For facility managers, evaluating the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for purchases is critical to acquiring items at the lowest long-term cost. Assessing TCO requires not only understanding the initial purchase cost but also consideration of the operating costs, longevity, and remaining value beyond its expected life.
TCO is an even more critical analysis when new products enter the market that disrupt the status quo. After all, it is difficult to evaluate the value of an innovative product that promises to be a much more effective, long-term solution but initially costs more, uses different materials, or is applied differently. For facility managers, this is the case when analyzing the TCO of non-skid stair tread striping applied to interior and exterior stairs to prevent slip and fall accidents.
Although simple in concept, the application and maintenance of safety stair tread striping is particularly challenging in outdoor or high-use settings. The traditional choice – non-skid adhesive tape – can peel or wear away in a short time so must be replaced frequently. However, a new innovative 100% epoxy-based material called Form-A-Tread lasts much longer, requiring minimal reapplication.
To evaluate the TCO of this new option, consider the following reasons:
1) More Cost-Effective Over Time
While the durable tread initially costs more than non-skid tape, it takes just 18 months to reach the breakeven point for indoor use. After 18 months, the Form-A-Tread stair tread saves the facility the cost of reapplying new non-skid tape every six months.
2) Significantly Less Maintenance
The epoxy-based solution solves the maintenance problems of non-skid tapes. The material lasts at least five years in most outdoor applications and many more years in indoor applications. There is no longer peeling tape that can become unsightly and pose a trip hazard. Non-skid aggregate is held in suspension within the formula and is not just adhered to the surface, as with traction tape, it does not wear away.
3) Reduced Downtime
Epoxy-based solutions reduce downtime. Stair tread “downtime” can have serious financial consequences if a slip and fall accident occurs, leading to litigation, liability, workers’ compensation claims, and rising insurance rates. A long-term solution that doesn’t require constant replacement minimizes any potential downtime, provides a consistent and predictable level of safety, and can reduce the potential for such claims.
4) Retains Value After 5 Years
Even with depreciation, capital equipment often retains some value after five years. Similarly, more durable solutions like 100% solids epoxy pastes with embedded aggregate often still have value far beyond five years.
Today, a 100% solids epoxy paste that contains embedded slip-resistant aggregate is a more cost- effective and long-term stair safety tread solution. These materials create a tread with consistent, superior traction and safety for at least five years, even outdoors, with essentially no maintenance. They also resist UV, moisture, chemicals, ice melt, temperature extremes, aggressive cleaning, and pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
For more information: Call 610-994-2138; Email [email protected]; Visit https://form-a-tread.com.