The Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association does not recommend the use of automated power scrubbing equipment for general, daily, or weekly maintenance because the use of power scrubbing equipment may void warranties administered by your MFMA maple flooring system manufacturer and/or sport floor contractor. The total weight of a riding power scrubber may have detrimental effects on your maple floor system.
Concerns: Riding power scrubbers can weigh in excess of 1,200 lbs. when all of the weight factors are accounted for. Those factors include:
- Weight of the riding power scrubber
- Weight of a fully loaded reservoir
- Weight of the operator
Riding power scrubbers can weigh in excess of 750 lbs. One gallon of water weighs 8.35 lbs. If the riding power scrubber has a 30-gallon reservoir, that can add 250 lbs. to the equipment. Figure in an average 200 lb. operator and you have reached that 1,200 lb. weight.
MFMA maple floor systems function extremely well under normal loads, however on occasion significant loads can have detrimental effects. Excessive loading like those resulting from the use of riding power scrubbers can lead to surface degradation and/or weaken structural components leading to system failure.
Solution: Stop using a power scrubber of any kind on your maple floor. Power scrubber use can damage the maple floor boards, the paint and the gymnasium finish.
Steps for Proper Daily Maintenance:
- Sweep the floor daily with a properly treated dust mop. If the floor is used heavily, sweep it up to three times per day.
- Wipe up spills and any moisture on the floor surface.
- Remove shoe marks using an approved floor cleaner applied with a soft cloth or a dust mop. Contact your floor finish manufacturer for approved cleaning products.
Before incorporating general maintenance procedures for your gym floor, the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association strongly recommends reviewing your warranty and maintenance information provided to you by your MFMA sport floor contractor and/or MFMA maple manufacturer.
See also: Power Scrubbers, Daily Floor Care, Cupping, Crowning, Compression Ridging & Compression Set
If you have additional questions, please contact MFMA's Technical Director at 888-480-9138.