It arrives in November under the first customer's boot and doesn't leave until April. Road salt keeps us upright on Montreal's sidewalks, but once it crosses your threshold, it becomes the most patient enemy your floors will ever have.
To protect a commercial floor from salt, stop it at the door and remove it quickly. Large entrance mats, more frequent mopping and a product suited to the floor do most of the work. The longer salt stays on the floor, the more likely it is to dull the finish.
1A slow, quiet kind of wear
The damage never happens all at once. Grit scratches the surface with every step, then melted snow dries into that familiar whitish film. Season after season the finish loses its shine, first near the doors and then along the corridors.
2The battle is won at the entrance
- Place one mat outside and another inside
- Allow enough length for several steps
- Shake or vacuum the mats often
- Give staff somewhere to leave their boots
- Wipe up melted snow right away, since it also makes floors slippery
3Washing without spreading
Water alone often moves the residue around without removing it. It's better to use a product designed for salt and compatible with the floor, then rinse if the label calls for it. Acidic products call for caution, because some materials such as natural stone react badly to them. The floor's manufacturer remains the best reference.
4Letting the weather set the pace
No single frequency suits every building. It all depends on foot traffic and the whims of winter. During snowy weeks, entrances and corridors often need more attention than the rest of the premises. A temporary schedule change generally costs less than a finish worn out before its time.
5Taking stock in spring
The end of salt season is the ideal moment to take a fresh look at your floors. If the finish stays dull despite mopping, stripping followed by polishing can bring back its shine.
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