When it’s your job to see to it that your athletic facility stays up and running at tip-top shape, your maintenance routine needs to be stellar. As a facility manager, you know all the ins and outs of your gym, but do you have a set maintenance schedule for your gym floor? Taking care of your sports floors can improve athlete safety and extend the longevity of your sports floor, so here are sports flooring maintenance tips for facility managers from the team at Sports Floors, Inc.
Daily Maintenance
Taking care of your facility’s athletic flooring requires day-to-day upkeep. Here’s your daily maintenance checklist to keep your floor safe and clean for all users.
Sweeping & Dust Mopping
Dust, dirt, and debris can cause scratches and dull the floor’s finish. Regular sweeping and dust mopping can remove this debris, which can help maintain the floor’s appearance and prolong its lifespan.
Spot Cleaning Spills & Stains Immediately
Addressing spills and stains as soon as they occur is essential to prevent damage to the floor. Use a floor cleaning solution and a soft cloth to blot the spill, avoiding harsh chemicals that can harm the floor’s surface.
Ensuring Proper Use of Entrance Mats
Try placing entrance mats at all access points to the sports floor to help trap dirt and moisture from shoes. Doing so will reduce the amount of debris that reaches the floor. Regularly clean and maintain these mats to ensure they effectively protect your flooring.
Deep Cleaning
As a facility manager, you can deep clean your athletic floors about once a month. Opt for cleaning agents that are specifically formulated for your floor type, whether it’s wood or synthetic. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the floor’s surface.
Wood Floors
Use a cleaning solution that is recommended for your floor’s finish by the floor finish manufacturer. The solution should be diluted with water in a bucket following the product’s directions. Using a clean towel, soak the towel with the solution mixture and ring the towel out completely until it is damp. Lay the towel on the floor and place a push broom in the middle of the towel, folding the edge back over the push broom. Push the towel using the broom approximately one length of the court, then stop and move the broom back further on the towel to create a fresh edge. When the towel is completely dirty, get a new towel and repeat. Never dip the dirty towel into your cleaning mixture.
Synthetic Floors
Use an auto-scrubber with a suitable cleaning solution designed for your specific flooring type. This will effectively remove any built-up dirt, grime, and residues that daily cleaning might miss.
Inspecting for Wear and Tear or Damage
After you’ve deep cleaned your floor, it’s time to check for damage. Regular inspection can help you identify and promptly address any signs of wear and tear or damage. Look for scratches, dents, or any other issues that could affect the floor’s performance and safety. Early detection allows for timely repairs, so you can prevent small problems from becoming larger, more costly issues.
Keeping a detailed log of inspections and repairs could help you and your maintenance team track the floor’s condition over time to keep it in optimal shape.
Monthly & Seasonal Maintenance
Deeper cleanings and inspections might be required on a less regular basis, but they’re still an important part of your yearly maintenance routine.
Detailed Inspection & Repairs
In addition to weekly inspections, conducting a more detailed monthly inspection of your sports floor can help you catch any emerging issues before they escalate. Look for signs of wear, such as scuffs, scratches, or uneven surfaces. Note any findings and address them as soon as possible to prevent issues from getting worse.
Refinishing & Resealing Floors
Depending on the usage and type of your sports floor, refinishing and resealing might be necessary on a seasonal basis. This process helps maintain the protective layer that shields the floor from damage and wear. It also restores the floor’s shine and ensures it performs well during peak usage times. Plan these refinishing sessions during off-peak seasons to minimize disruption to your facility’s schedule.
Adjusting Maintenance Routines Based on Seasonal Changes
Seasonal changes bring different challenges for sports flooring maintenance. For instance, increased use during sports seasons can lead to more wear and tear, requiring more frequent cleaning and inspections. An off-season focus on deep cleaning and restorative maintenance can also prep the floor for the next busy period. Keeping an eye out for these key times of the year can help you plan for the best maintenance schedule for your facility.
Special Maintenance Considerations
Not every form of maintenance can be planned out in advance, and some require as-needed care routines depending on your facility’s unique needs. Here are a few specific scenarios you should consider when creating your maintenance plan.
Dealing with High-Traffic Areas
High-traffic areas, such as entryways and frequently used courts, experience more wear and tear. To manage this, spend more time cleaning these zones. Additionally, regularly inspect these areas for signs of damage, addressing issues promptly to prevent them from spreading. Keeping high-traffic zones in top shape ensures the entire facility looks and performs well.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Common Issues
Preventive maintenance is key to avoiding common problems like scratches, stains, and surface wear. Educate your staff on proper footwear and equipment use to minimize damage. Implement a no-food-or-drink policy on the floor to reduce the risk of spills and stains. Regularly update your maintenance plan to include the latest best practices and products designed to protect your flooring.
These proactive steps can save time and money in the long run, ensuring your sports floor remains in peak condition.
Trust Your Sports Floor Maintenance to the Pros
While it’s a great idea to have a sports flooring maintenance plan as a facility manager, it’s also a good idea to have a team of experts on call. Whether it’s time to refinish your floors or you just have questions about how to care for them, Sports Floors, Inc. is every athletic facility manager’s go-to. Give us a call to learn more about how we can help you today.