Frequently Asked Questions – Magnetic Flooring Technology

Will the magnets affect electronic equipment, devices or humans?

To determine if magnetic flooring technology is “magnetically” safe, the static magnetic fields produced by floors have been independently researched by measuring magnetic fields and comparing them to the permitted values for devices.

The research found that:

• Pacemakers cannot be damaged by magnetic floors even if they are put directly onto the floor.
• People with old or new pacemakers could not be affected by the magnetic fields even if they are lying face down on the surface of the floor.
• Credit cards, hearing aids and electronic devices are undamaged by magnetic floors.

“magnetic floors are safe, and they can be employed in buildings without putting at risk electronic devices or persons with pacemakers.”

Please email us for full details of the research.

(Magdaleno-Adame, Salvador & Kefalas, Themistoklis. (2019).Evaluation of Static Magnetic Fields Produced by Magnetic Floors Composed of StrontiumFerrite Powder Utilized in the Construction Industry. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics. 55. 7.10.1109/TMAG.2019.2896202.)

What type of magnets are used in magnetic flooring?

Magnetic flooring typically uses strontium ferrite magnets, often in the form of flexible, rubberlike sheets or powder-based coatings on the back of planks/tiles. These materials are chosen for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and safety with electronic devices, as they create a strong,
permanent bond with a ferromagnetic receptive underlayment.

How long do the magnetic properties last for?

Ferrite (Ceramic) magnets: Very resistant to demagnetization, though weaker overall. Magnets do lose their magnetism over time, but the process is incredibly slow – often taking decades or even centuries. Meaning they can last for a lifetime under normal conditions.
This gradual decrease in strength, known as demagnetisation or magnetic aging, happens when the aligned atomic structures within the magnet gradually become disordered.
A permanent magnet can keep its magnetism for many years provided it is not exposed to extreme conditions. Magnetic degradation is very slow, with an estimated loss of 1% of magnetism every 10 years.

Can magnetic flooring be reused?

Magna-Flex magnetic flooring supports the industry’s drive toward circular solutions by enabling reuse. Each floor can be easily detached from the building structure, allowing it to be reused or more readily recycled, as the flooring remains free from adhesive contamination.

Does Magna-Flex magnetic flooring comply with Design for Disassembly?

Design for Disassembly (DfD) is a circular design approach focusing on creating products and structures that can be easily taken apart at the end of their life, allowing components to be reused, refurbished, or recycled. It reduces waste and material consumption by using reversible, accessible fastenings rather than adhesives or permanent, destructive joints.
Magna-Flex magnetic flooring embodies the principles of Design for Disassembly by enabling easy removal from the building structure. This allows floors to be reused, extending their lifespan and significantly reducing raw material consumption.

Can Magna-Flex magnetic flooring be used in high traffic and commercial spaces?

Magna-Flex flooring is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of commercial environments and high-traffic applications. The system incorporates a specialised magnetic layer that provides a strong, secure bond to suitable subfloor types.
Raised Access Subfloors
Designed in a 5 mm vinyl plank format, Magna-Flex LVT minimises the risk of joint grin-through from metal raised access panels. This removes the need for plywood overlays that can compromise expensive raised access flooring and ensures unrestricted access to the underfloor void when necessary.
With its adhesive-free installation, Magna-Flex LVT protects the integrity of the raised access floor from contamination and helps eliminate costly dilapidation charges when the lease expires.
Retail Applications
Magna-Flex LVT has been extensively tested to confirm its suitability for demanding retail environments where high loads and pallet trucks are routinely used for restocking. Retail spaces also rely on movable display gondolas, requiring a flooring solution capable of withstanding frequent repositioning. Magna-Flex LVT delivers the durability and load-bearing performance required for these applications.