Data Center FAQs
What is Dycem?
Dycem is a reusable, washable polymeric flooring solution that captures and retains particulate contamination carried by shoes and wheels. Installed at critical transition points, it helps stop dust and debris before they enter data halls, server rooms, and other controlled areas.
Why is floor-level contamination control important in a data center?
People, carts, pallet jacks, racks and service equipment can carry dust, fibers, skin cells, and other debris into critical spaces. Once inside, particulate can accumulate around sensitive equipment and cooling systems. Controlling contamination at the point of entry adds a practical layer of protection to the facility’s wider cleaning, filtration, and operational controls.
How does Dycem work?
Dycem has a natural tack and a high surface energy finish that attracts and holds dust and debris. As people and carts cross the surface, particles are transferred and retained, helping reduce both floor and airborne contamination.
How is Dycem different from disposable sticky mats?
Disposable sticky mats rely on peel-off layers that lose usable surface area as they load with contamination and create recurring plastic waste. Dycem provides a larger, reusable surface that is restored through cleaning, reducing the need to store, replace and dispose of consumable mat layers.
How effective is Dycem?
Dycem can capture and retain up to 99.9% of particles from shoes and wheels, and up to 75% of airborne particulates when the correct product is properly located, installed and maintained.
Where should Dycem be used in a data center?
Typical locations include pedestrian entrances to data halls and server rooms, mantraps and airlocks, material-transfer points, rack and equipment routes, corridor access points and transitions into controlled or ISO Class 8 spaces. The mat should be positioned so that all relevant pedestrian and wheeled traffic cross a sufficient length of the surface.
Which Dycem solution is best for my site?
The right solution depends on the project phase, subfloor, traffic type, access requirements, and whether the installation is temporary or permanent. CleanZone is commonly used for fixed entry points; Floating Mats provide a movable option; and inlaid access panels support raised-floor areas where underfloor access must be maintained. A Dycem site survey can confirm the most suitable specification.
Can Dycem be used with raised access floors?
Yes. Dycem inlaid access panels are designed for segmented raised floor systems. They provide contamination control at the walking surface while allowing individual panels to be removed and replaced when underfloor services need to be accessed.
Is Dycem suitable around sensitive electronic equipment?
Dycem solutions specified for data-center environments can provide static-dissipative performance alongside particulate control. With a surface resistivity of 10⁸ ohms, the mats are static dissipative and effectively reduce occurrences of electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
Can Dycem support an ISO Class 8 data hall?
Dycem can support the facility’s contamination-control strategy by reducing particles transferred at entrances and traffic routes. It should be used as one layer within the site’s complete program, alongside appropriate filtration, cleaning procedures, gowning or access controls and environmental monitoring. Dycem does not by itself establish or certify an ISO classification.
At what stage of a data center project can Dycem be installed?
Dycem can be deployed during construction and fit-out, at handover, or in an operational facility. It can also support retrofit, modular and edge data-center projects. The correct product and fixing method will depend on the project phase, expected traffic and condition of the finished floor.
What should be considered when selecting a location?
Review traffic flow, door clearances, floor condition, turning points and equipment routes. Dycem performs best on a clean, level surface where people and wheels travel across it in a controlled direction. Avoid steep ramps, damaged or uneven floors and locations where heavy loads routinely pivot, brake sharply or remain parked on the mat.
Can the mats be secured to the floor?
Yes. Depending on the product and application, Dycem can be installed as a surface-bonded or inset solution, secured using an approved perimeter-fixing method, or supplied as a floating solution. Dycem will recommend the appropriate approach after reviewing traffic, subfloor and access needs.
Can heavy equipment be moved across Dycem?
Yes, Requirements vary depending on equipment weight, wheel type, turning movements, traffic frequency and floor conditions. For rack movements, concentrated loads or heavy construction traffic, request a consultation with the Dycem data center team. They will assess the route and recommend the most suitable product, fixing method and movement controls, including specialist options available on request.
How can damage be prevented during construction and fit-out?
Brief contractors before the area opens and keep the traffic route clear. Avoid sudden braking, sharp turning, dragging equipment, placing pallets or static concentrated loads on the mat, and allowing sharp debris to remain on the surface. Where possible, route people and equipment in a straight, one-directional movement across the mat.
How is Dycem installed?
Permanent Dycem systems are installed by trained technicians on a suitably prepared subfloor. Depending on site conditions, the solution may be inset or surface bonded. Floating Mats can be used where a movable or less permanent option is required. Installation requirements and warranty terms are confirmed as part of the project proposal.
How should Dycem be cleaned?
Use the cleaning method and products recommended by Dycem. Routine wet cleaning can normally be incorporated into the facility’s existing standard operating procedures using suitable equipment such as a flat mop or squeegee. Remove loose debris first, apply the approved cleaning solution, clean the full surface, and allow it to dry before reopening the route.
How often should Dycem be cleaned?
Cleaning frequency should be based on traffic and contamination load. High-traffic construction or equipment routes may need daily or more frequent attention, while lower-traffic operational areas may need less. Clean whenever the surface is visibly loaded, after a contamination event, or when site monitoring indicates that performance could be affected.
The mat looks dirty – is there a problem?
No. Visible dirt normally shows that the surface is collecting contamination that might otherwise have travelled farther into the controlled area. The mat should be cleaned in line with the site’s schedule so that collected debris is removed and the surface is refreshed.
How do I know whether the mat is still working?
Dycem offers a Particle Collection Efficiency Test (PCET) to assess particle-capture performance. Testing and the resulting service report can help facilities teams document condition, plan maintenance and support internal reviews. Contact the local Dycem team to confirm service availability and frequency for your region.
How long do Dycem mats last?
Expected service life varies by product. As a general guide, Dycem Lite lasts approximately 18 months, Floating Mats last one to three years, fixed Dycem installations last three to five years, and access panels can last five years or more. Actual lifespan depends on traffic levels, operating conditions, correct product selection and maintenance. Regular cleaning, correct use and prompt attention to damage help maximize service life.
What should I do if a mat is damaged?
Stop or redirect traffic if the damage could create a trip, cleaning or operational risk. Photograph the affected area and contact Dycem for guidance. Do not make an unapproved repair, as the correct method depends on the product, installation and type of damage.
Is Dycem a sustainable alternative to sticky mats?
Because Dycem is cleaned and reused for several years, it can reduce the recurring plastic waste, packaging, storage and disposal associated with peel-off sticky mats. The overall environmental benefit for a particular site will depend on product life, cleaning practices, transport and the disposable alternative being replaced.
How much does Dycem cost?
Cost depends on the product, coverage area, subfloor preparation, customization, installation and delivery requirements. Following a consultation or site survey, Dycem can provide a project-specific proposal and, where helpful, compare the longer-term costs with consumable alternatives.
Can I request a sample or site survey?
Yes. Dycem can provide samples and arrange a site survey or consultation. A survey helps confirm traffic routes, measure the required coverage, identify installation constraints and recommend the most appropriate solution.
Who should I contact for support?
For product selection, technical guidance, cleaning support, installation, repairs, samples, site surveys or order enquiries, please use the Contact Us link on this website to reach the Dycem data-center team.
