that what you choose is going to last?
This article will answer the most frequently asked questions regarding replacement of existing chalkboards with new whiteboards.
First and foremost, choose a product that will last as long as your chalkboards have. Your new whiteboards will be used every day, 250 days a year for at least 30 years, so be certain to purchase a product that is going to stand the test of time.
Let's start with the basics. What does dry erase mean, and why are some dry erase boards priced so differently than others?
Dry erase means any writing surface that will accept dry erase markers. It can be porcelain-on-steel, high-pressure laminate, or melamine. The most important thing to understand is which dry erase surface you are purchasing, and what surface is best for your needs.
Choosing the Right Surface
Melamine is a low-cost option. Melamine is often found on smaller, light-duty boards and is perfect for small office or home-office use.
High-pressure laminate is very durable, has a longer life span than melamine, but does not have the versatility of porcelain. The surface is not metal and, therefore, will not accept magnets. However, the ghosting is minimal, and it is a good alternative to porcelain when a less-expensive alternative is preferred. "Ghosting" means the residue or writing shadow left on the board after you erase it.
Porcelain-on-steel is the best option for any classroom, in my own experience. With a minimum 50-year warranty on the writing surface, this is a great investment you can make in a new whiteboard. The surface is a baked enamel sheet metal, which makes it a durable writing surface. It accepts magnetic aids, and, because it is a non-porous material, the ghosting is minimal and can be easily cleaned off with a proper whiteboard cleaning solutions.
Remove the Chalkboard?
Should you remove the existing chalkboard or install a new whiteboard over it? This is the question I am asked most frequently. You will probably find it easier to mount a new whiteboard over an existing chalkboard than to remove the chalkboard. However, if you are considering removing an old chalkboard first, there are a few items you should consider.
First, how will you dispose of the old chalkboard, and are there disposal fees that need to be factored in? Second, do you have labor available to remove and carry away the old chalkboard?
Third, and most important, have you factored in repairs to the wall after the old chalkboard has been removed? Older chalkboards were constructed with four-foot-high writing surfaces. Add to that the frame, and the height measures four and one half feet, making it impossible to cover all of the old holes with a standard four-foot-high whiteboard. Approximately six inches of wall originally covered by the frame of the old chalkboard will now be exposed. You will need to factor patching and painting into the cost of the project. Alternatively, you might consider purchasing five-foot-high porcelain whiteboards. Although five-foot boards may cost a bit more than four-foot boards, it will probably cost less than all of the patching and painting.
If you decide to mount over an existing chalkboard, you have two options: retrofit the old board with a new framed whiteboard, or re-skin the existing chalkboard with a new porcelain whiteboard skin.
Retrofit kits come complete with whiteboard and aluminum frame, but without a tray. Since you are mounting over an existing chalkboard, you will not need a new tray; the existing chalkboard tray will hold your new markers. The new aluminum-framed board comes with pre-drilled countersunk holes, and most manufacturers supply the mounting screws.
The other alternative is to "re-skin" the existing chalkboard. Re-skinning the chalkboard means gluing a new whiteboard porcelain skin over the existing chalkboard surface. The upside to re-skinning is that the board looks as though it was always a whiteboard, with the result being very clean and professional. However, this is not a job for an amateur. If the existing chalkboard is not cleaned properly, the glue will not adhere correctly. If there are dents or dings in the existing chalkboard and they are not filled in, the imperfections will transfer through to the new porcelain skin. If the glue doesn't set correctly, you could end up with unsightly air bubbles, which cannot be removed once the glue sets. The best bet is to hire a professional to ensure it is done right.
Evaluating Space Options
How wide is the area you want to cover? Considering most classrooms have an average of 16 feet of chalkboard, you should ask yourself this very important question: How will you get the new whiteboard into the building and bring it into the classroom? Can you move a four-foot-high by 16-foot-wide whiteboard up the stairs, around the corner, down the hall and into the classroom, in one piece and without damaging it? More than likely, you will not. So, you should consider having the board made in sections.
