Introduction Initial considerations Construction Installation...2

Transcription

1 January 2011

2 Contents Introduction Initial considerations Construction Installation Main hall Hardwood Softwood Wood block Wood mosaic Carpet Linoleum Vinyl sheeting and tiles Laminate Other areas Entrances and foyers Small meeting rooms Kitchens Cloakroom and WC facilities Store rooms Specialist user groups Badminton Bowls Other sports Drama Playgroups Caring for and maintaining your floor Entrance hall Timber floors Vinyl flooring, tiles and linoleum Carpets Air bricks Equipment Sources of further information and advice...8 Village hall flooring ACRE contents

3 Introduction This information sheet offers village halls and similar types of community building committees guidance about the types of flooring material available, and the maintenance and cleaning of floors. It is not intended to give detailed advice, but to alert committees to the important considerations that need to be taken into account when choosing a floor for their hall. 1. Initial considerations Choosing a suitable floor is one of the most important decisions to be made. A committee should install the most appropriate type and aim for the highest standard they can afford. Different activities have their own requirements for flooring and in a multi-purpose hall the floor may need to cope with conflicting uses. There are a variety of floor finishes on the market, but there is yet to be a wholly satisfactory substitute for hardwood in a multi-purpose space. Committees are recommended not to try and make savings by skimping on floor construction. Domestic materials are not suitable for the wear and tear community buildings have to take so only industrial materials should be used. Larger manufacturers and specialist flooring contractors have good technical staff who can provide information on their products. Visiting other village halls will also provide an invaluable source of practical feedback, good and bad, about how successful their floors are proving to be. The correct specification of a floor s construction goes well beyond the finished surface. It depends on the use of the hall, and the type of heating and ventilation system used. Many village halls are used and heated intermittently, so cold floors tend to stay cold for much of the time. In such conditions, moisture in the air from breath, damp clothing and so on will condense on cold surfaces. Floors with smooth, cold, non-absorbent surfaces are particularly prone to condensation and, in extreme cases, pools of water may collect, making the floor slippery and dangerous. Condensation can be avoided if adequate ventilation and insulation is present. In new halls, which will be well used, underfloor heating can be a benefit in terms of energy use, and also in providing a comfortable floor for children at playgroups or other activities where time is spent sitting or playing on the floor. 2. Construction Expert advice must be sought from an architect, structural engineer or building surveyor on the proper underlying construction of the floor, which will depend partly on what is to be above and below it. Ground floor construction is almost universally in concrete, although this is not always in slab form. Precast beams and planks are becoming more widely available and can be easier to install than wet, poured, slab construction. Concrete floors are often finished with thick sand and cement screed. Whether a screed is used and how it is used will depend on the final finish. Standards of thermal insulation for floors are laid down in Building Regulations. Depending on the floor area, shape and type of building, insulation may be mandatory, and thicknesses are stated. Insulation can reduce heating costs and minimise condensation and can go above or below the slab. If the insulation is below the slab itself this will allow the slab to act as a giant storage heater and, if the hall is used fairly regularly throughout the winter, the heat retained will help to counter frost and condensation. However, if use is intermittent, insulation above the slab in between the floor finish will help to create a quicker response when heating is turned on. Village hall flooring ACRE page 1

