Times are tough for builders and remodelers right now, so avoiding costly damage to carpeting, doors, flooring, and other interior finishes is critical to lowering construction costs and reducing completion times. Construction managers can choose between two types of surface protection products; a) disposable protection, such as films and papers, which can only be used once; or b) reusable protection made of reinforced plastic or cotton textiles. So what should a contractor choose?
Paper products such as rosin paper, Kraft papers, and corrugated cardboard can be used for extremely short periods of time on surfaces such as floors and countertops, but are not recommended for extended use. Although these disposable protective products are inexpensive and widely available, they lose effectiveness when applied over the long term. When considering the cost of installation, including seam gluing and product maintenance due to water penetration or tearing by foot traffic, these paper products are not recommended beyond one to two days of use. .
For some short-term applications, cheap disposable films are the most economical option. Inexpensive and easy to install carpet film works most effectively to protect carpets for up to 45 days. Rolls are rolled inside out for easy installation and can protect carpets for up to 45 days. The films are also the best choice for vertical protection of stainless steel elevator doors and some plumbing fixtures. When films do not provide sufficient protection, thicker disposable adhesive products are needed. Protecta-foam is a thick, disposable adhesive foam that is easy to install and remove, and can save builders thousands of dollars in costly repairs. Protects cabinets, stainless steel appliances, countertops, and other vulnerable surfaces.
Hardwood floors and stairs are two surfaces where thick, durable protection makes the most financial sense. The high cost of wood materials and installation, along with the costs of repairs, make the added cost of durable protection well worth it. While construction managers may be tempted to choose less expensive disposable protection, the cost savings may not add up when comparing the superior efficacy of reusable products in protecting expensive floors. They are usually thicker and more durable, and have the added convenience of being available when needed for a new job.
There are several products on the market to protect wooden floors with thicknesses from 30 to 50 mm thick. Clean and Safe™ is a reusable floor protection made from recycled materials. Its non-slip backing keeps it in place on hardwood floors. For wooden stairs, the multi-purpose runner makes sense, as it has an adhesive backing to keep the protection in place and is guaranteed not to leave a sticky residue behind when removed. Both products are available through various distributors in the US.
Some products on the market combine the low cost of disposable padding with the advantages of thicker, reusable padding. Compressed cardboard door protection such as DoorGuard™, edge guards and window sill protection are inexpensive and can be reused many times. These products are made from recycled cardboard and can be recycled themselves, making them a great choice for the green building industry.
Surface protection products recently introduced to the market include heavy-duty, fire-resistant plastic floor protection such as Coverguard®. With much of the commercial construction industry focused on hospital construction, there was an increased need for fire resistant products. Bainbridge, the maker of Coverguard®, saw the opportunity for boat cover production in the construction industry and now sells its floor protection through local distributors. Fire resistant plastic sheeting used for dust control is also needed in hospital renovations. Although fire resistant products are safer on all construction sites, the products are substantially more expensive and therefore not cost effective unless absolutely necessary.
How does a construction manager know which products are the most profitable? The best advice is to contact a local surface protection expert to discuss your particular project, including how long protection will be required and how many workers will be on site. Product specialists work closely with construction managers and remodelers to help them select products with the best value.
