Fort Lee Elementary School, Fort Lee, N.J.
Retrofit Team
Flooring Installer: The Gillespie Group, Dayton, N.J.
Materials
The project timeline was dictated according to the length of the holiday recess at the end of the calendar year. The Gillespie Group created a plan according to the timeline and removed and replaced the water-damaged flooring as soon as school let out for the holiday.
The company installed Forbo MCT tiles for a variety of important reasons. The previous flooring required considerably more maintenance and had to be stripped and waxed several times per year. In contrast, the 13- by 13-inch squares of linoleum are made of recycled material and require no waxing or buffing, so maintenance is virtually eliminated. The flooring also meets all environmental regulations stipulated by the state of New Jersey. Eco-friendly and highly durable, the 2-millimeter natural linoleum tiles are constructed of USDA Certified 100 percent bio-based content and feature a Topshield 2 occupancy-ready factory finish. The floor also has a 30-year system service life.
In addition to its sustainable qualities, Forbo MCT was a wise choice for its self-sanitizing capabilities, which inhibits the growth of bacteria that may create conditions favorable to the development of staph infections or the transmission of communicable diseases. John Gillespie, vice president of Operations for The Gillespie Group, states, “While the initial price of the new tile may have been slightly more than the flooring it replaced, the lower maintenance costs, durability and the significant health advantages it offers make it a smart choice and far more cost efficient over the life of the product.”
Linoleum: Forbo
The Retrofit
Water damage to the flooring of several classrooms at the Fort Lee Elementary School had left education officials with a number of critical issues to address before students could return to classes. First, the removal and replacement of the flooring had to be accomplished with little to no disruption to class schedules. Second, the project had to comply with New Jersey sustainability mandates. Finally, the flooring installation needed to provide students with a learning environment that was as durable as it was healthy.
Photo: The Gillespie Group