RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
GET READY FOR GAME DAY Specifying the best high-performance sports floor
By Iannick Di Sanza
F
or many institutions, the sports hall is about more than just athletics. It is a primary space for recreation, community events, social galas and everything in-between. That’s why when it comes to choosing the floor surface and supplier, there are numerous considerations and questions to ask before making a final decision. This is especially important given these surfaces often have a life cycle of more than 30 years, so what’s purchased and laid will be underfoot for a considerable amount of time. Along with the traditional choice of maple hardwood, there are now a wide variety of materials. Sports vinyl, polyurethane, linoleum and combi-elastic systems offer owners a portfolio of solutions to match their specific needs. Key considerations when reviewing sports hall flooring include ease of maintenance, multifunctional capabilities, indoor air quality, athlete performance and
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safety, warranty, independent testing, and sports and lines. EASE OF MAINTENANCE
For facilities in high-demand, it is challenging and costly to close the floor for extended periods due to maintenance. Any cleaning routine should be simple and not add too many expensive procedures down the road. When comparing floor systems, it is key to review the full ownership cost of the surface. While maple hardwood offers a simple annual upkeep, it will need to be sanded and refinished every eight to 10 years. Leading sports vinyl systems are finished with a polyurethane surface treatment, which delivers additional resistance to scratches, scuffs and abrasion. Sports vinyl is also highly resistant to stains and handles drink spills much better than its wood counterpart.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES
As the sports hall is often used for more than just sports, it needs to easily adapt to changing environments and be friendly for the staff. The ideal flooring should offer exceptional resistance to indentation marks and rolling loads. This will allow the surface to safely be used for events and recreational activities that require temporary equipment and furniture to be placed on it. INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Indoor air quality is often overlooked, though it is fundamentally important for athletes’ health. Look for a system and supplier that has the testing and designations to back up any claims like FloorScore, Asthma and Allergy Friendly, and phthalate-free manufacturing certifications to validate an athlete-friendly system.
