For the most part, business owners and home owners don’t usually think about the performance of different flooring materials and concentrate on appearance and ease of maintenance. However, flooring materials are subject to different standards and conditions, especially when it comes to how much weight they can tolerate, and how those weight loads might affect the flooring.
When flooring is subject to frequently changing and highly variable weight loads, it is called ultra-dynamic pressure. Ultra-dynamic pressure is applied to the surface of a floor when objects are moved across the flooring. The objects can vary in size and weight, and can be moved across the floor a few times a day or else be constantly moved back and forth day after day.
One example of this might be the flooring at a loading dock, where employees use hand trucks to take items from a delivery truck and transport them to elsewhere in the building. Sometimes the loads might be very heavy while other times they are light. Another example of a more static load is a heavy appliance that doesn’t move, like a refrigerator or freezer.
Both types of ultra-dynamic pressure from heavy loads can cause damage to a floor, but the type that does the most damage is ones that roll or slide different and variable weights across the floor. This will cause more wear and tear in the long run than a more static or non-moving load will.
Flooring contractors that have to make decisions about how to advise customers about the best type of flooring for their home or business should definitely take into account the ultra-dynamic pressure that will be taking place once the flooring is in place. In order to keep customers happy and ensure that the flooring material will perform up to standards, then flooring contractors need to educate them on proper weight, restrictions and more.
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