Winter can be a gamble here in the Mid-South. We are no strangers to feeling the brunt of all four seasons in one day, which can make it difficult to determine the best method of maintaining your gymnasium floor. Indoor activities ramp up in the winter months, which means your gym floors are sure to need some extra TLC to make it through.
Sports Floors knows how big of an investment your gymnasium floor is, and we want to share a few ways winter wears on that investment and how to maintain its longevity and keep users safe.
Increase in Use
Winter brings the sports and celebrations inside, and the best place to host those events is, of course, the gymnasium. Basketball games, pep rallies, concerts, and dances can take a toll and leave a mess behind that can severely damage your floors.
During this time of year, it is more important than ever to have a proper cleaning routine for your gymnasium floors. Make sure to spot clean debris and mop up spills or sitting water as quickly as possible to prevent scratches and spots from occurring. Having protective floor mats laid out before the wet winter weather hits can help avoid much of the water and debris from being tracked in. Vacuuming and dust mopping regularly are great additions to your cleaning routine and will eliminate the need for frequent use of harsh chemical cleaners. You might even consider scheduling a cleaning with a licensed company using MFMA approved cleaning materials before the season starts to ensure it won’t be missed when the gymnasium gets busy. Utilizing a cover when the gym floor is not being used for athletic activities will help keep your floor performing its best through the winter months.
Inconsistent Temperatures
Low temps and low humidity can cause wood flooring to shrink and create separations. While you are making sure to keep it comfortable for the users inside the gym, keeping the temperature inside in the ’60s and ’70s can prevent much of this movement from happening. This can also help make sure your HVAC and plumbing pipes don’t rupture, which could also damage your gym floors. Too much moisture sitting on top of the floors can be troublesome. It is also important to note that maintaining indoor relative humidity levels at about 35-50% can prevent shrinkage and damage.
Winter Monitoring
The best way to ensure the quality and longevity of your gymnasium floor is to monitor the conditions on a regular basis, keeping an eye out for wear and water damage. It’s better to catch and fix a small issue before it becomes a more significant problem down the road.
With the winter weather conditions varying so quickly, be sure to monitor the weather forecast, too. Knowing what’s coming outside can help you prepare inside by maintaining adequate temperatures and humidity.
Maintain Your Floors with Sports Floors, Inc.
When you need it most, make sure your wood gym floors are ready for the wear and tear that comes with the cold winter months. Proper maintenance and care will keep your floors in the best condition for as long as possible.
Our team would love to help with any questions or concerns about how winter can affect your floor. Give us a call today so our expert team can keep your floors for whatever winter has in store for us.
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Source: News