Why Vinyl is Best for Bus Flooring?

Traditionally, bus floors were made of wood which was an expensive option. Then there was metal. Even aluminum sheets were used for flooring in buses. These floorings were more cost effective than wood, but had a down side. Metal is known to attract static electricity and hence carries risks. However, in many places across the world buses still use metal flooring. But, in many places these are being replaced by vinyl flooring. Vinyl is a synthetically developed material. You may know of it as PVC, used in pipes and electric cables.

Bus flooring are subjected to beating and vinyl flooring’s are known to be durable. They last long and are easy on the pocket. Bus manufacturers across the world are using vinyl flooring for being cost effective and durable. But more than that, buses use vinyl flooring as it is resistant to static. These conductive flooring can absorb static electricity and reduce discomfort and harm to passengers and drivers alike. Hence, long distance tourist buses with air conditioning facilities are using these floors. Even school buses and ambulances are seen with vinyl flooring.

Vinyl floor panels used in buses can be easily replaced without having any effect on neighboring panels. Maintenance is easy as well. These floors can be easily washed off with regular floor cleaners, water and a mop. Vinyl can also be manufactured in various textures. Rough textured vinyl surfaces are used in buses to provide the require grip to passengers and to avoid any mishaps while boarding or alighting. This is an important factor especially when it comes to school buses, where safety of kids is the top priority. For its durability, low cost, safety and ease of maintenance, vinyl floorings have become the best option for bus floors today.

Heterogeneous Vs. Homogeneous Vinyl Floorings

In these recent years, vinyl floorings have become quite popular. Vinyl tiles or sheets are being used across the globe in homes, industries, schools and even for sports and bus floorings. So, what makes vinyl flooring so popular?

Cost-effectiveness- the low cost of raw materials and manufacturing lets vinyl flooring take the lead in the cost department.  This type of material can be mixed, matched with other substances to create the desirable flooring. Vinyl flooring sheets and tiles are available in different colors, textures and patterns to suit different decor needs.

Let us first understand the basics of vinyl flooring. Vinyl or PVC is actually polyvinyl chloride, a synthetic material that was found in the late 1800s. Since then, PVC has been used in various applications and one of them is floorings. PVC floorings are available in tile and plank forms.

Vinyl floorings are mainly classified as heterogeneous and homogeneous.

Heterogeneous vinyl floorings are more vibrant. Their application is far more varied than homogeneous vinyl flooring. Heterogeneous vinyl is made up of various layers and at times, consists of a foam layer to give it flexibility. This type of flooring can be manufactured in various patterns and textures due to its multiple layers. These patterns can be placed in various combinations to create grand designs. Heterogeneous flooring is used in wood and stone texture at homes to get the feel of the natural material.

Homogeneous vinyl is made of a single layer. This gives the flooring the rigidity and toughness. Hence, it can be used in places that experience heavy foot traffic. These floorings are mainly available in solid colors. The single layer of these floorings gives them vibrancy and depth in color. Some companies also allow you to customize the color as per your requirements.