QuickGuard Neoprene Floor Runners: A Ram Board Alternative

Introduction

When undertaking any renovation or construction project, protecting the flooring is essential. Whether it’s safeguarding hardwood from scratches, shielding carpets from stains, or preventing tiles from cracking, choosing the right floor protection solution can save time, money, and effort. Two popular options in the market today are Ram Board’s traditional floor protection products and QuickGuard’s innovative neoprene floor runners. This blog post will delve into the benefits and features of both products, comparing their performance, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness to help you make an informed decision.

QuickGuard’s neoprene floor runners offer a modern, flexible solution for floor protection, standing out in several key areas where traditional products like Ram Board may fall short. Neoprene, a synthetic rubber known for its flexibility and resilience, is the core material used in QuickGuard’s runners and is a perfect Ram Board alternative. This material not only provides excellent protection but also brings a range of additional benefits that make it an attractive option for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

The Advantages of QuickGuard Neoprene Floor Runners:

1. Superior Protection: Neoprene’s unique properties make it an outstanding protective material. It’s highly resistant to impact, meaning it can absorb shocks from dropped tools or equipment, preventing damage to the floor beneath. This level of protection is particularly useful in environments where there’s a high risk of heavy items being moved around.

2. Flexibility and Customization: One of the standout features of QuickGuard neoprene floor runners is their flexibility. Unlike the rigid structure of Ram Board, neoprene can easily conform to any surface, including uneven floors and tricky areas like staircases or corners. Moreover, these runners can be cut to any size or shape, making them perfect for spaces with irregular dimensions or unique challenges. This ability to tailor the protection to fit specific areas is a major advantage, reducing waste and ensuring comprehensive coverage.

3. Ease of Installation: QuickGuard’s neoprene floor runners are designed for simplicity and ease of use. They can be quickly laid down without the need for taping seams or securing edges. This not only saves time but also reduces labor costs, making the runners an efficient choice for both small and large projects.

4. Reusability and Durability: Neoprene is an incredibly durable material, capable of withstanding multiple uses. Unlike some other floor protection products that may need to be replaced after a single use, QuickGuard runners can be rolled up, stored, and reused for future projects. This reusability makes them a cost-effective option in the long run, offering better value over time.

5. Lightweight and Portable: Despite their durability, neoprene floor runners are lightweight and easy to transport. This portability is a significant advantage for projects that require moving protection from one area to another or for contractors who need to protect multiple sites.

6. Cost-Effective Solution: While neoprene might seem like a premium material, QuickGuard’s floor runners are competitively priced. Their low initial cost, combined with their reusability, means they often provide better overall value compared to more traditional products like Ram Board.

Challenges with Neoprene

While it’s important to consider any potential drawbacks of a product, the cons depend on your specific needs & situation.

1. Moisture Resistance: Although neoprene is not inherently as water-resistant as treated Ram Board, it still offers a significant level of moisture protection. Neoprene is naturally water-repellent, meaning it will resist spills and moisture, preventing liquids from seeping through to the floor beneath. In most scenarios, this level of protection is more than sufficient, especially when combined with proper site management practices.
2. Surface Compatibility: While Ram Board’s rigid structure might seem more suited to rough or unfinished surfaces, neoprene’s flexibility can actually provide a better seal and more complete protection on a wide range of surfaces. Its ability to conform to different shapes and textures ensures that even the most challenging areas are protected, reducing the risk of damage in places where traditional materials might struggle.
3. Customization Needs: The ability to cut neoprene floor runners to size is not just a solution for tricky spaces; it’s a feature that can save time and materials. By customizing the runner to fit perfectly in each area, you avoid the unnecessary overlap or under-protection that can occur with rigid materials. This precision ensures that every inch of your floor is safeguarded, without the hassle of dealing with excess material.

Ram Board: A Trusted Name in Floor Protection

Ram Board has long been a go-to product for contractors and homeowners seeking durable floor protection during renovations. Known for its robust construction, Ram Board is typically made from a heavy-duty, recycled material that provides a tough barrier against the rigours of construction. It’s designed to protect floors from heavy foot traffic, dropped tools, spills, and even the weight of machinery.

The Strengths of Ram Board:

1. Durability and Strength: Ram Board is built to withstand the challenges of construction environments. Its thick, dense material can handle the pressure of heavy machinery and constant foot traffic without tearing or wearing down.
2. Water and Spill Resistance: One of the key advantages of Ram Board is its ability to resist water and spills. Many versions of Ram Board are treated with a coating that repels liquids, preventing stains and water damage to the floors underneath.
3. Eco-Friendly Composition: In today’s environmentally-conscious world, Ram Board’s commitment to sustainability is a significant benefit. Made from recycled materials, Ram Board is a green product that aligns with eco-friendly building practices.

