Durability and maintenance as related to the selection of flooring

Abstract

This report is addressed to the problem of selection and maintenance of flooring to the best advantage in terms of durability, type and severity of service, appearance, comfort, and safety. The selection of flooring is discussed with respect to service life, maintenance, obsolescence, and trade-off advantages. Two articles by maintenance administrators include information and discussion helpful in determining maintenance cost, trade-offs, and selection of flooring for different types of service.Field observations and preliminary field tests by the National Bureau of Standards indicate areas in which research is needed, as in laboratory tests for wear and slip resistance. Observations and field tests are impracticable to use for procurement.This report is helpful in the selection and maintnenace of flooring and floor finishes. More important, it points up areas in which research is needed to develop information for this purpose.