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From time to time I get customers that complain that mats cause the
floors beneath them to discolor. This complaint has applied both to
carpet and hard surface floors such as vinyl or tile. The discoloration
is usually a yellow or brown color. The most likely cause for this is
moisture. There are several potential ways that moisture can cause discoloration.
- Moisture from the ground comes up through the floor until it reaches
the floor surface. This moisture normally evaporates and goes unnoticed.
Placement of a mat on the floor prevents the evaporation, therefore
trapping the moisture, thus causing the discoloration. This seems to
be most common at entrances where cold or warm air enters buildings
when the door is opened causing condensation (sweating).
- Placement of mats on freshly cleaned and still damp carpet. This
prevents carpet from fully drying, thereby causing discoloration.
- Moisture from the back of mats. If not properly dried, the back of
mats can be damp, thereby providing moisture to cause discoloration.
- There can be a reaction between chemicals in the rubber backing and
the floors or floor finishes used on hard surface floors.
- Lack of exposure to sunlight. It is common to see floors change color
when they are covered by counters, file cabinets, etc. This is caused
by both lack of exposure to sunlight and restricted airflow.
In most instances where mats are placed and floor discoloration results,
the customer is faced with a difficult decision. Use no mat and the floor
doesn't discolor even though the floor will get damaged by tracked in soils,
moisture and dirt.. Or use a mat and protect the floor with resulting discoloration
in the area underneath the mat. Of the two, most customers select the latter.
Corrective actions:
Discoloration can usually be removed by stripping and rewaxing. In the case
of carpet, professional carpet cleaning is usually required. |
Mats Catalog
Cleaning Guide