Challenges with Ram Board:

1. Installation Complexity: While Ram Board offers excellent protection, it requires careful installation. The material is rigid and often needs to be cut to size, taped at the seams, and securely fastened to the floor. This process can be time-consuming, especially in large or irregularly shaped spaces.
2. Limited Flexibility: The rigidity of Ram Board, while beneficial in some respects, can also be a limitation. It may not conform well to uneven surfaces or tricky areas where a more flexible material would be advantageous.
3. Higher Cost: Due to its extensive installation process, Ram Board can be more expensive than other floor protection options. For those on a tight budget, this may be a drawback, particularly for projects that require large quantities of material.
4. Bulkiness: Ram Board’s heavy, bulky nature can make it challenging to transport and lay out. This can increase labor costs and complicate logistics, especially on larger job sites or in tight spaces.

Cost Comparison: Ram Board vs. QuickGuard Neoprene Floor Runners

When comparing the cost of Ram Board with QuickGuard’s neoprene floor runners, it’s important to look beyond the initial purchase price and consider the overall value each product offers.

1. Initial Costs: Ram Board can be found for less than neoprene floor runners. This lower cost is partly due to the material’s lower cost - it’s cardboard after all. However, the upfront price is only one part of the equation.
2. Installation, Labour & Additional Costs: Ram Board’s installation process can add to its overall cost. The need for cutting, taping, and securing the material in place means more time spent on setup, which translates to higher labor costs and additional supplies such as tape & cutters. In addition, you may have to purchase several different Ram Board products to cover a home, different products for stairs, floors & door jambs. In contrast, QuickGuard’s neoprene runners are quick and easy to install, reducing the amount of time and effort required to get your floors protected.
3. Reusability: One of the significant advantages of QuickGuard neoprene floor runners is their reusability. While Ram Board needs to be replaced after a single use, neoprene runners can be used multiple times. This reusability means you get more value from each purchase, reducing the long-term cost of floor protection.
4. Waste Reduction: The ability to cut neoprene runners to fit specific spaces means less material waste. With Ram Board, you might end up with leftover pieces that are difficult to use elsewhere. Neoprene’s flexibility and customization options ensure that you use only what you need, minimizing waste and maximizing value.

Practical Applications: When to Choose Each Product

Choosing between Ram Board and QuickGuard neoprene floor runners depends largely on the specific needs of your project. Here’s a look at some scenarios where each product might be the better choice:

1. Large Construction Sites: In construction sites where you only need to use the floor protection for the duration of the single project, Ram Board may be the better option due to its lower one-time costs.
2. Residential Renovations: In residential settings, especially those involving delicate surfaces like hardwood or carpet, QuickGuard’s neoprene floor runners are often the better choice. Their ease of installation, flexibility, and ability to be cut to fit make them ideal for protecting floors in living spaces without the need for extensive setup or teardown.
3. High-Moisture Areas: If your project involves areas with a high risk of water exposure, such as bathrooms or kitchens under renovation, Ram Board’s treated surface can provide additional peace of mind. However, for most general purposes, neoprene’s inherent water resistance is more than adequate.
4. Complex or Irregular Spaces: In spaces with unusual shapes, stairs, or a mix of flooring types, QuickGuard’s ability to be customized and tailored to fit specific areas gives it a significant edge. This flexibility ensures that all parts of the floor are protected, no matter how complex the layout.
5. Budget-Conscious Projects: For projects where cost is a primary concern, QuickGuard neoprene floor runners offer superior protection at a lower price point. Their long-term reusability further enhances their value, making them a smart investment for anyone looking to protect their floors without breaking the bank.
6. Moving: when it comes to moving large appliances, or your entire home, QuickGuard’s neoprene floor runners may be the better option as you can re-use your runners in your new home and they are very quick to unroll and subsequently roll-up and pack with you.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Floor Protection Needs

Both Ram Board and QuickGuard neoprene floor runners provide reliable solutions for protecting floors during construction and renovation projects. However, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs, budget, and the nature of the work you’re undertaking.

Ram Board is a trusted, durable option, particularly suited for heavy-duty construction environments where its water resistance may come into play and its one-time use is acceptable. However, it comes with a higher cost as it requires more effort to install and handle.

On the other hand, QuickGuard’s neoprene floor runners offer a modern, versatile solution that excels in flexibility, ease of use, and long-term cost effectiveness. Their ability to be customized, reused, and easily transported makes them an ideal choice for a wide range of projects, from residential renovations to commercial builds.

For all the reasons stated above Bulldog Trading carries QuickGuard's Neoprene Floor Runners. Find our selection of QuickGuard's neoprene floor runners here.