Hot Tips: Wall Protection

Three Things to Know About Wall Protection

• By Renee Hite
• 05/01/17

Wall protection is a necessity in busy environments to preserve the look of a building and reduce continuous maintenance and repair costs. Three things to keep in mind when choosing wall protection for your facility are:

1. Location.
Deciding on the placement of wall protection can be a challenge. Common areas, like gymnasiums and cafeterias, are prone to wall damage from moving furniture and equipment and may be good starting points. Knowing where damaging objects may regularly hit a wall can help determine where the protection should be placed.

2. Levels of Impact.
Wall protection products should be chosen based on the amount of impact the wall may encounter. These products include feature rails, crash rails, rigid sheet and more. Feature rails can withstand lighter impact from objects such as chairs, and are normally a more decorative option. Crash rails and corner guards are thicker and designed to keep items further from the wall while withstanding more frequent, intense impacts. Rigid sheet wall protection provides significantly more protection from damage than Type II commercial wall covering. Wall panels are an even more durable option for protection from heavier impacts, as they are considerably thicker. Utilizing wall protection will reduce maintenance and labor costs.

3. Special Conditions and Applications.
Curves and radiuses play a large role in architecture. Graphic wall protection can be used around a column to create unique design elements, such as the imitation of a marble column in a high-end space. Certain handrails can be specified for wide or tight wall radiuses and can be formed at custom angles on a horizontal plane for ramps and transitions, ensuring mobility and stability for those who rely on both.