SmartCells Cushioned Flooring Frequently Asked Questions
The SmartCells technology is sought / applied by leading companies who are interested in best practices for standing worker safety and productivity (e.g. Boeing, Disney, Costco, John Deere, Pratt & Whitney, Weyerhaeuser, Delta Airlines, and many others.) The SmartCells technology is available as individual mats, runners and customized flooring platforms. For more information please visit http://www.smartcellsmat.com .
In addition to being an ergonomic solution that is generationally different from other surfaces, the shock attenuating characteristics of SmartCells provide significant protection for individuals who are at risk of injury from falls as well as reduce care-giver liability.
SmartCells have clearly filled the void created by the need for cushioned flooring. It can stand alone or be used in concert with many commercially available floor surfaces, which offer a degree of elasticity to provide a safety floor solution with the prefect blend of practicality and aesthetics.
What are the critical characteristics of SmartCells cushioned floors? |
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Cushioning Mechanism |
SmartCells provide a stable surface supported by unstable cells that ‘soften’ as needed in response to surface activity.
Foam cushions get ‘harder’ as they are compressed.
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Shock attenuation |
The Critical Fall height for a carpet covered 1” thick SmartCells surface is 3.7 ft, according to ASTM F-1292 standards. In other words, there is a very good chance that a person who falls on their head from 3.7 ft high onto a SmartCells cushioned floor will not suffer a concussion. |
Responsiveness |
SmartCells respond instantly as weight is shifted.
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Balance between Shock Attenuation and Resilience |
SmartCells not only provide cushioning from falls but also are designed to “return energy” as workers or residents move across the surface. |
Balance between stability and instability |
The optimal balance of instability and stability provides a stable surface supported by unstable cells that ‘soften’ as needed in response to surface activity. |
No Bottoming-out
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A surface that is too soft and easily bottoms out begins to act like a surface that is too hard because the cushioning material becomes fully compressed.
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How is the flooring installed? |
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3’ x 3’ pads are usually loose-laid and installed just like regular floor tiles (but without the need to glue the pads to the sub-floor). The pads are often custom fit/cut to the space and are edge-bonded to one another to create a continuous surface, or can be left “loose” to provide for easy removal or reconfiguration. If there are no borders (walls, cabinetry, etc.) the pads are held together by connectors or can be abutted with a connecting ramp-transition system that is adhered to the floor with double-sided tape. |
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What kinds o transitions are used?f |
The typical transition is 3.5” wide and firmly attaches via a specialized male/female relationship.
ADA compliant (12” wide) transitions are also available. |
How are spills cleaned? |
SmartCells are made of SBR rubber and are not porous, so spills are easily cleaned using standard clean-up procedures, and will not penetrate through the pad. |
What about the use of chemicals? |
Upon request, SATECH can provide information about the type of chemicals that are compatible/incompatible with the rubber surface. Various formulations are also available (e.g. grease resistant rubber, etc.) |
How are the seams sealed to keep fluids from leaking through? |
Although the seams between the 3’ x 3’ pads are often glued, the glue process does not always guarantee a sealed surface. However, caulking can be applied at the pad corners to increase the probability of a sealed surface. 100% protection from fluid penetration is achieved with the application of selected lose-lay vinyl products and commercial sheet vinyl or rubber products over the SmartCells surface, and then heat welding the seams. This has the additional benefit of providing the choice of an array of materials, colors, patterns and textures. |
SATECH-recommended releasable liquid adhesive as well as a double-sided adhesive sheet system can be used as required for carpet, vinyl or rubber coverings. What colors and surface finishes are available? |
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The SmartCells pads are available in several colors. Each of these colors can be additionally treated to provide different looks or function:
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What kinds of commercial floor coverings can be used over SmartCells pads? |
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Unitary backed carpet with a self –adhesive layer are the simplest to install and come in a variety of colors and styles. Carpet squares can also be easily installed with appropriate SATECH recommended adhesives.
Residential loose lay sheet vinyl systems can also be applied as well as commercial grade rubber or vinyl sheet systems that provide for heat-weldable seams. |
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How are the seams leveled for Sheet vinyl surfaces? |
The SmartCells pads have a tapered edge on the surface that is filled with a rapid set silicone caulk and smoothed out with a standard putty blade to prevent ‘telescoping’ of the SmartCells pad edges through the sheet vinyl surface. This treatment may not be required for heavier carpet or vinyl coverings. |
Can SmartCells cushioned floors be self-installed? |
Yes, by following basic SATECH-supplied instructions and using simple hand tools like a straight-edge, tape measure, and a sharp utility knife. |
What is the best way to install and seal the areas between fixtures (like toilets) and SmartCells? |
Area under toilets and other fixtures should be built up to accommodate the approximate 1” height of the SmartCells pads.
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What about where SmartCells and walls meet? |
Standard base molding or caulking can be used. |
How will spiked heals affect SmartCells cushioned flooring? |
Spiked heals are not recommended. |
How well do loads roll on SmartCells cushioned flooring? |
Although SmartCells provides a “stable” surface, especially heavy rolling loads may cause the cells to buckle and resist roller movement (most rolling chairs work fine). Additional flooring surfaces may create additional stiffness for rolling loads. However, heavy rolling or concentrated static loads (e.g. refrigerators, appliances) should be mitigated with rigid plastic sheets (like a chair protector sheet in an office setting). |
What length of warranty come with SmartCells cushioned flooring? |
The SmartCells rubber pads are warranted for eight years. It is expected that SmartCells cushioning pads will last through many life-cycles of the residential or commercial coverings applied over it. |
