10 | SCHOOL PLANT MANAGER MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2026 procedures are labor-intensive, disruptive, and costly—especially in schools that must work around class schedules and student occupancy. Protected stone floors generally require less aggressive maintenance. By reducing the frequency of stripping and restoration, schools can lower labor hours, reduce chemical use, and minimize downtime in high-traffic areas. In many cases, minor surface damage can be addressed through light maintenance rather than full refinishing, further reducing long-term expenses and extending maintenance cycles. Maintaining a Clean, Professional Learning Environment Floor appearance plays a larger role in perception than many facilities teams realize. Dull, stained, or heavily worn floors can make an otherwise clean school feel neglected. Conversely, well- maintained stone floors with a higher gloss and Distinctiveness of Image (DOI) contribute to a sense of order, professionalism, and pride in the learning environment. Clean, polished floors help create welcoming schools that reflect positively on administrators, staff, and the district. For parents, students, and visitors, well-maintained facilities signal that cleanliness and care are priorities. A positive environment can influence school culture and support student engagement by reinforcing a sense of structure and respect for shared spaces. Supporting Sustainability and Day-to-Day Operations Less frequent restorative maintenance means fewer disruptions to daily school operations and greater access to hallways and common areas throughout the day. Protective stone floor systems, such as 3M™ Stone Floor Protector, help reduce reliance on frequent stripping and recoating while minimizing waste. By investing in preventive floor protection, schools can balance durability and environmental responsibility while simplifying ongoing maintenance. Protecting People, Budgets, and Facilities Protecting stone floors in schools goes far beyond preserving appearance. It plays a direct role in helping to reduce slips, trips and falls, improving cleanliness, reducing maintenance costs, and extending the life of valuable facility assets. Given the documented risks and costs associated with slips and falls, proactive floor management is a practical and responsible facility management strategy. With proper sealing and ongoing care, schools can maintain cleaner and more resilient stone floors—supporting students, staff, and communities for years to come. For more information on the 3M™ Stone Floor Protector and to request a floor care demonstration, please contact Kyle Kovar, 3M Account Manager, at kkovar@mmm.com or 402-598-8527. Additionally: » https://www.science.org/content/article/don-t- want-slip-here-s-best-stone-floor-walk » https://nfsi.org/ » https://www.walkwaymg.com/ansi-a326-3- complete-guide-slip-resistance-standards/ » https://tcnatile.com/resource-center/dynamic- coefficient-of-friction/ » https://www.microfiberwholesale.com/blogs/ blog/porous-vs-nonporous-surface-cleaning » https://www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/ » https://kimpaper.com/blog/essential-school- floor-care-guide-best-practices-year-round- maintenance/ » https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2003/maintenance/ chapter5.asp References: » ·National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention Resources. » ·American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI A326.3 – Dynamic Coefficient of Friction. » ·Tile Council of North America (TCNA). DCOF Standards and Guidance. » ·Natural Stone Institute. Stone Maintenance and Care Resources. » ·National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Maintaining School Facilities and Grounds. Protecting Your Stone Floors, continued
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