Accessibility in Flooring Accessories, what does it mean? Over the years, the topic of inclusivity and accessibility has become the forefront of a lot of conversations, especially within the commercial buildings space. We recognise that our products play a crucial role in ensuring that commercial spaces are accessible to people of all abilities.
Inclusivity ensures that a space is designed to accommodate individuals of all abilities, and needs, without discrimination. Accessibility in flooring focuses on removing barriers that might prevent people with disabilities from fully utilising and enjoying the space.
According to SeeWriteHear.com, in architectural design Accessibility is to “Consider the “accessible entrance” to buildings. Railings, ramps, self-operating doors, lifts/elevators, signs, lighting, even the width and height of steps of a staircase all represent accessible design elements.” However, that isn’t just limited to the entrance, that includes all areas throughout your building.
In this article, we will delve into how our products can help Architects and Designers create accessibility in flooring in all their projects.
Stair Nosings:
Light Reflective Value (LRV)
The definition of Light Reflective Value (LRV) is the percentage of light something reflects, this can be affected by the colour and texture of an item.
LRV is a huge factor for people are partially sighted, as it affects the contrast between the end of one step and the start of another. And with Over 1 million injuries occurring each year because of falls on a staircase, adhering to guidance/regulations is imperative.
Stair Nosings can help lower the risk of falls by creating more of a contrast between each step and even adding grip to the edge of the step based on the infill chosen.
If you want to learn more about Light Reflective Value and the LRV scores for CAT products, read our full blog here.
Slip Resistance Values
Slip Resistance Values or SRV measures how much grip is provided on a surface, especially when it is wet or icy. People with mobility issues often need a flooring profile that can offer traction to them when they are going up and down stairs.
Our stair nosings come with a range of infills, which offer different levels of SRV, with Olympic Carborundum and Castellated Infills offering the most amount of resistance and grip.
Learn more about slip resistance values and choosing the right stair nosing infill here.
Flooring Trims:
Transitions
For people who are fully abled, going between different floor coverings often doesn’t cause any problems, however for people with mobility issues or who are in a wheelchair, going from a hard flooring to carpet, can often be tricky.
Flooring trims (often known as door bars or thresholds) create a smooth transition between the different flooring profile.
Commonly, older buildings have flooring profiles of varying heights, which for a wheelchair user can cause unnecessary stress and extra work. But utilising ramp profiles means there is less of a “step up” and less of a chance for them to get caught on the edge of your flooring.
Durability
Flooring Profiles that are durable and do not require frequent replacements or repairs are advantageous because it minimises disruptions and inconveniences in the living or working space, which can be especially challenging for those who rely on a consistent and accessible environment.
Inclusivity and accessibility should be at the core of every design project. We are committed to contributing to the creation of spaces that are welcoming and functional for everyone. By choosing our products, architects and interior designers can take a significant step toward a more inclusive future.
As a flooring accessories manufacturer, we understand that architects and interior designers play a pivotal role in shaping the environments we live and work in. We actively collaborate with professionals in these fields to ensure that our products align with their vision for inclusive and accessible spaces. Our team are always ready to provide guidance and expertise to integrate our flooring solutions seamlessly into their designs.
In the ever-evolving field of design, we believe that the fusion of aesthetics, functionality, and inclusivity can lead to truly remarkable spaces that benefit all.