4 It is good practice (and in smaller buildings mandatory under the Building Regulations) to insulate the floor structure, which has the benefit of keeping the floor slightly warmer. The correct specifications for insulation, vapour barriers, damp proof, membranes and other details are essential and expert advice is needed. 3. Installation The correct installation of flooring and carefully following manufacture s instructions will yield long lasting results that outweigh any perceived inconvenience over extended construction time. Waiting for the sub-base to dry sufficiently before putting the floor down, installing damp proof membrane prior to laying the flooring, giving the building/extension adequate time to dry out, especially to manufacture s specifications, and ensuring adequate ventilation will all ensure good results and provide for a lasting finish. If using wood as a finish, it is important that it is in the hall at least two weeks before being laid to allow it to acclimatise to the moisture level of the hall. It is also beneficial during the first year for the heating to be kept on low day and night to avoid extremes in temperature will cause the moisture in the wood to expend and contract buckling the floor. Care should also be taken not to block up ventilation bricks during installation as suspended floors can begin to rot within months. Even vinyl flooring is not immune from haste as damp can be trapped under the sheeting resulting in lumps appearing or seams breaking. 4. Main hall The floor of the main hall must cater for the widest range of activities and events. Sporting activities will require a tough, resilient finish, combined with a certain amount of give. There may be specialist user groups like the badminton club, bowls club, or a dance group who should be consulted. Timber floors remain the favourite, and most successful, for meeting these varied needs and are also less prone to condensation problems. Their disadvantage lies in relatively high installation costs, and more expensive and time-consuming maintenance procedures, but the excellent finish is often considered worth the extra cost. The options include: 4.1 Hardwood Hardwood strip flooring is probably the better choice for a main hall as it lasts well and remains attractive for many years. This type of flooring consists of narrow, tongued and grooved boards which are secret nailed to joists or battens treated with preservative, and secured to a cement and sand screed laid over a damp proof membrane on the concrete sub-floor. 4.2 Softwood The simplest wooden floor is of softwood boards cramped together and nailed to joists of timber. This timber must be treated to avoid rot or insect attack. The joists are either spiked to timber plates laid over a damp course on sleeper walls resting on the over-site concrete, or secured directly to the concrete, which must incorporate a waterproof membrane. In both cases, adequate underfloor ventilation is important. There are some disadvantages with softwood boards. The boards may shrink, leaving gaps between them. Wear can result in knots and nails standing out above the surface. Stiletto heels and other sharp objects will inevitably damage the floor. Village hall flooring ACRE page 2

5 4.3 Wood block Wood block floors consist of softwood, semi-hardwood or hardwood blocks secured with hot pitch or mastic to the levelled screed laid on a waterproof membrane over the concrete subfloor. The blocks are sometimes dowelled together and in large areas may have a cork expansion strip around the perimeter. Woodblock floors may have low resilience and, as they are fixed directly to the screed, may feel cold underfoot. However, they are a good option in community buildings where wood strip flooring cannot be afforded. 4.4 Wood mosaic Wood mosaic flooring is a cheaper alternative, consisting of small thin slips of timber, usually hardwood, secured in a chequer-board pattern to squares of a flexible waterproof backing. The squares are fixed with adhesive over a damp proof membrane to a sand and cement screed. They have similar characteristics to wood blocks and, under normal circumstances, will provide a reasonable floor. However, this type of flooring is susceptible to problems with fluctuating humidity levels, which can cause the floor to swell and lift. It does not sustain heavy wear in public buildings and is quite easily damaged. 4.5 Carpet Carpets can be suitable as a floor covering in main halls in certain cases. With carpeting, underlay is as important as the carpet itself, and care should be taken to choose an underlay that provides for the conditions present in the hall. Felt underlay is preferable as it is permeable and can prevent condensation. 4.6 Linoleum Linoleum (or lino) has experienced a bit of a renaissance in recent years as a floor covering. It is made from renewable materials such as solidified linseed oil (linoxyn), pine rosin, ground cork dust, wood flour, and mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate, most commonly on a burlap or canvas backing. Pigments are often added to the materials, and quite decorative finishes can be obtained. 4.7 Vinyl sheeting and tiles Vinyl is a multi-layered form of flooring, with a protective top layer usually made of urethane, a protective clear vinyl layer, followed by the printed vinyl design layer and then finally the backing. The top layer helps to protect against scratches and scuff marks while the clear vinyl layer helps to protect against gouges, rips and tears. It is also the thickness and quality of this layer that most determines the floor s durability and appearance retention. Most vinyl sheet sold is constructed with a felt backing but a small minority has the new construction format using fibreglass backing, resulting in a more cushioning floor and more installation options. Tiles of differing dimensions are also available in the same material. Village hall flooring ACRE page 3

