Designed to cut maintenance costs

Choosing a new industrial flooring system can be a daunting task for today’s premises and facility’s managers.  Balancing the need for a high performance, robust solution without compromising the design aesthetic is a tough enough task; combined with managing hard-working budgets, the need to reduce direct costs and minimise costly downtime – as well as complying with constantly evolving health and safety regulations – property teams within industrial and commercial organisations have an increasingly difficult challenge.

The ongoing cost and downtime associated with the routine maintenance of flooring is frequently cited as the main reason for switching into a new solution.

James Gedye, managing director of Ecotile, comments; "At Ecotile we recognised that many of our industrial and commercial customers were suffering with very serious legacy issues associated with their choice of flooring – and were not yet taking advantage of the latest advances in flooring technology.  Furthermore, we frequently help new customers who may have only very recently installed a new flooring option, only to find that it does not comply with their insurance requirements or health and safety policies.   

"At Ecotile we continually invest in international testing, certification and approval processes. In parallel, we frequently work with customers to resolve historic issues that they have experienced with an inappropriate flooring system.  We are often parachuted into projects to dramatically improve the working environment – both underfoot and in terms of acoustics – or to provide important safety features within the floor itself, such as hazard signage and the demarcation of production spaces.

 "High quality, accredited flooring products and technical support are vital components of any operational plan and associated infrastructure; unfortunately, important issues such as fire- or slip-rating certifications are often overlooked until something goes wrong.  Failure to employ due diligence and good practice when selecting appropriate flooring can result in costly replacements, lengthy delays and insurance claims being refused.”

Ecotile interlocking floor tiles can be installed quickly and efficiently – without the need for downtime – due to their special design features. The clean, loose lay of Ecotiles means that the installation process is simple and that no special preparation is required in most cases. The floor can be fitted without the need for a damp proof membrane, screed of adhesive – reducing VOC emissions, installation time and cost. The tiles can even be fitted over concrete before it has cured – and the floor is ready to use immediately.

Furthermore, Ecotile’s hidden joint system – with push fit seam and bevelled edge - offers optimal protection against water ingress, providing protection to the surface underneath.

Ecotile designs and produces its range at its UK production facility. All products are injection moulded using a compound that is said to demonstrate excellent wear characteristics, chemical resistance and stable electrical properties. Easy to clean, durable and hard-wearing, the tiles are low maintenance and quickly eliminate routine maintenance issues.

Gedye continues: "We often receive feedback from our customers that confirms just how easy it is to maintain an Ecotile floor.  Virtually all direct and indirect costs usually incurred through routine maintenance programmes are eliminated and longer term maintenance really couldn’t be easier; if you do need to replace a single tile, it can be lifted and swapped out in minutes.” 

Available in a range of colours, zoned flooring can be created to identify functional areas. Furthermore, the tiles can be produced in own-brand livery, including logo tiles for added impact.

Ecotile is said to be the only interlocking flooring tile manufacturer to hold the full complement of quality accreditations and certifications including ISO9001 / 14001, CE Mark, BFI S1 Fire Rating and the R10 anti-slip rating. All of its tiles are REACH-compliant and come with a 10 year warranty as standard.

When the tiles reach the end of their working life, they are fully recyclable. All pre- and post-installation material is recycled and Ecotile also offers a free-of-charge collection and recycling service.