You have installed your new raised floor and have begun to enjoy all the benefits that it brings – be they extra space for storage, a way to manage the miles of cable that any office environment brings, or a new cooling system for your data storage space. There is little room for complacency though; keep up the regular maintenance of your raised floor and it will serve you well for a very long time. There are two types of maintenance that are critical to a long life when it comes to raised flooring: structural and environmental. This month we take an in-depth look at how to care for your raised floor.
Structural maintenance
This is particularly important for the smooth operation of your raised flooring, whatever your use is for it. Our top maintenance tips include:
- A regular visual inspection for any warped or delaminated components. Check also for any scratches, scuffs, or missing or damaged components. These could include gaskets, edge trim, foam runner, grounding clips, or stringers.
- If you find anything damaged or missing replace and/or repair it immediately.
- Get an annual inspection by a qualified technician who will be able to check operating systems and flooring parts that may not be as easily accessible on a day-to-day basis.
- Rotate panels from high traffic areas to ones that experience less footfall. This way your flooring will endure more even wear and tear and the high footfall panels will not become damaged too quickly. Aim to rotate them twice a year, more frequently for very high use areas.
- Check and adjust the grid system once or twice a year (depending on the amount of use the floor experiences) to correct any potential structural problems.
Environmental maintenance
Day-to-day and weekly light maintenance will keep your floor looking great and reduce the likelihood of damage. Aim to do the following:
- Dust or vacuum daily. If using a vacuum cleaner, select one that has a static dissipating rod.
- If you are mopping the floor, make sure your mop is not too wet and that you are using a mild detergent. Strong solvents, abrasives, or scrapers to remove stains will damage your floor and are best avoided.
- Get your floor professionally cleaned at least once, if not twice, per year by a professional raised flooring specialist.
- Aim to vacuum the subfloor and understructure once or twice a year.
- Clean any perforated panels and air flow mechanisms twice a year.
- Spot clean any stains or scuffs as soon as possible using only mild detergent and a damp cloth.
- Ensure that wax is never used on your raised laminate flooring. If it is, remove it and clean immediately to avoid damaging the panels.
- Consider using entrance mats or carpet runners at entrances or areas that experience particularly heavy footfall or likely to suffer from excessive soiling. They will be easier to keep clean and will reduce wear and tear of the raised panels.
For a professional inspection or for information on how to look after your raised flooring, our Fieldmans Access Flooring team is here to lend a hand. For an appointment or just for a chat all you need to do is call us on 020 8462 7100.