6 4.8 Laminate Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process. Laminate flooring simulates wood (or stone, in some cases) with a decorative finish under a clear protective layer. The inner core layer is usually composed of melamine resin and fibre board materials. It has the advantages of being attractive, while costing less than natural floor materials, and of being more durable than carpet. Domestic laminate is not suitable for use in community buildings, industrial quality laminate should be installed to cope with the wear and tear of constant footfall. 5. Other areas In other areas, apart from the main hall, it is important to consider all the possible uses for each room or area, so that suitable flooring can be chosen. It is likely that, apart from the entrance hall and corridors, the ancillary accommodation will have less wear and tear than the main hall, and a more comfortable and softer finish may be possible. 5.1 Entrances and foyers Easy access requires ramps with grids and channels to keep water away from the building at all exits, as well as the main entrance. Continuing the external hard surface in the entrance hall can be helpful. The Building Regulations cover access to buildings, including ramps, steps, handrails and door positions. In the foyer, the external surface can be continued into the entrance porch around the entrance matting. In order to protect valuable floors the village hall needs to have a really effective area at the entrance where as much dirt, grit and damp as possible is removed from people s shoes as they enter. Some special entrance carpets can do this effectively without the need for matwells. The heavy traffic in circulation areas means that vinyl, lino or ceramic tiles are appropriate finishes. However, providing the shoe cleaning provision is effective and there is a generous area of matting, heavy duty carpeting can be a viable alternative, resulting in a quiet floor with an attractive noninstitutional appearance. 5.2 Small meeting rooms When a tough finish is needed, or conditions may occasionally be wet, vinyl or lino in tile or, preferably, sheet form on a sand and cement screed, would be suitable. The hardness of these materials can be softened by felt or rubber backings, but at greater cost. In some rooms where a softer finish is considered suitable, carpeting may be appropriate. Heavy duty industrial carpeting will probably be needed, and the expected level of activity in the room, and the presence of wheeled or standing furniture should be carefully specified when choosing the type. Different types of material and weave will be suitable for different conditions of wear; variables include pile height and weight, density, construction and material composition. Carpet tiles are usually more expensive than a roll of carpet, but can be cheaper to lay and offer the possibility of replacement in damaged or heavily trafficked areas. A combination of carpet and vinyl or lino can be a good solution, with heavily trafficked areas in vinyl and adjoining bays or rooms carpeted. Village hall flooring ACRE page 4

