Wood In Architecture Issue 1, 2022

FLOORING
Selecting a flooring
option with built-in
antimicrobial
technology is ideal
between maintaining a high standard
of cleanliness and reducing the
wear caused by vigorous cleaning is,
therefore, an important goal. Flooring
that has antimicrobial product
protection built-in, or wood flooring
treated with a coating, offer an extra
level of protection to support regular
cleaning protocols.
HOW ANTIMICROBIALS
WORK
Antimicrobial additives work 24/7,
interacting with microbial cells
to prevent their reproduction.
Technologies of this kind can be
built into some products or come in
the form of coatings that adhere to
surfaces, effectively acting as barriers
to reduce the microbial population.
Either way, they become an integral
part of the floor, and cannot be
washed off or worn away, making this
approach the ideal complementary
solution to cleaning in both household
and commercial settings.
Different floor types of course require
different solutions:
Solid hardwood: Solid hardwood
floors are often associated with a
high-end finish, but microbes do not
discriminate. Disinfecting hardwood
floors is tricky as moisture and harsh
chemicals are not recommended.
Similarly, built-in options are
challenging as the boards are made
from a natural material. Instead,
a thin urethane top layer infused
with antimicrobial properties can be
added to the surface, adding a layer
of protection without affecting the
quality or appearance of the wood.
Engineered wood: Engineered
wood floors give the natural finish
of solid hardwood floors, but are
more versatile for specific situations,
such as where there is underfloor
heating, or in areas that experience
fluctuations in heat and humidity,
such as conservatories. They are
also usually a more affordable
option compared to their solid wood
counterparts. However, as the top
wear layer is made from natural wood,
they still have the same restrictions
on cleaning as solid wood floors, so
adding an antimicrobial layer as a
coating to the wood surface is an ideal
solution.
Sheet vinyl: Wood-effect vinyl flooring
combines the look of real wood with
durability, flexibility and the waterresistant
features of vinyl. However,
it can be particularly susceptible to
staining from the growth of mould and
mildew, especially as it is often used
in areas that are frequently exposed
to spills and higher humidity, such
as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry
rooms. For well-rounded protection
against microbes, antimicrobial
chemistries can be infused into all
three layers of the material structure
– the foam, vinyl and surface topcoat
– before extrusion, calendering or
coating.
LVT: Wood-effect LVTs are a cheaper
alternative to traditional wood
flooring but offer similar durability
and hardwearing features. However,
spills and dirt can fall through the
seams and seep under LVTs where
it is hard to clean, and liquids can
become trapped and will not easily
evaporate. Antimicrobial technology
can be incorporated into both the
surface wear layer and the preattached
underlay, helping to prevent
stains, odours and premature
degradation caused by bacterial and
fungal growth.
Laminate: Laminate is regularly
used for flooring in hygiene-critical
spaces such as healthcare, consumer
and commercial environments,
and is also a popular choice as
an alternative to tiles and vinyl in
homes. Selecting laminate with
a wood-grain effect gives the
illusion of a wood floor, but it is
easier to maintain. Antimicrobial
technologies can be easily and
cost-effectively implemented by
laminate manufacturers. Highpressure
laminate (HPL) is a
thermosetting material and, as such,
is often marketed as having a natural
resistance to microbial proliferation.
However, these properties have a
limited lifespan and will eventually
wear off. Importantly, global biocidal
regulations also do not permit
the marketing of any laminates
as being antimicrobial unless
they contain a registered biocide.
Antimicrobial laminate protection
58 WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 1 – 2022