Thanks Dan for sharing this information. I have long been looking for supportive information to build a greater case for using a floor finish that not only has no VOCs, but also does not require buffing, burnishing and stripping that can either create fine dust or introduce high-odor, volatile chemicals.

An additional argument for colleges, universities and schools is that not only are the students affected, but the teachers and custodial/maintenance employees are as well. While students may not typically be present when floor maintenance activities are taking places, the workers performing those tasks are definitely affected and the lingering affects remain once the students are in the buildings.

Ultra durable urethane is an excellent floor finish to help eliminate some of these indoor environment issues. Our specific formula is free of VOCs and is much easier to apply than previous products on the market.

People have unfortunately developed a bad taste for urethane finish over the past ten years. Those who were quick to try products that may not have been fully ready for the market and failed, were also quick to give up and discredit the product. Many of our customers who persevered through the initial learning curve of the old formulas are greatly reaping the benefits now. Those who have been exposed to our latest formula have expressed even greater benefits of less cost and much shorter learning curve.

One hospital in Missouri that I work with has put 25 burnishing machines to rest. They used to have one or two machines per floor replaced every three to five years, but they now only need a few machines for the entire hospital since they still maintain their corridors with conventional finish, but in the patient rooms and closed off areas they have enjoyed almost two years of virtually no maintenance and a more consistent appearance throughout that time.

They reduced their total downtime of each patient room from 24-plus hours annually to less than 14 hours every two years. A 40 percent reduction in the first year, and a 70 percent reduction over two years. And the majority of that downtime is now only once instead of multiple times per year, so they no longer need to clear out rooms and move furniture several times. Their total labor hours went from 16 per year, per room down to about 4 or less.

While they have many floors that will last well beyond two years, they are nearing the end of the typical lifcycle in several areas, and they are preparing for recoating the floors. Because they do not have to strip floors, their labor efficiency will increase greatly and they will not be introducing any high-odor chemicals. A simple wet screening with water and some neutral cleaner is all that is necessary. No more hazardous materials being dumped down the drain and much less water waste.

All in all, its a definite win-win situation to use urethane finish where it makes the most sense. Not all floors will make sense, but where it does, it will make up for the cost of maintaining the other floors and areas of the facility.