7 5.3 Kitchens Slip resistance must be considered alongside impermeability, durability, and ease of cleaning. Vinyl, lino, ceramic and quarry tiles are all suitable finishes. Good ventilation is important to minimise problems of damp and condensation. Vinyl is easily cleaned but also easily damaged. If possible, sheets without joints are preferable, as water can penetrate a joint and cause the flooring to lift. The use of non-slip finishes (e.g. ribbed or studded profiles) in wet areas, such as near sinks, is essential. Skirtings, drainage channels and formed pieces, with which to effectively create a waterproof dish, are available in many tile ranges. 5.4 Cloakroom and WC facilities These are areas where hygiene and resistance to water and other spills are important factors. Slip resistance must also be considered alongside impermeability, durability and ease of cleaning. Vinyl, lino, ceramic and quarry tiles are all possible floor finishes. Good ventilation is important to minimise problems of damp and condensation. Ceramic tiles are more durable than vinyl but they can be very difficult to lay, and to replace if damaged. The use of non-slip finishes (e.g. ribbed or studded profiles) in wet areas, such as near sinks, is essential. Skirtings, drainage channels and formed pieces, to effectively create a waterproof dish, are available in many tile ranges. 5.5 Store rooms For store rooms, a screeded floor, treated with a proprietary hardener and dust-preventing seal, is very often all that is needed. If desired, the surface can be painted with one of a range of plastic paint finishes developed mostly for industrial use. Epoxy finishes are tougher, but more expensive. An alternative may be to use a proprietary thin coating, particularly where defective floors in existing buildings need sealing against damp. 6. Specialist user groups 6.1 Badminton Floors for badminton should have some resilience and provide for slide without slip. Wood strip flooring best meets these requirements. Some additional resilience can be obtained by supporting the joists over the concrete subfloor on tough rubber pads, also providing increased ventilation. A more recent development, which is cheaper and easier to lay, is a system of tongued and grooved hardwood boards clipped together on a resilient mat. Discreet badminton court markings can be applied in tape, stain, acrylic paint or tiles to match the surface or if permanent markings are undesirable, a prepared vinyl sheeting specifically designed for badminton is available, which can be laid over any even surface and rolled up after use. 6.2 Bowls Indoor bowling is an increasingly popular sport. Short mat bowls using conventionally sized woods is played on a 40 or 45 feet long mat and carpet bowls, using smaller woods, is played on a 30 feet long mat. In each game, a heavy duty mat is rolled out over the floor. The mats are bulky, so adequate storage space will be needed. Village hall flooring ACRE page 5

8 6.3 Other sports There is a wide range of sports which can be played in village halls and successful indoor versions of games such as hockey, tennis and croquet have been developed. The floor requirements will be similar to those for badminton, though probably less exacting. 6.4 Drama When a main hall floor is being considered, it may be an appropriate time to think about provision for drama activities. The restrictions imposed by a small stage are worse than having no stage. As a rough guide, an area of at least 13 x 13 feet is needed for a stage and, if this space is not available, it is better to think of other ways of gaining height, for example by using one of the many portable staging systems now available. 6.5 Playgroups Young children spend a great deal of time playing, sitting and crawling on the floor. It is, therefore, essential that the floor surface is free from splinters, not slippery and as clean as possible. Paint, wet and dry sand, and water are all essential elements of playgroup activities and unfortunately have great potential for damage to the hall floor. A floor covering should be used that will keep sand and water off the floor, and which will also serve to indicate clearly the boundaries for these activities, preferably in a corner. A ground sheet of heavy tarpaulin is ideal or a large sheet of hardboard is another possibility. Tent canvas, slack-sheet or sail are suitable coverings for sand play. 7. Cleaning and maintaining your floor Once the floor has been chosen and laid, it will only prove to be a good long-term investment if a continuous programme of care is adopted. It is important to follow the manufacturer s or supplier s instructions on protection, maintenance and cleaning. As mentioned previously, the provision of gratings and matting in the entrance hall is essential, to protect interior floors from dirt and damp. Some areas, such as gangways between seating and areas in front of a bar, are subject to more wear than others. These areas can be protected by thin carpeting or lengths of synthetic matting, which can be rolled up when not required. Moving heavy equipment, such as stacks of chairs and tables, can cause serious damage, particularly if they are dragged across the floor. Simple, purpose-built wheeled trolleys can provide a solution, and may also be used as bases for storing the equipment. Further information is available in Village Hall Information Sheet 8, Storage in village halls. See Section 8 for further details. A regular programme of cleaning and maintenance must be followed and should include inspections for defects, torn lino or cracked tiles, which can worsen and become dangerous if ignored. It is especially important to keep the kitchen and toilets cleaned to a high standard. This is of particular concern to local authority environmental health officers and they can offer advice. There are specific regulations covering the use of premises by playgroups and for public entertainments. The cleaning and maintenance should, where possible, be tailored to the use of the hall, for example, ballroom dancing requires a polished surface, whereas for other activities it is important that the surface is not slippery. Some activities, such as playgroups, require a higher standard of cleanliness than others. It can be useful to consider the timetable of activities and the cleaning programme together, so that an efficient scheme can be worked out for both. Village hall flooring ACRE page 6

