Today, we explore commercial flooring systems for wet areas in Australian schools, which typically include toilets, showers, and canteens. While these environments differ in their purpose, they share similarities in their usage patterns, cleaning needs, and acoustic requirements.
Understanding the specific needs of such spaces is crucial for choosing the correct flooring system, especially when it comes to slip resistance, which is mandated by Australian standards. These standards must be met in both government and private schools in Australia. In fact, commercial safety vinyl with R10 to R11 slip ratings is the ideal choice for school toilets and light-duty canteen areas.
What sets commercial vinyl apart from other flooring options is its ease of maintenance. Its smooth, surface is easy to clean, and its ability to be coved on the walls with varying coving radius per requirements makes it even more efficient. This coving process eliminates sharp corner edges, making it simpler for the mop to clear all surface mess on the edges, enhancing the overall cleaning process.
However, installing commercial vinyl is a delicate process, requiring strict adherence to the manufacturer's directions and Australian standards for floor coverings. A critical step before the installation of vinyl flooring is a concrete moisture test. It's highly recommended that this test be carried out by a licensed professional who can provide a comprehensive report ensuring compliance with Australian standards. It's important to note that the relative humidity (RH) for commercial vinyl must be below 75%.
Moisture tests conducted by non-skilled operators could be a costly mistake. These tests might not detect hidden damage under your new vinyl, which could affect your operations by causing bubbling and lifting of the floor, potentially leading to slip or trip hazards.
When it comes to floor preparation under vinyl, new constructions by experienced commercial builders usually pose fewer issues. However, the best practice for new builds involves a two-stage concrete application process during the design and architecture stages.
First, general areas and wet areas are created with 100-130 mm below general areas.
Second, waterproofing is done followed by setting down concrete and creating falls to the drains for the wet areas. If this process is executed correctly with 32 MPA concrete by skilled concreters, you can save significant time, money, and effort in later stages of your project.
This process also ensures the necessary falls to the drains (10-14:1, or 10 to 14 mm fall per 1 meter) are achieved. In the event of moisture damage or floods, this system allows for the easy removal of the vinyl, substrate preparation, application of a moisture barrier, and then the application of new vinyl.
For shower bases, a commercial vinyl with an R11 barefoot slip rating is required. As for the colour selection, that's entirely up to you! We're here to guide you through the technical aspects, but the aesthetic choice is yours.
In conclusion, the right commercial flooring can significantly enhance the safety and functionality of your school's wet areas. At Vic Commercial Flooring, we are dedicated to providing top-quality commercial vinyl flooring solutions that meet all Australian standards. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings, including the supply and installation of school flooring!
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