8 | SCHOOL PLANT MANAGER MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2026 Stone Floors in Schools Stone flooring is a common choice in educational facilities because of its durability, longevity, and polished appearance. Schools frequently install stone surfaces—such as concrete, marble, or terrazzo—in high-traffic areas including hallways, cafeterias, entryways, stairwells, and common spaces. While stone is a strong material, it is also porous by nature and susceptible to damage if not properly protected. For schools focused on facility hygiene, operational efficiency, and long-term cost control, protecting stone floors is a critical part of facility management. Slip Resistance One of the most important reasons to protect stone floors in schools is to provide slip resistance. Unprotected or worn stone surfaces can become slippery, Why Is It Important to Protect Your Stone Floors in Schools? By Katie Windschitl & Kyle Kovar, 3M Commercial Solutions particularly when exposed to moisture from spills, wet weather, or routine cleaning. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slips and falls account for over 50% of reported accidents in educational facilities, making them one of the most common causes of injury on school campuses. These incidents can result in lost instructional time, staff absences, and costly liability claims—often ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per incident. Protective treatments for stone floors, such as 3M™ Stone Floor Protector, help seal porous surfaces while enhancing surface traction with NFSI-certified slip- resistant performance. Durability in High-Traffic Environments Schools place extreme demands on flooring. Day after day, stone floors must withstand constant foot traffic, rolling carts, desks being moved, cleaning equipment, and exposure to food spills and cleaning chemicals. Although stone is durable, it remains vulnerable to surface wear such as scratches, scuffs, etching, stains, and black heel marks—especially in areas that are not properly sealed. Protective sealing helps harden the surface of stone floors, creating a barrier that resists abrasion and chemical damage. This added layer of protection slows visible wear and helps floors maintain their structural integrity and appearance over time. For school districts managing multiple buildings, increasing floor durability can significantly extend the service life of stone surfaces and reduce the need for frequent restoration or replacement. Effective Cleaning and Improved Aesthetics Clean floors are essential to maintain aesthetic school environments. Unsealed stone floors can absorb liquids from spills, tracked-in dirt, cleaning solutions, or bodily fluids, allowing contaminants to settle into the surface. Once absorbed, these substances can contribute to odors, discoloration, and the growth of bacteria or mold—particularly in cafeterias, restrooms, and locker room areas. Sealing and protecting stone floors creates a non-porous surface that prevents liquids and soils from penetrating the stone. This makes routine cleaning more effective and consistent, helping custodial teams remove dirt and contaminants rather than spreading them deeper into the floor. Reduced Long-Term Maintenance Costs At first glance, protective floor treatments may appear to be an added expense. However, over time, they often result in significant cost savings. Unprotected stone floors typically require frequent deep cleaning, stripping, refinishing, and repairs to address staining and surface damage. These 200+ PUBLIC SCHOOL PROJECTS ACROSS MISSOURI Cory Bextermueller 314-601-1805 cory@navigatebuildingsolutions.com CONTACT US: Needs Assessments Pre-Construction Services Pre-Referendum Services Construction Services NAVIGATE Advisors will Plan. Navigate. Deliver. Your next construction project.
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