9 Activities such as dog classes and pet shows need careful thought. Although there are no regulations, it is common sense to clean the floor before the next group uses the hall particularly if this is to be a playgroup. The management committee may decide that it is the responsibility of the hirer to clean the floor after use. When someone is paid to clean the hall, the management committee should be aware of its duty as employers. More information is provided in ACRE s Village Hall Information Sheet 22, Managing employees and volunteers. See Section 8 for further details. 7.1 Entrance hall Shoe cleaning grids should be regularly emptied and matting vacuum cleaned to ensure continued efficiency. 7.2 Timber floors i. Sealing: Wood is porous so a new wood floor must be treated with a seal before it is used. Various sealing products are available and the manufacturer s instructions should be followed on the amount to use, the number of coats necessary and the drying times. ii. iii. Cleaning: The floor should be kept free from dust and grit by frequent vacuuming or sweeping with a soft brush. Water soluble dirt may be removed using a slightly damp, clean sponge mop or cloth, keeping the amount of moisture applied to the floor to a minimum. A small amount of a neutral detergent may be added to the cleaning water. The water should be changed frequently. Polishing: After cleaning, if desired, the floor may be treated with a polish or dressing recommended by the manufacturer of the floor seal, applied according to the product instructions. Too much polish will result in a dangerously slippery surface. Regular cleaning as in (ii) should follow, with further applications of the polish or dressing as necessary. The application of a dressing leads to a gradual build-up of grease and dirt which must be removed at regular intervals. A slightly alkaline liquid detergent in water should be used, followed by clean rinsing water containing a small quantity of acetic acid, such as white vinegar, followed by plain water. Throughout the process, the amount of water applied to the floor should be kept to a minimum. iv. Resealing: The floor will eventually need resealing (and also sanding if the surface is worn to an unacceptable level). The work sequence will be: remove dust and debris scrub the floor (preferably using a scrubbing machine with nylon pads) using a slightly alkaline detergent. A wet suction machine is helpful for removing the resultant scum rinse with clean water containing a little vinegar and leave to dry thoroughly apply seal according to the manufacturer s instructions. v. Sanding: If the surface of the floor is worn and scratched, light sanding back to the bare wood with a sanding machine will be necessary before resealing. Expert advice should be sought for all but the lightest sanding. The knots in softwood floors may begin to stand out above the floor surface, and these should be planed off before sanding the entire surface and then resealing. vi. Repairs: When a floor has been sanded heavily and frequently, a considerable thickness may have been removed, which will result in it being unsafe for use. Where softwood floors are so badly worn that maintenance procedures are no longer possible, the floor can be recovered with new tongued and grooved flooring in narrow widths, nailed at right angles to the original boards. However, the original joists and sleeper walls must be capable of taking the required loadings. Village hall flooring ACRE page 7

