Decorative concrete has become a very popular new flooring option for residential and commercial construction projects. They are easy to maintain, great for regions with lots of sand or snow, and a good alternative to carpeting if the homeowner has allergies. Decorative concrete floors are often installed in a new home early in the construction process, which can cause damage from paint splatters, dirt from work boats, impact from falling materials, and wheeled traffic. How do you help protect these freshly polished floors from construction traffic and mishaps caused by dropped building materials and tools?

There are several different types of surface protection that protect newly installed decorative concrete floors from damage. Many contractors use Masonite, plastic sheeting, and slip film to try to protect concrete floors. These items offer limited protection and have serious limitations. Products like plywood can scratch your floor and are usually heavy and difficult to store after use. Masonite is bulky and cannot be easily repositioned on a job site. Occasionally the 4′ x 8′ sheets of masonite break apart allowing wheeled traffic to roll directly over the new floor. Also, Masonite is not absorbent, so liquids flow down the sides and into the spaces between the sheets, damaging the decorative concrete. Plastic sheeting has its own set of challenges. While it is easier to move around the job site and less expensive than other floor protection options, it can be very slippery on polished concrete floors and can cause injury to workers if someone falls or trips. Plastic sheets move easily, which means that without being hit, they could slide across the floor. Lastly, the plastic sheet offers no impact protection against heavy falling objects. Another option contractors use to protect poorly performing decorative concrete floors is temporary matting. The mats have a rubber backing, which does not allow the concrete to breathe. While it provides good impact protection, it is heavy and difficult to move and does not absorb spills well. It is also a very expensive type of protection.

Many builders have tried each of these methods to protect decorative concrete, but none works perfectly. The ideal product would be breathable so the concrete can cure, absorb spills, prevent differential drying, and provide impact protection. If possible, the product would be reusable and recyclable to reduce waste. Fortunately, there are several surface protection products on the market that meet all of these requirements.

Ram Board™ is a heavy-duty floor protection product that is made of a thick cardboard-like material. One roll of Ram Board™ is the same thickness as ten sheets of Masonite, and since they come in rolls, it’s much easier to transport, move, and store. Lays fast and flat when unrolled and allows moisture to escape to cure floors. Ram Board™ is waterproof and prevents oils and other materials from migrating and staining your concrete floor. Ram Board Vapor Cure™ Breathable Tape can be used to bond ramboard sheets and does not create cure lines.

SurfacePro™ is a thick, breathable floor protection product that has a non-slip backing. It comes in large rolls and is easily cut to size. SurfacePro™ is reusable and provides 40 mils of protection for decorative concrete floors. The breathable product prevents cure lines in newly installed concrete and will not void the flooring manufacturer’s warranty. Unlike paper Ramboard, Surface Pro is reusable and lasts longer.

SurfaceLiner Vapor™ is a new product that is similar to SurfacePro™, but also has a slightly tacky backing that almost acts like an adhesive. It adheres smoothly to floors without leaving any type of residue. SurfaceLiner Vapor™ is breathable and vapor transmitting for new concrete floors. It is also waterproof and tear resistant. SurfaceLiner Vapor™ has cushioned protection that is very effective against impact damage.

McTech Group’s EZcover is a natural cellulose fiber composite that immediately begins to absorb a spill without degrading. It has a dense top layer and a soft cushion on the bottom and is designed to withstand impacts. EZcover breathes well, is relatively easy to cut/shape around objects, and comes in large rolls for easy placement over large areas. If kept in good condition, EZcover is reusable. It is durable against construction traffic and road traffic and the edges can be taped if required.

While contractors can use basic products like plastic sheeting, Masonite, and carpeting to protect decorative concrete floors, the most effective types of protection are specialized floor protection products. Products like Ram Board™, Surface Pro™, SurfaceLiner Vapor™ and EZcover are specifically designed to provide the best protection at a competitive price. Remember; Protection is an investment and avoids the high replacement or repair costs that can occur if expensive flooring is not protected. Contact your local surface protection provider for more information on how to best protect your valuable concrete floors.