Three small words can create a facility manager's worst nightmare during the winter: snow, sand and salt. Applied on outdoor walkways to protect people from snow and ice, salt and sand does just the opposite to floor surfaces. If tracked through the building, these materials can drive labor and floor care costs upward and ultimately reduce the longevity of floors. However, a few practical steps can keep harmful cold weather contaminants from wreaking havoc on floors.
Matting and moisture control
When customers and employees walk into a facility, their shoes carry in snow, which can melt into puddles. This increases the risk of potential slips, falls and damage to floor surfaces. Implementing a matting program helps prevent water from accumulating around entryways.
Place a scraping mat either outside the building or in an inner foyer, allowing patrons to dislodge material from their shoes. Next, place an absorbent mat inside the building to help absorb additional water. Guests should walk at least six to ten steps on the mat before reaching the exposed floor surface. Look for matting with a rubber backing to prevent the mat from slipping across the floor. Regularly extract water from matting with a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess moisture.
Sand, salt and asphalt
Some of the biggest challenges facility managers face during the winter months are sand and salt. Used to prevent outdoor slips and falls, these de-icing materials can erode floor finishes and surfaces when tracked inside the building. While a proper matting system will help prevent sand and salt from entering the facility and protect much of the floor against potential damage, facility managers should also regularly clean and buff floors. When rock salt is tracked inside, it can also cause excess water to pool and may melt through the floor wax.
Asphalt is another variable that can ruin floors during winter months. When roads and driveways are plowed, pieces of the asphalt can break off. These particles can become lodged in shoe soles and tracked inside. Employees should regularly use a wet/dry vacuum for large particles that may not be removed by mopping.
Developing an effective program to limit winter floor damage.
Follow these practical tips:
With a good matting system and a well-planned entryway maintenance program, facility managers can reduce the negative effects of winter on a facility's floors. The right mix of equipment, procedures and chemical is sure to aid in a welcoming first impression even when inclement weather strikes.
To learn more about Diversey's floor care solutions, visit our Floor Care page.