The foyer of any apartment building receives heavy traffic as tenants, tradesmen, and visitors come and go. In fact, all common areas like halls and stairwells are well-used, but foyers have added challenges during inclement weather as visitors bring in water, snow, and dirt with them on their shoes.
The flooring you choose for a busy foyer is important because it must be attractive, durable, and remain safe despite traffic and debris. Take a look at the benefits of these two flooring options for apartment building foyers and how to maintain them.
1. Industrial Carpet
Many building owners choose carpet for common areas because it helps reduce echoes and makes a space feel more subdued. Carpet color choice can also influence a space. For example, dark colors diminish room size while lighter colors make a foyer feel roomier. Carpet is also relatively inexpensive.
Industrial carpet is constructed differently than residential carpet, with shorter, more durable carpet fibers that better resist wear. Carpet loops are also tighter, which better retain their shape and adds to a carpet’s durability. Finally, industrial carpets often have a stitched pattern rather than a straight line to prevent the loops from unraveling.
A foyer clad in carpet will not be slippery during inclement weather. Moisture and dirt that tracks in from the outdoors will sink into the carpet pile rather than rest on top in a dangerous puddle for unwary walkers. In the event a person trips and falls on carpet, they can expect a softer landing and are less likely to receive an injury.
Maintenance
Carpet can be a bit trickier to keep clean due to the tendency to retain dirt and debris. However, the right cleaning
schedule can offset permanent discoloration and wear. For example, regularly vacuum areas near the door, and respond to wet spills at once to absorb as much moisture as possible. Cut down on tracked-in rain and snow with moveable weather rugs immediately inside the door.
Finally, make sure you treat foyer carpets with stain-resistant chemicals that help repel discoloration. You can also opt for industrial carpet tiles that are simple to remove and replace to keep permanent stains from marring the image of your foyer.
2. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are an appealing option for a busy apartment foyer. Because they are fired from clay, ceramic tiles are very durable and can withstand high traffic without showing signs of wear. With a larger budget, you can opt for color choices that integrate a logo or other custom look for your foyer.
Ceramic tile will not harbor dirt or allergens like carpet. The dense surface is non-porous and will not absorb moisture or bacteria. Moreover, ceramic tile does not easily stain.
However, the sleek nature of tiles can mean the presence of water or debris creates a slick surface. You can minimize slippery conditions when you install weather rugs by the doors to absorb moisture from the outdoors. You can also consider anti-slip applications that help keep hard surfaces like ceramic tile safer for foot traffic.
Maintenance
Ceramic tile is easy to keep clean and requires only a regular sweep and mop to retain its luster. However, light-colored grout can stain. Fortunately, you can seal the entire floor to better keep stains and moisture away from grout.
Your apartment foyer and other common area flooring can look amazing with a regular cleaning routine along with specialized cleaning when necessary. Trend can handle a range of challenges your foyer faces. Contact us when you need floor cleaning or strip and wax services or to discuss anti-slip application options to keep visitors and tenants safe.