As a business owner or manager, you know that your commercial flooring is more than just a surface – it is a key part of your space’s aesthetics and functionality.
While regular maintenance of your floor can extend its life, there comes a point when the wear and tear becomes too noticeable and replacing your flooring is the best option.
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your commercial flooring, then you’re in the right place. In today’s blog, we’ll outline the key signs that indicate it is time for a new floor and explain why investing in a replacement will save you money in the long run.
How often should flooring be replaced?
How often you should replace your flooring depends on the type of flooring and how much use it gets. High-traffic areas will typically need flooring replaced more often than low-traffic areas.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can extend the life of any flooring, but knowing the typical lifespan of your flooring material helps determine when replacement is needed.
Here is a rough guide for different flooring types:
What are the 6 major signs that your flooring needs to be replaced?
Understanding when to replace your commercial flooring is essential to avoid larger issues and keep your space looking professional. Here are size clear signs that it might be time for an upgrade:
Visible wear and tear
If you notice scratches, dents or worn-out patches on your flooring, it’s a sign that it’s been used a lot. Hardwood floors may have visible scratches or dull spots, while carpets might show signs of fraying or thinning.
Water damage
Moisture-related issues such as warping, buckling or staining can severely affect the integrity of your flooring. Not only does water damage affect the appearance of flooring, but it can also lead to mould growth if not addressed quickly.
Noisy floorboards
If your floorboards creak, pop, or make other noises, this can indicate that something is wrong beneath the surface. Often, this noise is a result of loose boards or damage to the subfloor. Ignoring these sounds can lead to bigger problems and affect the safety and stability of your flooring.
Discolouration
Discolouration, such as fading, staining, or uneven colour, can make your flooring look worn out. This can be due to sun exposure, spills, or general wear from foot traffic. For example, carpets may develop persistent stains, or hardwood floors may lose their finish.
Safety concerns
Uneven surfaces, loose tiles, or slippery areas can create safety hazards. For example, loose tiles might pose a tripping risk, while uneven surfaces can lead to falls. Addressing these issues by replacing damaged flooring will prevent accidents.
Unpleasant smell
If your flooring has a persistent unpleasant odour, it could absorb smells from spills, pets, or moisture, affecting the indoor air quality and overall comfort of a room. If cleaning doesn’t remove the odour, then replacing the flooring may be necessary.
Benefits of replacing old flooring
Investing in new flooring for your commercial space offers a range of valuable benefits, which include:
- Enhanced aesthetics: Fresh, new flooring improves the overall look of your space, making it more attractive to clients and employees.
- Increased property value: Upgrading damaged flooring can raise the value of your property, making it more appealing to potential buyers in the future
- Improved safety: Replacing old, worn flooring reduces safety hazards such as tripping, thus creating a safer environment
- Better hygiene: New flooring is easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of unpleasant odours.
How much does it cost to replace flooring?
The cost to replace flooring will depend on multiple factors, including:
- The size and layout of the room
- The type of flooring you choose
- Preparation work needed
- Installation costs
- Additional features
All of these factors together will determine how much it would cost to replace flooring. First, the larger a room is, the more materials will be needed, which can increase costs. Rooms with tricky layouts can also make installation more complicated and expensive. The type of flooring you select also affects the price, with options like hardwood and luxury vinyl tile.
Additionally, preparation work such as removing old flooring or repairing subfloors will add to the expense. Installation costs are also another major factor, depending on whether you want to D.I.Y or hire a commercial flooring contractor.
Replace flooring in your commercial space
After reading this blog, if you have identified that your commercial flooring needs replacing, you might wonder how to tackle the project. There are many key steps to consider, from removing old material to preparing the subfloor and installing the new floor.
If you are going to attempt to do it yourself, then you should make sure that you understand how to do it; it is recommended you follow these commercial flooring installation guidelines:
- Remove the old flooring ( make sure to remove all adhesive )
- Prepare the subfloor ( ensure it is clean, level and ready for new flooring )
- Install the new flooring ( following manufacturer guidelines )
If you prefer to leave it to the experts, London Commercial Flooring offers a team of highly qualified contractors with years of experience in replacing commercial flooring. Contact us today to book our services.