Concrete as a flooring material has the strength and durability of a highway. Many assume it can’t be damaged, but it can suffer wear and tear from frequent use. This is especially the case when left exposed during construction or renovation. Dust can accumulate, and the impact of falling equipment can cause cracks, leading to an uneven surface and flaking as the material peels away in thin layers.
The solution? Protecting it with temporary floor protection products. Read on to get some recommendations and expert tips.
Temporary Floor Protection for Concrete
Concrete floor protection is a measure used to cover the surface from potential damage. The coverage can vary based on the product used and the level of protection needed. Generally, the thicker the material, the better the protection. Here are our top 2 choices:
1. Floorgard Corry Board
Floorgard Corry Board works for various floors and surfaces, and it won’t disappoint when placed on top of concrete. This product is constructed with corrugated polypropylene(PP), a type of plastic known for its strength, stiffness, and toughness. These are the qualities essential for providing the level of protection that concrete flooring needs — but that’s not all.
Floorgard Corry Board features a twin-wall structure with two layers of PP separated by ribbed patterns. This design forms a gap that reduces impact or load before it reaches the bare concrete underneath. Placing it over the concrete creates a cushioning effect that even accidental drops of tools or heavy machinery can’t harm the floor surface.
Thickness options available include 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, and 10mm. The thickest options offer maximum cover, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic, sharp impacts, and prolonged use.
2. Tuffcard
Tuffcard is a strong, durable, and hard-wearing card roll that offers greater thickness compared to regular builder’s paper for floor protection. Debris, scratches, and other forms of wear and tear caused by high foot traffic and heavy equipment are kept from affecting the concrete flooring. The product can be installed using low tack tape or reinforced tape to secure it in place.
While Tuffcard is a reliable solution, it may not provide the same level of impact protection as Floorgard Corry Board. We recommend using this product in traffic areas, such as in pathways, rather than where impact damage may occur. Nonetheless, both products are dependable choices for protecting concrete floors.
Expert’s Tips for Concrete Floor Protection
- Always use durable temporary protection to cover concrete floors throughout the construction process.
- When applying tape to the floor covering, ensure it adheres to the protective product rather than directly to the flooring. This prevents leaving behind unsightly residue that can accumulate dust and debris over time.
- Avoid using plastic to cover polished concrete floors. Newly poured concrete slabs have high moisture content, and plastic coverings can disrupt the curing process. Instead, consider using FR Breathable Fleece until the concrete has dried enough, then apply your chosen floor protection.
Using temporary floor protection products is the best approach to prevent damage to concrete floors and save you from the hassle of minor refinishing jobs or major overhaul projects.
We have readily available floor protection products perfect for concrete flooring and more. For consultations, reach out to us at +44 28 9442 8611 or via email at hello@s-pgroup.com.