5 things to consider when planning your school hygienic refurbishment

The summer holidays are well underway and whilst pupils are enjoying a well-earned break, our install teams are busy working with schools across the country to deliver hygienic upgrades.

From changing rooms and corridors to kitchens and other high-use areas, we're helping schools make the most of the quieter weeks by upgrading tired, hard-working spaces with hygienic wall cladding and vinyl safety flooring.

If you've been thinking, “We should really get our school refurbished…”, there's one important thing to remember: it's never too early to start planning.

This summer's refurbishment window has practically passed so now is the perfect time to start thinking about the next one.

What makes a school refurbishment worthwhile?

A refurbishment shouldn't just be about making a space look fresh for the new school year.

School environments work hard. They're busy, heavily used and cleaned frequently, so the materials you choose need to be able to cope with everyday demands.

When you're planning your next project, it's worth asking five simple questions.

1. What does the space need to withstand?

Toilet facilities, kitchens, corridors and communal areas all experience different types of wear and tear.

There are knocks, spills, moisture, heavy footfall and frequent cleaning to contend with.

That's why choosing materials that are specifically suited to the environment matters.

Hygienic wall cladding can provide a durable, easy-to-clean alternative to traditional wall finishes. Vinyl safety flooring can offer the durability and slip resistance needed in demanding areas.

The right specification at the start can help prevent problems further down the line.

2. How easy will it be to clean?

Cleaning is a major consideration in any school environment.

The easier a surface is to clean, the simpler it is to keep the space looking good and maintain high standards of hygiene.

Hygienic wall cladding provides a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Welded joints can create a virtually seamless finish that minimises areas where dirt and moisture can collect.

It's worth thinking beyond the day the refurbishment is completed. Ask yourself:How easy will this be to maintain every day for the next 20 years?

3. Are the walls and floors working together?

Walls and floors shouldn't be considered separately.

A new wall finish might transform a tired toilet block, but if the flooring is worn, difficult to clean or unsuitable for the environment, the job isn't really complete.

Choosing complementary wall and floor solutions can help create a space that's easier to maintain from top to bottom.

Depending on the application, this could include hygienic wall cladding, safety flooring, coved flooring and welded joints for a more continuous, easy-to-clean finish.

And don't forget the details. Trims, adhesives and installation techniques all play an important part in the finished result.

4. Will it still deliver value in five years?

The answer is yes and far more than five. 

School budgets are under pressure, so value for money matters.But the cheapest option isn't always the most economical in the long run.

When you're comparing materials, think about more than the initial purchase price. Consider durability, maintenance, cleaning requirements and how long the finished installation is likely to perform effectively. At Hycom, many of the products we supply and install are guaranteed to perform for up to 25 years.

The goal isn't necessarily to spend more. It's to make sure you're investing in a solution that's appropriate for the environment and built to last.

5. Who will install it?

The products you choose are only part of the equation.

With hygienic wall cladding and vinyl flooring, correct preparation and installation are essential. Adhesives, trims, welding, joints and finishing details can all affect the quality and longevity of the finished installation.

Working with an experienced installer means you can get advice on the specification as well as the installation itself – helping you avoid costly mistakes and ensuring the finished space performs as it should.

Alternatively if you’re looking for some tips on product and selection and installation, head over to our video guides: https://www.hycom.co.uk/video-gallery 

Planning for the next school holiday?

If you're looking around your school now and thinking about the areas that need attention, don't wait unti lnext summer to start making enquiries.

By then, installation slots can be limited and there may not be enough time to properly plan, specify and budget for the work you want to undertake.

Starting early gives you time to:

• Identify which areas need refurbishment

• Consider the best wall and flooring solutions

• Get professional advice on specification

• Obtain quotes and agree budgets

• Plan around the school's timetable

• Book installation well in advance

And if you have several areas that need attention, you can plan the work in phases rather than trying to tackle everything at once.

From this summer's projects to next summer's plans

We're currently working with schools throughout the summer holidays, helping them transform busy, hard-working spaces ready for the new academic year.

But if you haven't made it onto this summer's refurbishment list, don't worry. Now is actually a great time to start planning for the next one.

Whether you're looking at a single toilet block, a school kitchen, corridors or a larger refurbishment project, Hycom can help with hygienic wall cladding, safety flooring and ceilings, as well as the expertise to help you choose the right solution and get it installed correctly.

Thinking ahead to your next school refurbishment? Talk to the Hycom team now and give yourself plenty of time to get the job right.