Why Construction Paper Actually Damages Flooring

Using construction paper products is a common choice for flooring protection among contractors. But while this may be one of the most popular shielding methods, it can actually harm the very surfaces we’re trying to protect. 

So why are construction papers still the go-to solution? Is there a better alternative available? In this post, we take a look at how the most prevalent products are leaving damage in their wake, and explain how Pad ‘N Protect floor runners provide superior protection for project sites. 

How Does Construction Paper Damage Floors?

In order to understand why construction papers can so easily harm flooring, you need to know how it is composed. Common products like Ram Board, X-Board, Builder Board, or White Vapor are made with paper fibers. Most often, these are single-layer rolls, but some have a slick sealant on the backing. In both cases, the side that contacts the floor is prone to shift and slide. 

Without a firm grip against the flooring, the covering can slide all over the surface that’s supposed to be shielded. This creates a “sandpapering” effect, grinding any grains of debris into the ground below. By the time the work is complete and the paper is removed, some contractors find the unwelcome surprise of a floor that looks like it has been sanded. Some have also discovered wheel tracks and scuffs created by moving equipment over the paper. 

If contractors aren’t especially careful about cleaning the floors before laying paper down and securing it with tape, there’s a high likelihood the floors will still get scraped up through the duration of the work. But it can be difficult to get floors perfectly clean when teams are pressed for time, and often wearing dirty gear. 

Unfortunately, the sanding issue isn’t where the damage risk ends. Construction paper has other vulnerabilities as well. Contractors frequently have issues with it ripping during the tape-down process, or even tearing underfoot when crew members walk through the work site. 

This is because the paper structure is often too thin and inflexible to hold up under stress. It’s easy for a small tear to develop, and once that’s happened, it takes only a little added strain to pull the rip wide open. Such a lack of durability puts flooring at greater risk of damage throughout the duration of the project. 

Can Construction Paper Damage be Fixed?

Problems typical of construction paper include scratching, pitting, and full-on sanding away sections of the floor’s finish. These issues can be repaired, but they usually require resurfacing the floors and coating them with new layers of stains and varnish. In scenarios where this isn’t sufficient, the floorboards or tiles may need to be replaced completely. 

This is unfortunate because, in many cases, contractors choose construction paper as a cost-saving measure. But going with this cheaper material can actually cost more money due to the repairs and rework needed to address any resulting damage. It’s not unheard of for these damages to incur legal costs as well, in circumstances where displeased customers file suit. 

What’s a Damage-Free Alternative to Construction Paper?

After hearing from countless other contractors, the results are clear: even the market’s most popular construction papers aren’t delivering the protection needed to keep floors and other surfaces damage-free. 

Contractors who want to avoid any of the hassle and expense created by construction paper damage need a covering that is flexible, durable, and soft enough to wholly avoid the sandpapering effect. 

All of these qualities can be found in fabric-based materials, the best of which are composed of gentle cotton like material. This type of structure securely protects flooring against any abrasion. Instead of slipping around and dragging debris particles along, cotton floor protectors lay firmly in place and create a layer of padding. 

Of course, cleaning the flooring surface beforehand is still advised for the best results. With clean floors, cotton like material. coverings can form a better grip and maintain maximum stability.

Pad ‘N Protect Runners Provide Better Flooring Protection

The problems seen with typical construction papers are what led us to create our cotton-based Pad ‘N Protect runners. We experienced these troubles first hand in our work as contractors, and that frustration pushed us to develop a surface protector that would avoid all of the pitfalls of the standard industry solutions.  

Pad ‘N Protect is engineered to provide the best possible shielding for hardwoods and other vulnerable materials. Its true non-skid construction combined with a soft, cotton-like backing prevents any scratching from taking place. The waterproof top layer is easy to clean, but not slippery, avoiding any risk of falls or dislodging. These runners are highly durable and tear-proof. While they do offer great impact resistance, we recommend laying them over masonite for heavy duty protection. 

If you want to upgrade from standard construction papers and give your work sites a new level of protection, we invite you to request samples and experience the difference for yourself.