Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been discussion in the healthcare design industry and beyond about how surfaces might retain or transmit the virus, as well as how to best disinfect surfaces for spread prevention. With a growing body of knowledge on this topic, we now know that the potential of surface transmission is nominal. Nonetheless, designers continue to address the need for healthy surfaces and proper cleaning and maintenance in doctors’ offices, hospitals, medical units, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and more. They’re strategically thinking through their selection of materials for floors and walls to ensure generally cleaner, safer physical environments.
Specifiers for healthcare interiors must understand how surfaces not only limit toxic emissions but also withstand disinfectants. Of late, we are frequently fielding questions about the ability to use harsher cleaners on porcelain tile. Short of hydrochloric acid, most Certified Porcelain can withstand harsh chemicals without a shortening of the material’s lifecycle. Our porcelain tile collections are not easily harmed by chemicals and can be cleaned and disinfected with a bleach solution or any CDC-approved disinfectant. In contrast, other flooring materials may not be able to offer the same performance claim. For example, we have learned that plasticized products commonly used in hospitals become pitted when sanitizer from wall-mounted dispensers drip onto the floor below. Obviously, this would not occur with porcelain tile flooring.
As has always been the case, porcelain tile from Crossville offers the durability and powerful performance on floors and walls in demanding healthcare environments. Our porcelain floor tiles can sustain high traffic and constant impact from wheelchairs, dollies, and crutches. On vertical surfaces, our porcelain tile panel collections are excellent for protecting elevator bank walls from banging gurneys. Additionally, our porcelain countertops offer extremely low maintenance and simple to clean, making them ideal for reception desks, welcome areas, and more.
In an effort to promote collaboration and learning specially for the healthcare market, Crossville proudly partners with Longust Distributing in hosting the annual Downtown Healthcare Symposium in Los Angeles. Although we won’t be gathering this year, check out this short video that showcases how healthcare design professional receive value from being part of this industry-specific event. We are committed fostering ongoing, relevant discussions and providing innovative solutions for healthcare design.
