When searching for a flooring contractor for your commercial vinyl installation, it is important to find one who will provide you with the service and products that best fit your business. A good contractor will help you through the process and make sure your floors are installed properly. This will ensure the longevity of your floor and reduce costly future repairs due to improper installations.
Look at your potential flooring contractor’s portfolio online; most will have photos of their recent projects that showcase the scope and complexity of various installations. Look for testimonials from clients who are happy with their work. You should also ask for client references, and be sure to contact them before you decide to work with a contractor.
Ask your prospective flooring contractor how they handle scheduling for a large job, such as a large warehouse or manufacturing facility. Some contractors may require a certain amount of lead time to order materials and prepare the project site for installation, while others are ready for your project at a moment’s notice. Make sure you choose a contractor who can meet your schedule and will be able to deliver on their promise of amazing floors without any headaches.
Choosing the right flooring contractor is important for commercial projects because of their experience and knowledge in commercial vinyl installations. Many of these projects will involve unique or specialized applications of flooring in areas like food courts, locker rooms, or even healthcare settings. Commercial (or safety) vinyl is a type of homogenous vinyl manufactured with additives like silicon carbide, quartz and aluminum oxide that offer slip resistance for a safe working environment in high traffic areas.
It is recommended that commercial vinyl be installed over a substrate that is either wood (plywood or engineered hardwood) or concrete. The concrete subfloor must be free of voids, pits, cracks and other damage and be thoroughly cleaned to remove any existing coatings, wax or oils that could interfere with adhesive bonding. A layer of 1/4″ thick underlayment should be added to improve the overall installation and increase the life of the flooring.
Vinyl is a highly durable and attractive flooring option for commercial spaces. It is available in stunning designs that mimic the appearance of other types of floors, such as hardwood or tile, at a much more cost-effective price point. Commercial vinyl flooring is also easy to maintain and can be kept looking pristine with regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a non-acidic cleaner.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is an increasingly popular choice for commercial flooring projects because of its durability, affordability and wide array of design options. Its layered construction is softer underfoot than solid surface options such as concrete and provides acoustic benefits to manage noise in busy or traditionally loud commercial spaces.
When searching for a commercial vinyl flooring contractor in Tampa, choose one who is a member of the elite Starnet national cooperative of flooring companies. This will allow you to gain access to a broader range of manufacturers and products than a dealer aligned with a single mill, and it will give you unbiased insights and recommendations.