Protecting floors during renovations is essential, but choosing the right temporary floor cover depends on project length and needs. Ramboard and Spriteshield offer very different benefits suited to short versus long term projects.
What’s the difference between Ramboard and Spriteshield
Ramboard is made of rigid 1/4 inch thick plywood coated with a thick rubber layer. It delivers extreme durability, withstanding continuous heavy usage, foot traffic, equipment and wet work. Ramboard’s rigid construction requires precise measuring, cutting and fitting during installation for a tailored appearance.
This makes Ramboard ideal for long term renovation projects lasting several months or more. Its durability covers even high-end flooring like hardwood and tile against prolonged wear and debris.
In contrast, flexible Spriteshield polyethylene film costs a fraction of Ramboard. It simply unrolls and tapes in place. While not as durable, properly sealed Spriteshield forms an adequate protective barrier for how long most jobs require floor covering – typically just weeks.
For short term projects, Spriteshield functions well enough due to its:
- Lower cost
- Ability to shield floors from typical dust, debris and light wear encountered during jobs lasting a few weeks
- Minimal planning needed for its easy install and removal.
With installation tips like sealing edges with duct tape, replacing torn sections, overlapping sheets and removing carefully, inexpensive Spriteshield can provide protection extending the lifespan of floor covers for most short term projects.
However, Spriteshield is not suitable for long term renovations lasting months. Its film can start to degrade and tear after 2-3 months of continuous use. For these projects, Ramboard’s durability covers floors against extended heavy usage, wet work and foot traffic.
In summary, Ramboard’s professional install, rigid build and tailored appearance make it ideal for long term projects that require superior durability and lifespan. But for short term projects lasting just weeks, a properly sealed Spriteshield functions well enough given its lower cost, easier installation and the minimal protection most jobs demand.
Can you use Spriteshield for long term projects?
In a “showdown” between floor covers for short versus long term projects, affordable practical Spriteshield usually “wins” for jobs lasting weeks while expensive durable Ramboard is best for renovations extending months. Choose based on how long protection is needed, activity levels involved and your budget.
With proper installation and maintenance, either option can maximize its lifespan for the duration most projects demand temporary floor covering – though at very different price points suited to short term protection versus long term resilience. The rigid construction of Ramboard underscores its suitability for renovation projects extending months, while flexible Spriteshield favors jobs lasting just weeks.
In conclusion, inexpensive Spriteshield functions sufficiently for short term projects given its low cost and easy install – though upgrading to resilient Ramboard may be worth the higher price tag for renovations demanding durability over multiple months.
Prolonging Spriteshield’s Lifespan
To get the most value from inexpensive Spriteshield, be proactive about maintenance during short term projects. Inspect film daily for tears and replace damaged sections promptly. Re-seal edges with fresh tape periodically as adhesive deteriorates. Cut Spriteshield into manageable pieces for removal to avoid excess residue. These steps can double the lifespan of film from 2-3 months up to 6 months for moderate renovations.
For Ramboard, less active maintenance is needed due to its resilient build. Give floors a quick vacuum below sheets to remove dust buildup. Replace lost or damaged screws to secure panels snugly in place. Store any leftover Ramboard sheets flat for future use. With care, a single Ramboard installation can protect floors through multiple projects over 1-2 years.
Making the Right Choice
Comparing key factors beyond just cost will help determine the best floor cover for your specific project:
- Project length – Ramboard excels for months-long renovations while Spriteshield works for weeks
- Flooring – Ramboard better protects expensive flooring requiring ultimate durability
- Activity levels – Heavy equipment/traffic favors rugged Ramboard over flexible film
- Budget – If funds allow, Ramboard may be worth the cost for superior resilience and tailored installation
Balancing these considerations will reveal whether inexpensive practical Spriteshield offers enough value for shorter projects – or resilient expensive Ramboard is justified for its durability through months of heavy use. The right choice depends on matching floor cover lifespan with how long protection is actually needed.
Avoiding Common Installation Mistakes
To get the most value from either floor cover, avoid these common installation mistakes:
With Spriteshield:
- Forgetting to seal all edges with tape. Unsealed edges allow dust and debris to enter, shortening film lifespan.
- Laying film loose without tension. Wrinkles and air pockets cause damage faster when walked on.
- Not replacing torn sections promptly. Even small tears allow dirt and moisture to reach floors.
With Ramboard:
- Leaving gaps between sheets. Even 1/8″ gaps allow dust and liquids to seep through.
- Not securing cut edges. Loose edges can flap, causing damage when bumped.
- Failing to cut panels into manageable sections for removal. This makes taking up Ramboard very difficult afterwards.
Properly installing either product greatly extends how long floor covers can safely protect your floors. With Spriteshield, sealing all edges, laying film tight and replacing tears quickly is key. For Ramboard, ensuring a tight flush fit, securing cut edges and cutting into manageable pieces for removal maximizes its durability.
Avoiding common mistakes during installation – no matter which floor cover you choose – helps you get the longest lifespan possible for your budget. Proper installation is just as important as material durability when choosing between Ramboard and Spriteshield for short versus long term floor protection.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the right temporary floor cover depends on matching material durability with how long protection is actually needed. For short term renovations lasting weeks, inexpensive practical Spriteshield usually provides sufficient shielding at a fraction of Ramboard’s cost. Properly sealed and maintained, flexible film can function well enough for the duration that most light duty projects demand coverage.
In a head-to-head comparison of floor covers for short versus long term projects, properly installing and maintaining either option is key to maximizing their effectiveness. Avoiding common mistakes helps extend the lifespan of whichever material you choose based on balancing:
- Project length
- Flooring and activity levels
- Budget
Overall, inexpensive practical Spriteshield often provides sufficient protection at an attractive price point for how long most short term renovations actually demand floor covering. But for projects extending months, resilient expensive Ramboard often becomes worth the higher cost for its superior durability through continuous heavy usage.
In the end, choose the floor cover that will protect floors for the duration needed – without spending more than required to achieve that adequate protection. Matching material lifespan to realistic project length delivers the best value – whether that means budget Spriteshield for weeks or durable Ramboard for months.