Seamless, Poured Floors for Educational Settings
By: Jena Parise

Gone are the traditions of carpet, vinyl, and tile floors for schools. A new genre of floor has captured the attention of architects and planners and is earning a solid reputation and market share in educational facilities.

In this article, we'll explore the reasons why seamless, resilient, poured-in-place floor systems are long-lasting, effective solutions for schools and how they compare to their competition.

The "New Genre" in Floors
What separates seamless, poured floors from commercial carpet, vinyl, tile, and other flooring options? For one – their chemistries.

Seamless floor systems are generally epoxy or urethane-based, meaning that they include multiple components that are mixed on-site and applied to the substrate in multiple steps.

Once cured, the poured system forms a monolithic surface without joints or areas for dirt and bacteria to accumulate, ensuring that floors remain safe and hygienic with minimal maintenance.

Planners are also choosing seamless floors because of their versatility. Depending on the environment where the floor will be applied, the system(s) used can easily be customized for specific area needs. Various formulations and sealants can protect the system against extremes in temperatures, abrasion, stains, and UV damage.

Seamless floor systems also allow for controllable texture for areas within the school where slip resistance is needed most, such as kitchens, restrooms, and labs. Some companies offer floors that incorporate rubber aggregates, which can significantly improve sound absorption and ergonomics.

Many seamless floors offer the design appeal that was once reserved for carpet and vinyl, with bold colors, patterns, and directional designs. These design-worthy floors become a permanent part of the building's structure and will never need to be removed, making them highly appealing to eco-conscious planners or facilities seeking LEED-certification.

How do they compare?

Seamless, poured floors vs. carpet
Carpet can be an inexpensive option suitable for many areas within a school. Its excellent sound-absorbing properties make it a top choice in sound-controlled settings such as libraries, media centers, and performance halls. Carpet is also one of the most ergonomic options available, and it can be installed quickly. However, carpeting can pose some health concerns for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Carpet's dense, fibrous texture traps dirt, irritants, and allergens, and each time traffic moves over the carpet's surface, these particles are released into the air. If it becomes wet, carpet can also promote bacteria and mildew growth.

Additionally, many materials used to install carpet, including the carpet itself, can release potentially harmful VOCs into the air, negatively impacting air quality.

Although initially, carpet may be an inexpensive option, it has a high life-cycle cost. Carpet may show staining, wear, and discoloration after only a short length of time and significant damage may call for premature replacement.

Seamless, poured floor systems can be customized for multiple areas within the school. Ergonomic and sound-reducing elements can be incorporated into the floor makeup to provide many of the benefits of carpet without compromising air quality.

Seamless systems are easy to clean, require little maintenance, and can withstand many of the factors that can quickly wear carpet, such as sunlight exposure, heavy traffic, abrasion, and spills.

When carpet reaches the end of its life, it must be removed and, in most cases, sent to a landfill. This very eco-unfriendly practice does not align with the stringent sustainability standards of many planners. New floors can be easily installed over seamless poured floors, so there is no removal process and they never end up in a landfill.

Seamless, poured floors vs. ceramic or porcelain tile
Once a staple in school restrooms because of its low cost and long life cycle, ceramic and porcelain tile is now being phased out of schools. Why?

Because porous tiles and grout lines absorb stains and odors that require cleansers, deodorizers and lots of elbow grease to remove. Bacteria can thrive in these environments, posing a health risk. And, obviously, foul-smelling, discolored grout can spell disaster when trying to maintain your facility's clean, aesthetic appearance.

If you use ceramic or quarry tile, maintenance is a critical issue that needs to be addressed regularly. Slips and falls are another concern with tile, as un-textured tiles can become extremely slippery when wet.

By choosing seamless, poured floors instead of tile, you eliminate stain and odor issues completely. No seams mean no stains and no odor. Optional texture additives to the system can eliminate the risk of slips and falls, as well.

Seamless, poured floors vs. linoleum/vinyl/vinyl composition tile (VCT)
Linoleum, vinyl, and VCT are often chosen for schools because of their low cost and easy maintenance, but keep in mind that these options can pose a threat to air quality. Linoleum, though made form natural substances, emits linseed oil vapors, which may be irritating, but otherwise harmless, to some people. Vinyl has the potential to carry and release VOCs, as can the adhesives used to install it and the strippers and sealers used to prepare the substrate.

In wet environments, linoleum and vinyl can be slippery, and, if moisture seeps underneath these types of overlayments, adhesive breakdown, bubbling, and even complete floor failure can occur. Another concern with moisture seepage is the threat of mold and mildew growth, which can be released into the air.

On the plus side, new technology has made linoleum and vinyl installation much safer, as many companies are now offering low-VOC emitting products. These types of floor systems are budget-friendly and easy to care for, but will not offer the long-lasting durability of other options.

Many seamless, poured floor systems are low-VOC and all protect against damage from moisture.

The Big Picture
Seamless, poured floor systems are a long-lasting, reliable, and durable option for schools. But, like every option, there are considerations to keep in mind.

Because these types of systems require multiple application steps, each step must be given the proper time to cure, and could result in a longer installation time than other options. Depending on the system chosen, area size, and substrate condition, installation may take many days to complete. Another consideration is the upfront cost of the system.

With many customizable options, this type of floor can become quite costly; however, because these systems are designed to maintain their integrity for decades, they prove to be cost-effective, long-term investments.

Jena Parise is the marketing coordinator for Stonhard, a world leader in seamless floors, wall,s and linings, www.stonhard.com.