Commercial resilient flooring: how to maintain it at its best.With the higher standards mandated for today's commercial facilities, using long-lasting products that work well and ultimately save time and money is more important than ever. Exceptional durability and ease of maintenance are in demand. The basic benefits of resilient flooring combined with the latest advances and improvements to this flooring category have kept it a popular flooring choice for commercial applications. The Resilient Floor Covering Institute The Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) is a U.S. industry trade group representing manufacturers of resilient flooring, primarily made of vinyl. It is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. (RFCI RFCI Resilient Floor Covering Institute RFCI Rare Fruit Council International RFCI Radio Frequency Conducted Interference ) offers the following tips on how to keep your resilient floor looking brand new. Initial Cleaning of a Newly Installed Resilient Moor Allow adhesive to dry at least 48 hours after installation before cleaning or waxing the floor. This will give the adhesives time to bond properly and help ensure the long life of the floor. After this waiting period, damp-mop with a diluted mild floor cleaner and rinse with clean water to remove any smudges or residue left over from installation. Each manufacturer will be able to recommend specific products that will best clean the various types of flooring. Regular Maintenance These suggestions will help maintain and protect resilient flooring in commercial applications, whether it's tile or sheet. In general, vinyl composition tile Vinyl composition tile (VCT) is a finished flooring material used primarily in commercial and institutional applications. [1] Vinyl tiles are composed of colored vinyl chips formed into solid sheets of varying thicknesses (1/8” is most common) by heat and pressure and inlaid in·laid v. Past tense and past participle of inlay. adj. 1. Set into a surface in a decorative pattern: a mahogany dresser with an inlaid teak design. 2. commercial sheet vinyl, which are recommended for heavier use, require somewhat heavier maintenance. Whereas flooring recommended for lighter commercial applications, which frequently has a no-wax finish, requires lighter maintenance. Keeping it Clean In either ease, accumulated dirt and grit, with their abrasive qualities, can scratch resilient flooring or cause it to lose its shine. It's a good idea to frequently vacuum, sweep or dust the floor with an untreated mop to remove loose dirt and grit and protect the floor. Damp-mop regularly with a diluted solution of manufacturer's cleaner and water, following all label instructions. Keep in mind that the color of the flooring will also influence the frequency of cleaning; a light, solid-colored floor shows dirt accumulation faster than a dark, flecked fleck n. 1. A tiny mark or spot: flecks of mica in the rock. 2. A small bit or flake: flecks of foam; a fleck of dandruff. tr.v. pattern. Polishing the Floor No-wax floors require minimal but regular maintenance. Floor polish is generally not required, however, it will provide added protection in areas of heavy traffic. If it becomes necessary to refurbish re·fur·bish tr.v. re·fur·bished, re·fur·bish·ing, re·fur·bish·es To make clean, bright, or fresh again; renovate. re·fur or restore the gloss, use the following regular maintenance procedures recommended for heavy-traffic floors. Maintenance of heavy-traffic floors involves cleaning and rinsing the floor thoroughly. Allow to dry and apply two to five coats of floor polish. Spray buff with a floor machine occasionally to restore the gloss; a diluted solution of floor polish and water can be used for this operation. After repeated spray buffing buffing striking the posteromedial aspect of a front hoof with the opposite hoof of the pair. A perfect situation for applying a buffing boot. buffing boot see brush boot. , additional coats of polish should be applied. Periodic Maintenance Once or twice a year as needed as needed prn. See prn order. , strip the floor polish to avoid build-up build·up also build-up n. 1. The act or process of amassing or increasing: a military buildup; a buildup of tension during the strike. 2. . Use a floor machine and a liquid stripping solution, following all label instructions. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the residual polish and stripping solution. Rinse the floor thoroughly with a clean mop, changing water frequently: allow to dry. Re-apply two to five coats of floor polish. The key to proper maintenance is to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer of the floor and to use the cleaning products each manufacturer recommends. Preventive Maintenance The routine checking of hardware that is performed by a field engineer on a regularly scheduled basis. See remedial maintenance. preventive maintenance - (PM) To bring down a machine for inspection or test purposes. See provocative maintenance, scratch monkey. Taking a few simple preventive measures will help prolong the life of all resilient flooring. Avoid moving or sliding heavy furniture over an unprotected floor. Make sure the proper casters casters the small rubber wheels on surgical trolleys, patient stretchers, mobile equipment. conductive casters the casters are impregnated with carbon to facilitate the dispersal of static electricity from equipment. , rests and glides are in place on the bottom of all furniture; the wider the better. Put down plywood or hardwood in order to roll or "walk" the furniture across the floor. Placing mats at all entrances to a facility can help prevent gravel, tar and other abrasive or staining substances from being tracked onto the flooring. Resilient flooring is one of the most durable flooring types available. Following these general guidelines and the manufacturer's specific maintenance and care directions will help keep a resilient floor looking new. This flooring choice eases the time and thought involved in maintaining a commercial facility at today's higher standards. |
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