10 7.3 Vinyl flooring, tiles and linoleum i. Sealing: All these floors should be sealed with a product approved by the flooring manufacturer and following the product instructions. The floor should be absolutely clean before sealing. ii. iii. Cleaning: Loose dirt should be removed by vacuuming or using a soft brush. The floor can then be mopped using a suitable cleaner in water and a damp or wet mop, according to need, but always finishing with a damp mop. A second mop and clean water can be used to pick up the dirt. The water should be changed frequently. The floor can be buffed, if desired. Alternatively, a cleaning machine may be used to clean and buff the floor, using a suitable cleaning and buffing solution. Resealing: Resealing will be necessary at intervals, after first removing the mixture of polish, dirt and grease which can build up, with a recommended stripping solution. The procedure would be: thoroughly sweep or vacuum the floor, removing sticky dirt with a scraper apply the stripping solution to a small area, carefully following instructions for mixing and safe use machine scour using a coarse nylon pad, and use a hand pad in corners and areas close to walls remove the scum using a mop or wet vacuum cleaner rinse twice with clean water and a clean mop when dry, apply the new seal. 7.4 Carpets Carpets should be vacuumed frequently. They can be shampooed as necessary, using a recommended shampoo and wet with a dry vacuum cleaner. 7.5 Air bricks It is essential to ensure that airbricks, which provide ventilation from outside, are kept clear of obstruction. 7.6 Equipment Polishing machines, vacuum cleaners and the various cleaning, stripping, polishing and sealing solutions are available. All the equipment used to clean the floor must, in turn, be kept clean. Mops and pads should be soaked, washed and hung to dry. 8. Sources of further information and advice ACRE and the Rural Community Action Network (RCAN) provides an information and advice service for village hall management committees through its network of village hall advisers. A link to the village halls advisers is available on the ACRE website: ACRE publishes a range of village hall publications and information sheets to support this service, which are available from your local RCAN member. ACRE publications that may be of interest to readers of this publication are listed below: Village Hall Information Sheet 8, Storage in village halls Village Hall Information Sheet 22, Managing employees and volunteers Village Hall Information Sheet 30, Village hall heating Maintaining your hall Village hall flooring ACRE page 8

11 Pre-school Learning Alliance The Fitzpatrick Building 188 York Way London N7 9AD The Contract Flooring Association 4C St Mary s Place The Lace Market Nottingham NG1 1PH info@cfa.org.uk Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) 66 Portland Place London W1N 4AD info@inst.riba.org Sport England 3rd Floor Victoria House Bloomsbury Square London WC1B 4SE info@sportengland.org Acknowledgement ACRE would like to thank Carl Glynn, Action with Communities in Cumbria, for providing the information for this publication. Village hall flooring ACRE page 9

12 ACRE and the Rural Community Action Network (RCAN) together deliver a local advisory service tailored to the needs of rural community buildings throughout England. This service aims to ensure that hall trustees have access to accurate information about regulatory requirements, training and one-to-one advice and support with business planning. All RCAN advisers are networked by ACRE, undertake an OCN accredited course and are provided with resources to support their work. The national Hallmark quality standards programme encourages hall trustees to adopt best practice through a peer visitor programme. However, demand from halls for support often exceeds supply and demonstrates the need for a proactive, local service that can support all halls to achieve their aspirations and potential. About ACRE Action with Communities in Rural England is the national umbrella body of the Rural Community Action Network (RCAN), which operates at national, regional and local level in support of rural communities across the country. We aim to promote a healthy, vibrant and sustainable rural community sector that is well connected to policy and decision-makers who play a part in delivering this aim. ACRE is nationally recognised for its expertise in ensuring rural community-led solutions are central to public policy debate. Rural Community Action Network (RCAN) The Rural Community Action Network (RCAN) covers the whole of rural England through the work of 37 local member organisations, eight regional bodies and ACRE. Network members are countybased, independent, local development agencies that, for decades, have been delivering support on the ground to enable rural communities to improve quality of life for all. They act as a strategic voice for rural communities, allowing grassroots issues to be championed and solutions worked out in partnership between statutory, voluntary and private sector providers. Their strength lies in their ability to work within communities in an inclusive and holistic way, helping local people to develop local solutions and identify unmet needs through a unique approach to community-led planning. Alongside this, network members provide a trusted local support network for rural community groups, including dedicated expertise in arenas such as transport, housing, the management of communityowned facilities, social enterprise and rural services. ACRE is pleased to have worked in partnership with AON Limited on this information sheet. This Village Hall Information Sheet is one in a series available from ACRE s Village Hall Information Service. A full list of ACRE Information Sheets and other publications can be found at Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) Somerford Court, Somerford Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1TW (tel) +44 (0) acre@acre.org.uk Company Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity No ACRE Village hall flooring ACRE page 10