Put Your Best “Floor” Forward: How to Refinish and Maintain High-Traffic Areas
They say first impressions count—what do your floors convey about your business? Are they polished to a shine? Provide a vibrant and inviting feel? Or are there signs of erosion–cracks, scuffs, and grime?
If it’s the latter, we understand. Your high-traffic areas may see dozens (or even hundreds) pass through daily. Frequent foot traffic, plus furniture or equipment use, can wear down even the toughest surfaces.
If your floors have hit the daily double (you know, dull and dingy), you’ve come to the right place! We’re sharing how floor refinishing and regular maintenance can revitalize your space…without breaking the bank. And don’t miss our advice for hiring a trusted crew to help put your best foot (um, floor) forward.
Flooring Solutions: Prep Your Laminate and Hardwood
Different floor types require assorted levels of TLC. Common high-traffic areas span:
- Vinyl: Water-resistant and low-maintenance…BUT prone to damage via sharp objects
- Laminate: Cost-effective and stain-resistant…BUT less durable than wood or tile
- Concrete: Industrial and tough…BUT susceptible to cracks over time
- Tile: Resilient and allergy-friendly…BUT difficult to clean crevices and grout
- Wood: Traditional and long-lasting…BUT likely to get tarnished and scratched
Knowing your surfaces—including their quirks and vulnerabilities—will help you entertain the best maintenance and flooring solutions.
Floor Refinishing: Signs Your High-Traffic Areas Need Repair
Use the three D’s to make an educated assessment concerning your stomping grounds:
- Damage: Scratches, scuff marks, stains, dents, cracks, or visible signs of wear and tear
- Discoloration: Dullness, faded or uneven tone, loss of glossy finish
- (Structural) Dips: Warped floorboards, uneven surfaces, lifted or peeled edges
If you spot one or more of these dreaded “D’s,” consider a floor refinishing treatment. Investing in floor care extends its lifespan, reduces the carbon footprint, and subsequently saves money.
Commercial Floor Refinishing: 5 Steps for Effective Care
- Repair: Restore your floor’s beauty by mending scratches, gouges, and any other damage. Fill in cracks and holes and replace fractured tiles or floorboards. Certain repairs are specific to your floor type: re-grouting tiles, patching vinyl, or filling gaps between hardwood.
- Clean: Tackle dirt and debris—neglected grime settles in the refinishing solution and is highly visible. Sweep up dust, then use a wet mop to clear out the remaining residue. Finish up by rinsing with water or using a no-rinse cleaner.
- Strip: Strip away old layers of wax, finish, or sealer to give floors a clean slate. Usually, this involves applying a stripping solution and allowing it to sit. Next, use a floor scrubber with an abrasive pad to remove dissolved materials.
- An important caveat: stripping is not a universal floor solution. It’s suitable for concrete, vinyl, or tile, but abrasive tools harm laminate floors. In the case of hardwood, dry sanding alone may be a fitting choice. Pro tip: Always seek advice from a trusted professional to treat and refurbish floors, tiles, and foundational surfaces.
- Seal: Now for the fun part—applying a new finish. Again, keep the floor type in mind. Waterborne polyurethane is an industry-standard to protect hardwood as well as bring out its grain. Wax sealant is another remedy for tile and hardwood. Brighten the vibrancy of your area with a stain or colored finish. Be sure to test a small area first, apply layers, and buff the finished project to a satisfying shine.
- Maintain: Lock in that sleek, varnished look with regular maintenance. Sweep and mop high-traffic areas daily and buff your floors every three to four weeks. Guard against excess debris by using walk-off entryway mats and rugs. Just don’t forget to clean the mats, too. A high-quality floor finishing lasts about a year before needing to be redone.
When Seeking Flooring Solutions, Should You Hire a Pro?
Ultimately, maintaining high-traffic floors, corridors, lobbies, and central hubs is a wise investment. And a DIY approach may seem tempting if only to save money. However, here’s what a professional cleanup team brings to the table:
- Expertise and experience
- Premium products
- Advanced equipment
- Compliance with safety regulations
- Faster, long-lasting results and warranties
As with anything in life, sometimes you need a “buffer.” So don’t gloss over your environment— add panache and polish to the problem instead.
Start here… entrust your floor finishing and maintenance to the experts at Jidan Cleaning. We proudly serve businesses in the New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Baltimore areas. Think: schools, rec centers, manufacturing plants, medical-grade facilities, public depots, and corporate offices.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation!
