HEAD START CENTER DESIGN GUIDE

9.3 Types of Finish Materials

The following GSA suggestions for finishes for floors, walls, and ceilings, may help Head Start designers select finishes.

9.3.1 Wall Finishes

• Paint: Paint should be non-toxic with 200 grams/liter of VOC or less. The paint should contain a minimum of 50 percent post-consumer waste paint taken from community collections. In addition, it should be lead and chromate free, as defined by Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines, and should not contain any of the EPA 17 chemicals. More information is available on the Internet from GSA's Paints and Chemicals Center at 1-800-241-RAIN (7246) or GSA Advantage! at the following address: http://www.gsa.gov. The e-mail address is paintschemctr.auburn@gsa.gov.
• High-build coatings are very durable and can be scrubbed. They should be used in high-wear areas. Allow ample time to off-gas in projects where specified.
• Glazed coatings are appropriate for wet areas.
• Vinyl wall coverings, Type II are durable with Oznaburg fabric backing. Vinyl wall coverings should be neutral in color and able to be scrubbed. Allow ample time to off-gas in projects where specified. Reference the AIA Environmental Resource Guide with Supplements for guidance on adhesives. Vinyl coverings typically may require corner guards to deter delamination at corners in a high-use facility. Ensure that corner guards have a minimum 1/2-inch radius bullnose.
• Textiles on vertical surfaces within reach of children are not recommended, but they work well for surfaces, such as bulletin boards, above children's reach.
• Glazed ceramic tile is appropriate for wet areas, such as toilets and kitchens. Ceramic tile is durable, non-porous, and easily cleaned, especially if the grout material is epoxy. Sound deflection can be a problem with this finish.
• Display surfaces: Chalkboards, marker boards, and magnet boards may be provided as a wainscot up to 3 ft. or higher. Display systems requiring tacks should not be used, and tape may damage finishes. The baseline amount of space available for display for each classroom should be 8 ft. long and 3 ft. high. Consider art waxer equipment, which allows children's art to adhere to finishes without clamps, tacks, or tape.
• Mirror: Provide shatterproof mirror surfaces, particularly in crawling and toddler areas. Provide grab bars in front of mirrors for infants and toddlers. Mirrors should be constructed of safety glass, acrylic, or reflective metal. Mirror space for infants and toddlers should be 6 ft. long, and 1.5 ft. high per classroom.

9.3.2 Floor Finishes

• Carpet is most appropriate in quiet areas and crawling spaces. Carpets can retain dust and other allergens to which many children are susceptible, so fixed carpet over a large area is not recommended. The carpet selected should include a high-quality yarn system (currently type 6.6 nylon) with inherent stain resistance; a minimum face yarn density of 5000; low-level loop or cut-pile construction (maximum pile height, 1/4 inch); a minimum of 10 stitches per inch; and an anti-microbial feature; a 6 ft. minimum width and a backing system. The recommended backing system should be permanently bonded, with a permanent moisture barrier, installed with factory-applied adhesive with seams sealed on-site. The designer also should consider using a carpet with subtle flecks, patterns, or color variations that do not accentuate wear. Refer to the AIA Environmental Resource Guide, 1997 Supplement, for environmental recommendations including the types of adhesive to be used.
• Sheet vinyl is recommended for children's toilets, wet areas, and kitchens. Sheet vinyl is capable of receiving chemically sealed seams at joints and an integral cove base to create a moisture barrier. Provide a high-quality commercial grade with a high vinyl content, a minimum 0.05-inch wear layer, and 860 kPa. Provide slip- resistant materials in wet areas. The designer also should consider using material with subtle flecks, patterns, or color variations, which do not accentuate scuffs and wear. This material should not be used without adequate time to off gas, as defined above. Refer to the AIA Environmental Resource Guide, with Supplements.
• Resilient vinyl tile: Although this material is economical, it requires higher maintenance than sheet vinyl. It is durable and can be scrubbed, but cannot form a moisture barrier because it has many joints. This material is not to be used without adequate time to off-gas, as defined above.
• Linoleum is a material without the off-gassing problems associated with vinyl. It is very durable and can be used in similar conditions as vinyl.
• Fluid-applied flooring: This material can be costly, but it is durable and easily cleaned and can create a moisture barrier. However, it can also result in an undesirable, institutional appearance. This material should not be used without adequate time to off-gas, as defined above.
• Sealed concrete is economical and appropriate for hard-surface areas. With an appropriate admixture, stain, and finish, it can dispel the impression that it is unfriendly or industrial.
• Rugs provide comfort and are economical. Tripping/slipping hazards created by rugs should be addressed through use of proper underlayment pads designed for rugs, or by the use of effective edge binding and transitions. Non-slip surfacing on the reverse side of throw rugs is essential.
• Ceramic mosaic slip-resistant tile is appropriate and decorative for wet areas.