KnowHow

Processes For Growing Restoration Companies

Hard surface floor protection is essential to prevent scratching, contamination, or moisture transfer to materials that are not being removed. It demonstrates professionalism, supports drying goals, and preserves high-value flooring materials.
This guide walks new technicians through how to properly install, secure, and monitor hard surface floor protection as part of the mitigation process.

Install Floor Protection on Hard Surfaces During Water Mitigation

Floor protection should be installed:
<ul>
<li data-start="1137" data-end="1221">Before placing air movers, dehumidifiers, or demolition debris on finished flooring.</li>
<li data-start="1224" data-end="1282">In high-traffic walkways leading through unaffected areas.</li>
<li data-start="1285" data-end="1352">When contents or tools will be temporarily staged on hard flooring.</li>
<li data-start="1355" data-end="1446">Over restorable flooring (tile, hardwood, LVP, etc.) that was wet but is not being removed.</li>
</ul>

When to Use Floor Protection

Typical floor protection materials include:
<ul>
<li data-start="1583" data-end="1634">Ram Board or Surface Shield (heavy-duty paperboard)</li>
<li data-start="1637" data-end="1659">6 mil plastic sheeting</li>
<li data-start="1662" data-end="1706">Corrugated plastic (for higher-impact areas)</li>
<li data-start="1709" data-end="1726">Foam underlayment</li>
<li data-start="1729" data-end="1808">Low-tack blue painter&rsquo;s tape or tape specifically rated for finished flooring</li>
</ul>
Important: Never use duct tape or standard masking tape on finished floors&mdash;it can cause permanent damage.
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Gather Floor Protection Materials

It is very important to walk the entire area at initial inspection to look for damage that was there upon your arrival
<ul>
<li>Take photos of pre-existing damage -&nbsp;Document these photos in the Job File</li>
</ul>
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Take photos of any preexisting damage

Clear the area of furniture or personal items in the area you are covering
<ul>
<li>Remove any floor rugs</li>
<li>Move any furniture in the way of the path</li>
</ul>
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Move furniture out of the area

<ul>
<li data-start="1980" data-end="2021">Sweep or vacuum to remove debris or dust.</li>
<li data-start="2024" data-end="2073">Wipe or dry any residual moisture on the surface.</li>
<li data-start="2076" data-end="2147">Ensure the area is fully prepped before laying any protection material.</li>
</ul>

Clean the Floor Before Installation

<ul>
<li data-start="2198" data-end="2270">Unroll your protection product to fit the layout of the room or walkway.</li>
<li data-start="2273" data-end="2316">Cut clean, straight lines to fit the space.</li>
<li data-start="2319" data-end="2388">Be sure edges meet tightly and overlap seams by 2&ndash;3 inches if needed.</li>
</ul>

Cut and Roll Out Material

Before installation, determine whether you need to:
<ul>
<li data-start="534" data-end="565">Cover the entire room, or</li>
<li data-start="568" data-end="615">Create a runner in a specific path or zone.</li>
</ul>
Full-Room Protection:
Use this when:
<ul>
<li data-start="660" data-end="721">The entire floor surface is restorable and must be protected.</li>
<li data-start="724" data-end="775">The area will see heavy traffic or equipment usage.</li>
<li data-start="778" data-end="850">There&rsquo;s a risk of secondary contamination from demo, contents, or tools.</li>
</ul>
How to install:
<ul>
<li data-start="870" data-end="931">Start at one wall and roll out floor protection edge to edge.</li>
<li data-start="934" data-end="998">Cut and tape materials tightly together with a 2&ndash;3 inch overlap.</li>
<li data-start="1001" data-end="1042">Tape perimeter edges to prevent movement.</li>
</ul>

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Pathway (Runner) Protection:
Use this when:
<ul data-start="1092" data-end="1279">
<li data-start="1092" data-end="1142">
Only part of the room is walkable or accessible.
</li>
<li data-start="1143" data-end="1201">
You're protecting a clean path from one area to another.
</li>
<li data-start="1202" data-end="1279">
The work is concentrated in a specific zone, such as a hallway or entrance.
</li>
</ul>
How to install:
<ul data-start="1297" data-end="1531">
<li data-start="1297" data-end="1362">
Lay floor protection in a strip along the desired traffic path.
</li>
<li data-start="1363" data-end="1401">
Secure all edges with low-tack tape.
</li>
<li data-start="1402" data-end="1531">
Ensure the runner is wide enough to cover technician movement, cords, and equipment transport (typically 30&ndash;36 inches minimum).
</li>
</ul>
Note: Avoid overlapping runner edges with cords or hoses, which can cause trip hazards or pull the material loose.

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Choose Full Coverage vs. Pathway Protection

<ul>
<li>Visually inspect during the job to ensure material isn&rsquo;t shifting or damaged.</li>
<li>Re-tape or reposition if needed.</li>
<li>Keep power cords, hoses, and debris off the protection layer where possible.</li>
</ul>

Monitor the Protected Area

<ul>
<li data-start="2910" data-end="2937">Carefully peel up all tape.</li>
<li data-start="2940" data-end="3006">Roll up protection without dragging dirt or grit across the floor.</li>
<li data-start="3009" data-end="3038">Dispose of damaged materials.</li>
<li data-start="3041" data-end="3123">Sweep and inspect the flooring beneath for any signs of damage or moisture issues.</li>
</ul>

Remove and Clean at Job Completion

<ul>
<li data-start="3154" data-end="3227">Always verify that the floor is dry or only lightly damp before covering.</li>
<li data-start="3230" data-end="3291">Leave inspection access if drying is still active underneath.</li>
<li data-start="3294" data-end="3378">Log the use of floor protection on your scope sheet and photo document the coverage.</li>
<li>If unsure whether to cover a flooring material, ask your lead tech or supervisor.</li>
</ul>

Best Practices

<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Protection materials gathered and confirmed appropriate for the surface
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Floor cleaned and free of debris or excess moisture
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Material cut, rolled out, and securely taped in place
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Walkways, restorable flooring, and staging areas protected
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Floor protection monitored throughout project duration
<input disabled="disabled" type="checkbox"> Protection removed cleanly at end of job and flooring inspected