When using floor protection, it’s important to consider whether the floor type needs to cure. Construction workers often lay down protection sheets or fleeces in the morning and then have to remove them once they finish for the day. Non-breathable protections can trap moisture in the floor and force it into the surrounding walls and construction. Some types of flooring are at risk when newly laid, while others require breathability at all times. Either way, breathable floor protection allows the floor to cure, and the sheet can remain on the floor for the entire project.
When to Use
Each project comes with its own challenges. Floors have large surface areas and have a consequently high risk of damage, so protecting it from damage should be a priority that requires planning and careful thought. Breathable sheets are designed for floors that will need dry environments to cure. These include freshly laid floors such as in concrete, laminate, tiled or screed in a recently built home, or traditional floors such as brick or tiled floors in old, historic, or period houses. These floors will typically benefit from breathable protection.
Breathable Protection Varieties
Depending on your specific needs and circumstances, there are a variety of floor protections that allow the floor to breath. Correx is ideal for high-impact breathable protection during renovation or heavy construction work, where there might be a risk of contact with falling materials or chemicals. These are made from corrugated polypropylene with micro-perforations, allowing for efficient dispersal of condensation. They are also light, strong, and waterproof, and are easy to cut and place according to the demands of the project. Notably, they are also safe for usage with heavy machinery and ladders due to their strength.
A breathable fleece provides a lighter alternative to Correx. Usually, it is used for newly laid floors, such as wood, stone or resin-bound flooring. These are made of three layers. The bottom layer prevents slipping while absorbing force to protect the floor. The middle layer consists of a membrane designed to transmit vapor and moisture away from the floor while preventing liquids from passing through. The top layer strengthens the fleece and absorbs any spilled liquids.
Having the right protection for the floor is key since the floor can hold moisture that needs to be removed to prevent damage to it and the rest of the construction work. Breathable floor protection is an important consideration for contractors or anyone doing renovation and wants to protect their working surfaces.