The big public areas are a common problem for building managers, venue managers and retail operators. They're not only big, they're expensive, and can hit the budget when maintenance is required. The good news is that professional restoration, including advanced
floor polishing techniques and surface rejuvenation, can save a fortune.
Public areas and cost issues
The issues with public area flooring are structural. Thousands of dollars worth of flooring is slowly trampled or in some cases made actually unsafe, creating liabilities. Even tough tiles and concrete can fall to pieces in this sort of environment. Surfaces degrade, carpets deteriorate, and the result, inevitably, is a need for major spending in replacement.
The problem with public space flooring is that it's usually managed by a simple "cleaning and occasional maintenance" approach. The trouble with this method is that it doesn't define real cost, particularly long term cost.
Best practice public area flooring management solutions
Best practice for managing these issues is simple and efficient. It saves money by definition, and improves the budgeting process:
The big public areas need a full management program, with a special cost centre to track flooring costs. Some of these areas are hugely expensive, and the outlay for materials, cleaning and maintenance needs to be fully tracked in detail, beyond the simple contract management methods.
A management program can create provisions for proper floor restoration, which adds years of life to any public area's flooring.
There's an added benefit. Using professional floor restoration allows you to get expert advice. Issues like dampness, lack of ventilation, underlay issues, and other situations can do incredible damage to flooring.
Floor restorers will be able to find and fix problems, and suggest long term solutions. The type of restoration is dictated by the flooring issues.
This is pretty much a textbook management approach and it works well, providing professional support by accessing expert services.
Types of floor restoration for public areas
Modern floor restoration is so effective that even a venerable old surface really looks like a new floor. It's one of the techniques used to help alleviate "sick building syndrome", creating a much better environment.
For example:
Tiles:
Tile cleaning includes completely cleaning polishing and resurfacing with solid seals, adding years to their life. This is a classic case of budget benefits in restoration.
Carpets: Full cleaning, including cleaning, conditioning and jet extraction are primary processes in this type of restoration. Conventional cleaners can't do this work, and the results are astonishing.
Stone: Stone needs good management. Tough as it is, abrasions and surface wear create expanding problems over time. A full restoration, polishing and advanced stone seals preserve the surfaces and prevent further damage.
Polished concrete: The most dilapidated, disreputable looking polished concrete can be restored to a very healthy state, using techniques similar to stone and tiles, but adding a "densifier", which is a heavy duty seal to help protect the surface.
Any public area can be fully restored. Whatever surface, and in whatever condition, this is the working option for any situation.