How will the board look if it is made in sections? Generally, boards made in sections will be fully framed on all sides except where they meet. A 16-foot-wide whiteboard will have two sections, each framed on three sides, with a matching painted connector-strip down the middle. There are a few companies that offer a hidden tongue-and-groove option. If you prefer this option, make sure you mention it at the time you request pricing.
New Installations
New installations provide more flexibility in choosing the exact whiteboard for the application. You can then choose the frame (oak frame or aluminum), marker tray (flat or enclosed box) and the optional map rail with a cork strip. Most importantly, to ensure a smooth installation, remember to determine how you are going to get the board into the building and to the room location before you order it.
In summary, choose the preferred writing surface for your situation. Determine whether you will remove the existing chalkboard or mount over it. If mounting over it, choose to either retrofit or re-skin the existing chalkboard. Before ordering a new whiteboard, determine how you will get it into the building. For new installations, choose the frame, tray and map rail options.
By following these steps, you will enjoy the use and durability of your new whiteboard for years to come.
Scott T. Newman is president and CEO of US Markerboard, www.usmarkerboard.com. With more than 15 years of experience, his knowledge and expertise in the whiteboard and classroom equipment industry is his platform for sharing these basic points of information.
Product Roundup
Dura-Safe from Best-Rite
With Dura-Safe trim from Best-Rite, marker board accessory trays are completely encapsulated with molded (silicone) rubber, thereby eliminating any sharp corners or edges. Fire safety is also achieved because the silicone compound will not support a flame and is inherently flame resistant. Due to the unique properties of the rubber, it can be manufactured in almost any color, so it can be customized to any school's colors. Safety experts note that creating a safe classroom need not be a daunting task if teachers have the right tools and knowledge. Best-Rite, with their vision constantly focused on the future, continues to provide the right advances at the right time to show its commitment to child and classroom safety.
www.bestrite.com
Overboard from US Markerboard
US Markerboard has introduced Overboard, the new and easy way to convert chalkboards to state-of-the-art porcelain whiteboards, where each board is custom sized to fit over the existing chalkboard. They provide step-by-step, easy-to-understand instructions on how to measure, order and install your new whiteboards. Location and size are important installation factors, so keep in mind that oversized whiteboards are very difficult to get up stairs. If this is the case, you can order the boards in two sections. If you want your new boards to last as long as your chalkboards have in the past, US Markerboard recommends porcelain on steel, which is a great whiteboard surface for any classroom.
www.usmarkerboard.com
EverWhite
While EverWhite boards are the right choice for any environment, they are perfect for classrooms. Teachers can use a variety of bright colors on EverWhite boards to make everything on the board easier to read, even for students seated in the back row. Plus, EverWhite dry erase boards are guaranteed not to dull, gray or develop ghost images. If a permanent marker is used by mistake on EverWhite's unique surface, it's no problem. Simply go over the spot with a dry erase marker and erase as usual. No evidence will be left. EverWhite dry erase boards do not require harsh or expensive cleaners and are easy to maintain. EverWhite boards feature excellent quality, affordable prices and quick lead times.
www.everproducts.com
InterWrite SchoolBoard from GTCO CalComp
The InterWrite SchoolBoard is a durable and easy-to-use electronic whiteboard that inspires students by turning classroom lessons into interactive experiences. The SchoolBoard is durable, easy to clean and fully interactive with a connected computer. Teachers can be at the front of the class, teaching lessons with a computer and have the ability to make notes and highlight over any computer application while interacting with the class using the SchoolBoard and InterWrite Software. The InterWrite SchoolBoard utilizes GTCO CalComp's patented electromagnetic digitizing technology, which delivers high resolution, providing superior performance for fine annotations and handwriting recognition, fast tracking speed, and a hard, rigid construction for years of reliable use.
www.gtcocalcomp.com
Walltalkers ez•rite
A great choice for resurfacing chalkboards, Walltalkers ez•rite dry erase boards have transformed instructional environments nationwide. Faded and worn-out chalkboards have given way to walltalkers versatile bright white communication boards, offering wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling coverage. Ez•rite dry erase boards also eliminate chalk dust associated with asthma and allergy symptoms as well as computer problems. Ez•rite is applied directly over existing chalkboards, so it's fast, easy, and considerably less costly than replacement.
www.walltalkers.com
