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IP Insight: Create a Healthier Facility

Posted by [email protected] on Apr. 29, 2020  /  Subscribe 0

Insight from an Industry Partner

by Chad Hanson

Anti-microbial Additives

Much has changed since the spread of COVID-19. Businesses, government and industries have been affected in many ways and facilities are looking for methods to maintain a healthy environment. Property managers are exploring all aspects of their operations to maintain clean buildings. All are doing so for the benefit of their tenants, employees and customers.

One way to help sustain a strong environment is an anti-microbial additive which will protect the floor or wall system from microbial attack. Utilizing systems with an antimicrobial additive can help reduce odor associated with the presence of microbes. Although independent testing of products may show a statistically significant reduction of organism growth when using and anti-microbial additive, it is ultimately the cleaning procedures, facilitated by proper interior design, that preserve a healthy building.

Cleaning Techniques and Anti-Microbial Additives

There are numerous products on the market which contain anti-microbial additives, yet, these products by themselves cannot guarantee a healthier facility. No surface finish product can present a health-related benefit without the proper cleaning procedures.

A facility that is easy to clean and maintain will help address issues related to the control of bacteria, mold and other microbial growth. Depending upon the specific use of the facility various measures can be taken to support maintenance and keep the facility clean.

Design Considerations

Designers and facility planners need to understand what it will take to sanitize, disinfect and decontaminate varies finishes, fixtures and furniture. A healthy building must address air-, water-, and fluid-borne sources of contamination, as well as those which are spread through physical contact.

Designing for sustainability is an important consideration for both interior building health as well as the health of the environment. In conditions requiring frequent and aggressive cleaning procedures, the life cycle of some products can be significantly reduced. Specifying more durable and long-lasting finishes reduces the frequency of replacement and interruption of facility services.

Seamless, non-porous flooring and integral wall systems are easily cleaned and minimize areas where mold, bacteria and other infectious agents might grow. This is especially true in wet environments but can also improve the overall indoor air quality in dry conditions with a proper cleaning program.

Recommend Areas for the Use of Floor Systems Containing Anti-Microbial Additives

Chad Hanson is President and General Manager of SwedeBro which he founded with his father in 1999.  Chad has participated in every aspect of the business from installing to estimating and project management.  He has been trained by various manufacturers on various concrete floor coatings systems. He also has trained other contractors around the country on how to apply and install concrete coatings.  He has presented numerous seminars on Protecting and Maintaining Concrete Floors.

The “Insight from an IREM Industry Partner” blog series is a series of short articles from IREM Minnesota Industry Partners sharing their expert insight on issues of interest to property managers. All IREM Minnesota Industry Partners are invited to participate. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

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