Entrance flooring can serve several purposes in a retail environment. While its main usage is functional, it’s also able to contribute to the wider interior design of a space, says Chris Rand
MOST contractors will already be aware of the practical benefits entrance flooring can bring to an internal flooring scheme. Reducing walked-in moisture and dirt not only lowers the risk of slips or trips but can help maintain the appearance and condition of other floorcoverings within a building.
All of these will be of particular interest to your clients within the retail sector, who will want to be putting their best foot forward when it comes to entrances, ensuring customers aren’t greeted by dirty or slippery floors when walking into a store.
To take full advantage of entrance flooring systems, the industry recommendation is to use at least three metres of entrance matting for light use areas and up to seven metres for busier entrances, such as those seen in many commercial environments. As a general rule of thumb, the more matting used the more effective the system will be at preventing dirt and moisture build-up in interior spaces.
As a result of this, there can often be a significant amount of space taken up by entrance matting – flooring that isn’t always being utilised for design purposes. Here, you should look to suggest solutions that can also contribute to your customer’s wider interior design scheme. Thanks to modern technologies and new techniques, this is becoming an increasingly accessible option.
For example, popular, modern aesthetics, like chevron designs, can now be purchased as ‘off the shelf’ barrier matting products. Previously, these types of solutions would have been a bespoke offering only and therefore come with a higher price point and longer lead time.
However, this is no longer the case, with some manufacturers such as Forbo offering ready-made panels that can easily be shipped precut, ready to be installed on-site. Larger textile inserts are also rising in popularity, offering greater design versatility, increased dirt and moisture removal and softening the look of an entranceway – as opposed to solid metal scraper bars.
A great example of this is Forbo’s Nuway Connect Plus range. With larger textile inserts and reduced aluminium strips, the collection is able to accommodate more varied designs, including chevron shaping – ideal for retail locations where design and functionality both need to be balanced.
Nuway Connect Plus is available in 10mm closed construction and entrances in fire sensitive locations can be installed with Coral inserts that meet Bfl-s1 fire regulations. In addition, if installed by a Forbo Entrance System Specialist Installer (FESSI) contractor, the guarantee offered by Forbo on its Nuway Connect range is extended from five years to seven.
Forbo also offer an extended guarantee on its interior flooring solutions when installed in conjunction with its Nuway entrance flooring systems.
www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/Nuwayconnectplus
Chris Rand is entrance flooring category manager, Forbo Flooring Systems
