Hospital Flooring
Choosing the right floor for a hospital can be a bit of a complex endeavor. There are a number of factors that come into play: what room or rooms in the hospital need flooring, longevity, what is required comfort-wise underfoot, aesthetics, point load and rolling load requirements, cleanability and cost. It’s important to take everything into account to make the right decision.
Corridors and public spaces will have the most traffic. The product should be non-slip to avoid any injuries to patients or staff, and it should be water and stain resistant as well. A good choice here would be rubber sheet flooring. It generally comes in 4, 5, and 6 foot sheets 2-3 millimeter in thickness. VCT and sheet vinyl flooring have also been mainstays in this area. (The more economical option would be the VCT. However, VCT is much higher maintenance and those costs should also be calculated.) Sheet vinyl can be flash coved (as well as rubber) and both are easy to clean and maintain and are excellent for repelling microorganisms on their surfaces.
Though not as prominent as it was in the past, linoleum is still high on the list for hospital choices. Like rubber, linoleum is a green product made with natural material including linseed oil, cork dust and jute fiber. This product often stands with rubber to those buyers with environmental sensibilities. Linoleum also has reputable antimicrobial properties to protect against germs.
As for procedure rooms, the trend is toward welded sheet rubber with “Dri Fit” tape or two-part urethane epoxy. (Dri Fit is a double-sided adhesive used for its strength and durability.) It’s also worth mentioning the advent of new acrylic spray adhesives that manufactures are touting for patient rooms and operating rooms. Both options allow for quick turnaround times with installation which is a plus for any hospital. Rubber flooring withstands the movement of heavy hospital beds, x-ray machines, gurneys, and other equipment.
For comfort underfoot, rubber or linoleum are usually the front runners. They are softer and more cushioned than sheet vinyl or VCT and may be effective for helping doctors and nurses who are on their feet all day.
Despite the trends, it’s always difficult to choose the right flooring for a hospital. Weigh the factors and products and call your Continental Flooring representative to help you through the process. We can offer materials only or complete installation services. Please add our website to your list of favorites and check back periodically as we continue to grow our product lines and offerings.
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