Floor protection caters to different flooring requirements, and one type is specially designed for floors that need to breathe — breathable floor protection. There’s more to learn about this variant beyond allowing the floor to properly cure. Read on to learn the basics, including how it works and its applications.
Why Is It Called “Breathable” Floor Protection?
It’s called “breathable” because it allows air and moisture to pass through the protective layer. This is crucial for floors such as hardwood, freshly poured concrete, and certain types of natural stone, which need to release vapour to prevent issues like warping, mould, or improper curing.
On top of allowing the flooring underneath it to breathe, it also provides a physical barrier on the finished surface from debris and foot traffic. For instance, during ongoing maintenance near the curing floor, the breathable cover signals that it’s not yet ready to be stepped on. This helps prevent workers from moving around it, keeping the surface free from damage and preserved.
Floor Moisture vs Breathable Material for Protection
During the curing process, condensation forms on the floor surface because it is typically cooler than the surrounding air. Moisture can accumulate if the floor is left unprotected or covered with products that don’t allow sufficient airflow. This is why proper ‘breathability’ in the product is important to prevent this sweating effect.
A breathable fleece and other similar materials are designed to achieve this. They provide ventilation to ensure a successful cure. As the floor dries, moisture evaporates, and the material adjusts to its final hardness and stability.
What Is Breathable Floor Protection Made From?
Breathable floor protection is made from non-woven materials, many of which are 100% recycled, such as polypropylene. This material forms the top layer of the product. On the reverse side, there’s a protective plastic barrier, often made from PE film with a pressure-sensitive acrylic coating. The unique combination of materials in its construction makes it “breathable.”
The thickness varies by brand and manufacturer, but 2mm is a common standard. Colour options available on the market include white and mottled grey, to name a few. Other products include additional additives, such as fire retardants, for extra protection.
Take this FR Breathable Fleece, for instance. It’s made from solid, non-woven polypropylene fleece with a non-slip surface and an adhesive reverse side. Thanks to its solvent resistance and water absorption ability, it protects underlying surfaces from mechanical impacts and liquids.
But that’s not all — this breathable fleece is fire-retardant, and its UV-resistant adhesive side can be used on glass or other transparent materials for up to two months. It comes in a mottled grey colour, which helps conceal dirt and marks better than lighter shades.
Where to Buy?
Get your breathable fleece floor protection rolls today from SP Group. While you’re here, explore our range of Floorgard temporary floor protection options, including Tuffcard, corry board, and similar sheeting like correx. Contact us at hello@s-pgroup.com or call +44 (028) 9442 8611. SP Group is a leading temporary floor protection supplier based in the UK and Ireland.