We all know that when it comes to playground design, safety is a priority. Injuries caused by falls—especially head trauma—can be quite serious, so it’s important to install playground flooring that can mitigate any risks. Our playground flooring partner, Rephouse, came up with a solution that is getting rave reviews across playgrounds worldwide: Playflex™ rubber safety tiles. Designed to lessen the impact of a child falling from a designated height, these recycled and synthetic rubber tiles … [Read more...]
Success Story: Asbestos Encapsulation at Bergenfield, NJ School
We all know that school buildings and asbestos don’t mix. In order to protect students and school employees from asbestos exposure, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has distinct regulatory requirements for public and non-profit private schools. If asbestos is found, schools must do their part to control fiber release from asbestos-containing building materials, such as Vinyl Asbestos Tile (VAT). This can be done by encapsulation, encasement or removal—also known as … [Read more...]
The Lifecycle Advantage of Hardwood Sports Flooring
Hardwood sports flooring is often considered the gold standard for most indoor gymnasiums. But many facilities managers question whether or not it’s the right option given the initial start-up investment. While it’s true that installation costs for hardwood sports flooring are typically higher than that of other flooring alternatives, there is a bit more to the story. It all comes down to lifecycle. Always a critical criterion when comparing different types of flooring, the lifecycle factor … [Read more...]
Achieve Peak Performance with HARO Rio Tennis and Basketball Court Installation
Any athlete will tell you that the surface they play on matters. Whether it’s having the right shock absorption for tennis or the perfect ball rebound for basketball, the proper playing surface has a real effect on performance for professional athletes and social players alike. Our partners at HARO truly took this into consideration when developing Rio—the world’s first permanent outdoor flooring conforming to the highest physical performance requirements under the EN 14877 standard … [Read more...]
Gym Floor Makeovers: Hardwood Gym Floor Repairs
This is the next blog post in the Mathusek Gym Floor Makeover blogging series. Hardwood gym floor repairs are a common and necessary sport flooring problem for any facility. Hardwood is among the most durable of athletic flooring options, but it is important to maintain by taking care of problems as they arise. When scuffs occur, buff them out. When the shine of the top layer of polyurethane fades, screen and recoat it. When chips and flaking occur, it may be time to sand and refinish your … [Read more...]
Gym Floor Makeovers: Gym Floor Screening and Recoating Q&A
Gym floor screening and recoating is the best way to increase the life span of your wood flooring year after year, and to push off (as long as possible) the eventual costs of a new installation. Wood floor installations should last for 50 years with proper maintenance and care. This includes regular cleaning, repairing any damages before they become detrimental to your budget or hazardous to your colleagues, and making sure the surface remains dry and away from prolonged moisture. In this … [Read more...]
Maintaining Herculan IG Synthetic Flooring Saves Time and Money
Herculan IG synthetic flooring is a versatile option for educational, hospitality and commercial spaces. Installing Herculan IG only takes a few days, and can be done over a weekend in many instances. With so many uses, you may be wondering: How do I maintain and clean Herculan IG synthetic flooring in my facility once its installed? Q: My Herculan IG installation just wrapped up; how long should I wait to use it? A: New or recoated floors should not be used for 24 hours after installation … [Read more...]
Herculan Tennis Court Surfaces: Feel the Love
Quick to install, low-maintenance, high-performance and long-lasting — what’s not to love about Herculan TC outdoor and indoor tennis court surfaces from Mathusek partner Action Floor Systems? Features & Benefits Sales Sheet Court Pace Certification Press Release A padded polyurethane product boasting 35% shock absorption, Herculan TC is a great pick for high-end racquet and sports clubs as well as competitive collegiate or pro-level playing. Perhaps the greatest virtue … [Read more...]
Herculan IG Flooring Asbestos Encapsulation Can Save You Money
Many schools and buildings built before the 1980s contain Vinyl Asbestos Tile (VAT) that has begun to deteriorate and is in need of asbestos abatement or asbestos encapsulation. VAT was the material of choice for institutional flooring applications from the 1950s through the ‘80s because of its insulating and fire-retarding properties. In 1986, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act was passed requiring every U.S. school from kindergarten through 12th grade to be inspected to identify … [Read more...]
Mathusek Re-Installs Wood Sport Flooring After Flooding Destroys Howell Middle School Gym
March 2015 - Officials at Howell Middle School South in Howell Township, NJ discovered a pipe had burst and flooded their gymnasium over the weekend. Mathusek had installed the wood sport flooring fifteen years prior. The pipe burst in an adjacent hallway and spilled thousands of gallons of water onto the maple gym floor. Howell’s maintenance crew vacuumed up the standing water as soon as it was discovered but humps and buckling in the floor signaled further damage. A professional team needed … [Read more...]