Hardwood maple sports flooring provides an ideal mix of durability, shock absorption and ball bounce consistency, making it a top choice for sports flooring. But it’s important to understand proper care for maple sports flooring. Here are some dos and don’ts.
Proper Daily Maintenance
- Sweep the floor daily with a properly treated dust mop. If the floor is used heavily, sweep it up to three times per day.
- Wipe up spills and any moisture.
- Make sure the HVAC system is functioning properly and set to maintain indoor relative humidity between 35% and 50% year-round. In areas of consistently high or low outside humidity where the recommended IRH range cannot be maintained, a 15% fluctuation will not adversely affect the maple.
- Remove heel marks using an approved floor cleaner applied with a soft cloth or dust mop. Contact your floor finish manufacturer for approved cleaning products.
- Inspect floor for tightening or shrinkage. During wet weather, check for water leakage around doors and windows. Remove debris from expansion voids (areas that provide space for floor movement, usually at the perimeter of the floor and at vertical obstructions such as volleyball inserts or bleacher anchors).
- Always protect the floor when moving heavy portable equipment or lifts. Ensure portable equipment does not have crowned wheels or wheels that include center ridges remaining from the molding process. These types of wheels can create very significant point loads.
Never Do the Following
- Never shut down the ventilation system in your facility for a prolonged period of time.
- Never clean your maple floor using scrubbing machinery or power scrubbers that use water. Water is your floor’s worst enemy!
- Never attempt to modify or repair your maple sports floor without first consulting your flooring contactor.
- Never use household cleaning products or procedures. They can be harmful to the floor finish and to the wood, and may leave floors sticky or slippery, and potentially harmful for athletes. Your finish manufacturer will recommend the proper cleaning and maintenance materials for your maple sports floor.
For More Information
Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association
888-480-9138
www.maplefloor.org