Flooring plays a vital role in the social housing sector. Louise Walters, commercial director for Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, explains.
Providing a comfortable and safe foundation in homes where more vulnerable people may live, begins with the floor.
As a joint report – ‘FLOORED’* – from TPAS Cymru and Tai Pawb in Wales into the provision of flooring in newly-let social homes found, flooring is not just a nicety: for the majority of tenants who took part in the survey and did not have suitable flooring in their home, the lack of it actually impacted on their health and wellbeing.
They listed issues such as a lack of warmth, safety and sound in their homes; health issues, including breathing difficulties; and depression. Responses from tenants with children highlighted safety issues and an increase in isolation and loneliness in not being able to invite friends to visit, taking all of this into consideration it’s clear that flooring has a growing role to play in providing a safe, reassuring and comfortable environment.
Taking the end user of the product into consideration is essential when it comes to specifying the most cost effective and technically correct type of flooring. For those responsible in providing floorcoverings to this sector, it means that in addition to value for money, there are three other key considerations – safety, practicality and durability.
High traffic areas require a more hardwearing, durable flooring than anywhere else in a property. Over time, excessive use can mean the floorcovering can lose its appeal. Hard flooring such as vinyl or safety flooring provides robust options that will help with appearance, retention and durability. Underlay plays an important role too – with a good quality option highly recommended to help prolong the life of flooring. It can also reduce noise on harder surfaces and provide added warmth and insulation.
The use of a slip-resistant, water-resistant flooring in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom is a must. Due to the increased potential risk of slip hazards in these areas it is essential to select a floor that offers excellent slip resistance and meets any necessary health and safety guidelines required on for the type of property or area.
There is a further risk of slips in specially adapted wet rooms or bathrooms which will require an enhanced slip resistant vinyl safety floor with a raised emboss that is designed for continuous wet areas.
Softer options like carpet will always be a popular choice for bedrooms and living areas, particularly something durable and easy to maintain, such as polypropylene which is naturally stain resistant. This makes it ideal for homes where spills and accidents easily happen.
Communal areas such as corridors, stairs and lounges in shared living space are busy and noisy and demand a safe, durable and potentially sound reducing flooring solution. We work with multiple manufacturers who produce excellent safety flooring solutions for all types of applications. While the tendency is to think of this kind of flooring as quite clinical in appearance, there are many ranges available with a choice of patterns, designs and colours to complement both modern and more traditional interiors.
Being able to provide a stylish option is important. People have an expectation that floorcoverings are not only safe and practical, but modern and aesthetically pleasing too.
Choosing the right flooring contractor is really important. From the quality and range of products to buying power, stock levels, compliance, environmental impact, expertise and service levels, the right flooring solutions go deeper than price alone. These are some of the main points to consider:
Size and reputation: An established contractor with national reach, reputation, buying power and in-depth stock levels is likely to be a reliable, all-round-safe choice in terms of fulfilling a contract on time, within budget and with the specified products. A supplier’s experience in the industry and their reputation can provide valuable insights into their reliability.
Local presence and supply chain: Working with businesses who have a strong local presence makes them more accessible and able to provide faster response times for deliveries and support.
Quality and range of products: Look for a company that offers a good breadth of choice. High-quality products from known brands along with competitively priced ‘white label’ lines should be among the options available across a diverse range of carpet, vinyl, laminate, safety flooring, wood and carpet and vinyl tiles. This allows buyers to select the most appropriate product for different areas within a project. And do they hold sufficient stock levels to ensure consistent availability on all those products?
Sustainability and environmental impact: Increasing emphasis on sustainability means it is important to choose a contractor committed to environmentally friendly practices. Look for those who offer eco-friendly flooring options, such as materials with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions and those made from recycled or sustainable resources. Does the supplier operate any kind of recycling scheme? Also look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for wood products or Cradle to Cradle certification.
Technical support and expertise: A good flooring contractor should offer robust technical support and expertise. This includes providing detailed product information, installation guides, and maintenance advice. Suppliers with knowledgeable staff who can offer on-site consultations and bespoke solutions can significantly add value to a project.
Availability and lead times: On-time deliveries keep a project on schedule so evaluating inventory levels and lead times ensures flooring will be available when needed. Reliable contractors should have transparent lead times and contingency plans to handle any delays.
Installation and after-sales service: The quality of installation is as important as the quality of the flooring itself. A professional contractor will ensure that the flooring is laid correctly and efficiently. After-sales service, including warranties and maintenance support is also crucial, along with comprehensive after-sales support to deal with any issues that arise post-installation.
Compliance with standards and certifications: Ensuring that flooring products comply with industry standards and have the necessary certifications is vital. Products should meet British Standards for safety, durability, and performance. Additionally, certifications such as ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management can be indicators of a reputable supplier.
Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, works with housing associations, the care home sector, educational establishments and other public sector buildings. With an expertise that extends beyond flooring, the company also offers an industry leading, in-house curtain making facility, a highly experienced showhome design team, plus a choice of furniture and lighting packs to suit all tastes and budgets.