When protecting floors during renovations, Ramboard and Spriteshield seem like very different options. But for most short to medium length projects lasting weeks to a few months, inexpensive Spriteshield film actually provides sufficient protection at a far lower cost.
Despite these differences, for most renovations lasting only weeks to a few months, properly sealed and installed Spriteshield film can form an adequate protective barrier and shield floors from typical wear. The key is evaluating whether your project requires Ramboard’s superior durability, precision and longevity or if Spriteshield’s practical functionality at a lower cost meets your needs for the limited timeframe of your particular renovation.
By analyzing factors like duration, level of activity, flooring material sensitivity and budget, you can determine which floor protector aligns best with your unique renovation parameters, balancing affordability, functionality and quality based on your specific project goals and timeline.
What is Ramboard?
Ramboard is made of rigid plywood with a thick rubber coating, offering extreme durability against continuous use, heavy foot traffic, equipment and wet work. However, Ramboard requires precise measuring, cutting and fitting during installation.
What is Spriteshield?
Spriteshield simply consists of flexible polyethylene film that is unrolled and taped in place. It’s recommended for budget conscious renovations, light-duty projects and those seeking an easy install and removal. Properly sealed, Spriteshield forms an adequate protective barrier for most moderate renovations.
When to use Spriteshield over Ramboard?
For these reasons, Spriteshield is recommended for:
- The majority of renovation projects lasting weeks to a few months
- Moderate activity levels including light equipment and foot traffic
- Budget conscious customers seeking affordable protection
While Ramboard is only needed when:
- Industrial-strength durability is required
- Projects will extend several months or longer
- The utmost protection is demanded for sensitive flooring
Key differences
The key differences between the options come down to:
- Cost – Spriteshield costs a fraction of Ramboard for equivalent coverage
- Durability – Ramboard is built to last through multiple projects
- Effort – Spriteshield is easier and faster to install
But for how long most renovations actually require coverage – typically just weeks – a properly sealed Spriteshield film functions almost identically to rigid Ramboard by:
- Covering exposed floors adequately
- Forming a protective barrier
- Shielding floors from typical wear
- Allowing projects to be completed without damage
With proper installation like sealing all edges with duct tape, replacing torn sections and removing carefully to avoid residue, inexpensive Spriteshield provides functional floor protection that matches how long the average renovation requires – though at a much lower cost.
Therefore, in most renovation “showdowns” between the options, affordable practical Spriteshield wins out thanks to:
- Sufficient functionality for limited time frames
- Adequate protection of floors from moderate wear
- A more budget-friendly price point
Reserve heavy-duty Ramboard only for the minority of projects that truly demand its superior durability, lifespan and professional finished look for an extended time. For typical short to medium length renovations with moderate activities, a properly installed Spriteshield film protects floors equally well – while costing a small fraction.
Both Ramboard and Spriteshield have pros and cons for protecting floors during renovations. Ramboard offers higher durability, a customized fit, and more long-term protection. However, it is also more expensive and requires more installation effort.
Spriteshield film is an inexpensive and easy to install option, but only provides short-term protection and a looser fit. For most renovations lasting just weeks to a few months, Spriteshield film can offer sufficient floor protection at a lower cost. The key factors to consider are:
- Duration of renovation – Shorter renovations (under 3 months) often only require short-term, affordable protection. Spriteshield excels here.
- Level of floor traffic and activity – Light to moderate renovation activity can be protected adequately by Spriteshield film.
- Flooring material – More durable flooring like tile, laminate and vinyl can tolerate Spriteshield film better.
- Budget – Spriteshield costs a fraction of Ramboard for equivalent coverage areas, saving money for many projects.
Ramboard shines for long-term renovations (over 3 months), heavy renovation activity, and more sensitive flooring materials that require a better customized, long-lasting fit. But for typical renovations that only need protection for weeks, properly installed Spriteshield film often provides sufficient value at a lower price point. Consider your specific renovation parameters and balance budget, functionality and longevity to determine which option makes the most sense for your project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when protection is only needed for weeks to a few months, practical Spriteshield film usually provides sufficient temporary floor covering at a more attractive price point. Only for superior durability over several months should you consider paying more for rigid Ramboard – making affordable Spriteshield the champion for most renovation showdowns.
While Spriteshield wins the value proposition for most renovations, Ramboard provides the gold standard of floor protection, customization and longevity for long-term, demanding projects. By realistically assessing your renovation parameters, you can determine whether affordability and practical functionality for a limited time frame (Spriteshield) or higher quality, durability and a tailored fit for extended use (Ramboard) make the most sense. A careful analysis of your specific project needs will ensure you choose the right floor protection solution to meet your renovation goals within budget.
Key takeaway
- Spriteshield is recommended for most renovations due to its lower cost, easier installation and adequate protection for weeks to a few months. It provides sufficient coverage at a small fraction of Ramboard’s price for how long protection is typically needed.
- Ramboard is only needed for renovations that demand industrial-strength durability and protection lasting several months or longer. It offers tailored protection but at a higher cost and installation effort.
- For how long most renovations require coverage – usually weeks – a properly sealed Spriteshield functions similarly to Ramboard by covering floors, forming barriers and shielding floors from typical wear.
- Properly sealing edges, replacing torn sections and removing carefully helps maximize Spriteshield’s lifespan for the duration most projects demand protection.
- In “showdowns” between the options, affordable practical Spriteshield usually wins out thanks to sufficient functionality for limited time frames and a more budget-friendly price point.
- Reserve Ramboard for the atypical project demanding superior durability, lifespan and precision for several months. For short to medium length renovations, Spriteshield protects floors equally well while costing far less.