PBS 140 Child Care Center Design Guide - The Whole Building ...

9.3.2 Floor Finishes:
� Carpet: Most appropriate in quiet areas and crawling spaces. Carpets
can retain dust and other allergens to which many children are particularly
susceptible. If carpets are installed, cleaning equipment must be
certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (C.R.I.). The selection criteria
for carpet should include a high-quality yarn system with inherent stain
resistance, a minimum face yarn density of 5000, low-level loop or cut
pile construction (maximum pile height, 6 mm), a minimum of 10 stitches
per 25 mm, anti-microbial feature, and 1800 mm minimum wide goods
with non-PVC backing system. The recommended backing system
should be permanently bonded, with a permanent moisture barrier, installed
with factory pre-applied adhesive, and seams sealed on-site.
The designer also should consider using a carpet pattern which does
not accentuate wear. Carpets, including area carpets or rugs, carpet
cushions, and adhesives must all bear a Green Label from the Carpet
and Rug Institute indicating that VOC emissions are within the acceptable
range. Mats that do not fall into the above categories should be
made from natural, rapidly renewable, plant materials such as coir or
jute. Adhesives are to be the least toxic, effective products.
� The carpet must be recyclable to reduce contribution to the nation’s
waste stream, as per Executive Order.
� Flooring for wet areas, general: Provide slip resistant materials in wet
areas, children’s toilets, and kitchens. Evaluate materials based upon
their life-cycle cost, including durability, ease of cleaning, health and
environmental impacts as primary considerations.
� Sheet vinyl: Sheet vinyl is not a recommended finish, as it contains chlorine.
Though it is currently installed in many centers it should not be
used in new or renovation projects. Where there is no alternative, for
patching exsisting work, plastic flooring which does not contain chlorine
may be used. See Section 9.1 for environmental concerns about vinyl,
as well as a note above on “sheet vinyl.”
� Resilient vinyl tile: While this material is economical as a first cost, it
requires higher maintenance than sheet vinyl and linoleum. Both are
highly maintenance intense. It cannot form a moisture barrier because
it has many joints. See Section 9.1 for environmental concerns about
vinyl as well as a note above on “sheet vinyl.”
PBS-140 - July 2003
CHAPTER 9: INTERIOR FINISHES
� Linoleum: Traditional linoleum is durable and is made entirely of natural,
mostly rapidly renewable materials. Linoleum does not have the
plasticizer off-gassing problems associated with vinyl, although the initial
odor caused by the oxidation of its linseed oil component (a transfatty
acid) may cause irritation problems for the most chemically sensitive
persons. It is available in tile or sheet form. Sheet material can be
heat-welded at the seams and covered at the edges, similarly to vinyl
sheet material. It is preferred to vinyl products and should be used
instead of vinyl (unless there is an over riding reason for not selecting
linoleum or other appropriate natural, more easily maintained material).
� Rubber: Rubber is natural material, very durable and is a second preference
after linoleum.
� Sealed concrete: Economical and appropriate for hard surface areas.
With an appropriate admixture, stain and finish, it can overcome the
connotation of “unfriendly” or “industrial,” which is often associated with
raw concrete. It should be used in conjunction with carpet.
� Rugs: Rugs provide comfort and are economical. Tripping/slipping
hazardscreated by rugs must be addressed through use of proper
underlayment pads designed for rugs or by the use of effective edge
binding and transitions. Non-slip surfacing on the reverse side of “throw”
rugs is essential.
� Ceramic tile: Ceramic tile provides a durable, hard surface flooring and
is traditionally used in restrooms. Larger-sized tiles minimize grout joints,
which must be sealed upon initial installation in order to maintain a hygienic
surface. Ceramic tile may include some amount of pre- and/or
post-consumer recycled content, depending on the product. Tile used
must be slip resistant.
9.4 Ceilings
Because it is economical, the majority of children’s areas will have acoustical
ceiling tile, 20 mm to 25 mm thick, with effective acoustical ceiling treatment.
Where fluorescent fixtures which are integral with the ceiling must be used
because the ceiling is too low for suspended fixtures, 600 mm x 600 mm
baffled fixtures will render a less institutional appearance and offer greater
flexibility. Where feasible, baffled fixtures should be used. However, the
designer should consider the benefits of incorporating other materials which
will render a more home-like environment, such as wall board bulkheads
and soffits where practical, as well as a variety of lighting type.
9-3