Elevator entrances in commercial buildings see some of the highest foot traffic of any location. Hundreds or even thousands of people walk across these threshold areas daily, bringing in dirt, debris, and moisture that can quickly damage flooring. During construction or remodeling projects, unprotected elevator doors will inevitably end up covered in dust, drywall mud, paint splatters, and more.
While you need to keep elevator access open for occupants, heavy-duty floor protection is essential to defend your floors against damage during heavy traffic periods. Read on to learn how to keep your elevator entrances clean and floors immaculate with the right temporary surface protection system.
Why Elevator Entrances Need Special Flooring Protection
Elevator doors see the highest concentration of foot traffic in a building. All those footsteps can lead to premature flooring wear and tear over time.
During construction or renovations, uncovered elevator thresholds turn into a magnet for messes. Workers may track dust or debris into elevators accidentally. Or mud, paint, and tools can fall near the entrance. Without protection, stains set into the flooring quickly.
In addition to dirt, spills, and stains, the constant motion of heavy foot traffic across elevator entrances can scuff and scratch flooring surfaces. Unprotected areas develop worn paths as the flooring material erodes unevenly.
While every area of a lobby needs protection during renovations, the elevator doors demand the toughest armor against damage. A top-quality floor covering system designed specifically for heavy traffic zones can help maintain your elevator entrance floors in pristine condition throughout a construction project.
Floor Protection Challenges Unique to Elevator Entrances
Installing floor protection on elevator thresholds presents some unique challenges:
- Height Differences - Elevators have a height gap between the interior floor and building flooring that requires angled transition ramps. Improper floor coverings without tapered edges pose tripping hazards.
- High Volume Traffic - Hundreds of workers may need to access the elevators daily during a remodel, requiring extremely durable protection that won't tear or shift easily.
- Equipment Movement - Construction crews need to wheel dollies, deliveries, tools, and rolling equipment in and out of elevators, demanding strength against punctures.
- Moisture Resistance - The high foot traffic drags moisture into elevators when it rains or snows, so floor coverings must have waterproof barriers.
With so many factors to consider, picking the right temporary flooring is critical to keep your entrance floors immaculate.
Types of Floor Protection for Elevator Doors
Many options exist on the market for safeguarding your floors from construction site damage. However, not all floor covering products can withstand the unique rigors of high-traffic elevator thresholds.
Cardboard
Basic cardboard panelling, also known as Ram Board, provides a budget-friendly way to cover floors. While the corrugated material protects against light foot traffic, it tears easily when exposed to rolling loads. Cardboard also lacks moisture resistance.
Plywood
Plywood panels create seamless, smooth floor covering. The hardwood surface holds up well against foot traffic when installed properly. However, plywood can dent from heavy impacts and does not have tapered edges for safe transitions.
Vinyl Floor Runners
Runners made of vinyl material unroll quickly across floors with adhesive backing. This style works well for covering hallways and entryways during construction. But the vinyl lacks durability for heavy equipment and may peel up with continual traffic.
Polyethylene Plastic Sheeting
Sheeting made of polyethylene plastic is waterproof and protects against moderate traffic. But punctures and tears easily from rolling loads. Wrinkles also pose tripping hazards when not laid perfectly flat.
High-Density Fiberboard
Fiberboard panels provide superb protection for heavy foot traffic zones. The dense, rigid material withstands wheeled loads without damage. However, fiberboard requires labor-intensive installation and taping at seams.
Heavy Duty Floor Mats
Extra-thick mats designed for construction sites provide unmatched durability for heavy traffic while remaining easy to install. Look for waterproof, puncture-resistant mats with beveled edges to facilitate equipment rolling.
How to Choose Floor Protection for Your Building's Elevator Entrances
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Selecting floor protection for your elevator doors requires considering traffic levels and potential hazards.
The most critical factors for choosing floor coverings for your elevator doorways include:
- Thickness - Extra-thick materials better withstand constant walking and rolling loads without wearing down. 1/4 inch thickness is ideal for heavy foot traffic zones.
- Density - Higher density materials are more rigid and puncture-resistant. 10-13 lb./sq.ft. density materials perform well under heavy loads.
- Beveled Edges - Angled borders enable smooth transitions over the elevator gap without dangerous tripping points.
- Adhesion - Sturdy adhesion prevents shifting while allowing clean removal. Look for non-residue adhesives that won't damage flooring.
- Waterproofing - Moisture-resistant materials prevent water damage from wet foot traffic.
Prioritize coverings offering optimal thickness, density, and moisture protection. These heavy-duty materials endure high traffic volumes without damage.
Step-By-Step Guide to Protecting Your Elevator Floors
Installing elevator entrance protection is straightforward with the right materials and preparation. Follow these steps for flawless floor covering:
Step 1: Clean Surfaces
Sweep and mop floors thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Clean surfaces allow floor protection to adhere tightly.
Step 2: Map Out Floor Plan
Measure the elevator entrance area and map out a floor plan for the most efficient layout. Planning reduces waste and ensures proper coverage.
Step 3: Perform Safety Checks
Inspect surfaces for defects or tripping hazards that require repair before installing coverings. Smooth uneven areas.
Step 4: Unroll Mats
Unroll floor mats directly over the measured area. Cut mats to fit around corners and edges neatly.
Step 5: Secure Edges
Apply included adhesive strips around all sides of the mats to hold them firmly in place against shifting from traffic.
Step 6: Inspect Seams
Examine seams between mats to ensure they are sealed tightly with no gaps where liquids could seep underneath.
Following these best practices keeps your elevator floors pristine while allowing continual access.
Maintaining Your Elevator Entrance Floor Protection
To keep your floor coverings in top condition for the project duration, perform regular maintenance:
- Inspect mats daily for any tears, punctures, lifted edges, or tripping points and repair immediately.
- Realign mats that shifted from traffic back into proper position. Reapply adhesive strips to hold in place.
- Shake out, sweep, or vacuum mats daily to prevent dirt and grit accumulation that can abrade flooring.
- Mop up spills, mud, or excess moisture quickly to avoid seeping and stains.
With attentive maintenance and high-performance mats, your elevator floors stay immaculate despite heavy construction site traffic.
Remove Floor Protection Properly to Avoid Damage
When construction completes, it's essential to remove temporary floor protection carefully to avoid harming floors:
- Remove any small rocks, debris, or dust from mats before pulling them up.
- Roll up mats slowly to avoid tearing adhesive strips from flooring.
- Apply heat from a hair dryer to adhesive strips as you peel to release without residue.
- Clean any remaining adhesive with a soft cloth and mild solvent.
Taking the time to remove coverings properly ensures your floors remain pristine.
Trust the Experts at Spriteshield for Your Elevator Floor Protection Needs
As the leading manufacturer of high-performance temporary floor coverings, Spriteshield provides the most durable, adhesive-backed mats designed specifically for heavy traffic areas.
We offer the thickest and densest fiberboard, low-slip recyclable surfaces, and high traction to withstand the toughest construction zones. Our provide unbeatable protection for your elevator doors.
Spriteshield also provides:
- Free project consultations and quotes!
- Custom sizing for a perfect elevator entrance fit!
- Volume discounts for large orders!
Protect your high-traffic elevator entrances with unmatched floor protection from the experts at Spriteshield!
Contact us today support@spriteshield.com to discuss your building's floor protection needs. With heavy duty, adhesive-backed mats designed for durability, your elevator floors stay immaculate from start to finish of your construction project.
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