Residential Resinous Flooring Use & Care Maintenance Guide
The Tailored Closet & PremierGarage resinous and epoxy / flake floors are high performance resinous flooring systems that offer unique design options while maintaining a durable and chemical / abrasion resistant finish. However, it is important to note that no resinous flooring material is self-cleaning or stain resistant. Regular and routine maintenance of PremierGarage resinous flooring is required to assure that the coating system will continue to provide the service for which it was intended. The following information will help maintain the beauty and performance characteristics of your flooring for many years.
Dirt and Grime
Given that dirt and grime remain on the surface, they tend to act as abrasives which can eventually mark the finish in heavy traffic environments. As such, it is important that PremierGarage floors be properly maintained on a regular basis to remove excess dirt, grime, and abrasives. Using a leaf blower to remove abrasives from the floor surface is the recommended means of dry maintenance performed weekly or more frequently as needed.
Cleaning Agents
Do not use actual soap such as Dawn or high foaming cleaning agents because they will create a film that can be difficult to remove with rinsing. A film left behind after cleaning causes two issues:
· The film will become slippery when wet, and
· This film attracts dirt and debris which causes the floor to look unclean soon after it has been washed. Floor stripping agents, citrus-based cleaners and corrosive chemical degreasers are not recommended as they can damage a floor if they are applied and left to sit for an extended period. A simple mixture of a pH neutral cleaner (e.g., Simple Green®) diluted is recommended for regular maintenance.
A mild dilution of an industrial degreaser can also be used for heavier soiling at the manufacturer’s recommended dilution rates.
Flooring Maintenance Tools
· Mops – If you have traction additives or a rougher surface such as a quartz floor, be sure to use a rayon mop instead of a cotton one. Rayon mops use synthetic fibers which are less likely to get hung up on the surface and leave fiber residue.
· Soft-Bristled Brush – For more difficult to remove stains, a soft bristled brush may be used to agitate dirt and debris. Be sure to use a brush with soft bristles as hard bristles may mark the surface over time.
· Foam Squeegee – Use a foam squeegee after you mop to remove any excess water. Water left on the surface of the material can become a slip/ fall hazard.
· Bucket - A 10 Liter standard mop bucket with a wringer can be used to distribute the pH neutral cleaner or rinse water.
· Wet-Vacuum – A Wet-Vac can be used for removing excess water after rinsing.
· Dry Mop – A mop that is dry or lightly damp can be used for periodic dust removal.
· Floor Scrubber – For larger floors it may be necessary for a commercial floor scrubber to be used to clean properly in a more time effective manner. Note: Blue scrubbing pads should be the most aggressive pads used during this process.
· Powered Pressure Washer – High pressured water can also be used on applications where there is an area for the water to evacuate. Pressure washers over 1800psi and pressure washer tips below 45 degrees are not recommended. Pressure must not exceed 5.5 MPa at nozzle. Please check with your local regulations to help determine which type of cleaning solutions can be used in these types of applications.
Residential Cleaning Process
1. Sweep the entire floor to remove any loose dirt and grime with a dry mop and/or soft bristled broom. Although PremierGarage resinous floors cannot be penetrated, these substances can act as abrasives. If they are not regularly removed, over time they can wear or mar the floor.
2. For everyday use, mix 6-8 ounces of Simple Green® per gallon of warm water. Mixing ratios may vary for heavier soiled applications (please reference Simple Green Mixing Guide for more specific information).
3. Apply cleaning agent with a squeegee or rayon mop and let stand for a few minutes so it can react with the surface and emulsify any soil.
4. Thoroughly mop surface with wet mop to remove any stains. For heavy soiled areas, a soft bristled brush may also be used to scrub and agitate the surface.
5. Rinse the floor with clean water and use wet vacuum or squeegee to remove the excess water. A second rinsing is also recommended to ensure that no residue is left behind. Proper attention must be paid to removing the resultant emulsion of the cleaning solution and soil.
6. Once dirty water has been removed, the floor must be allowed to dry prior to returning to service.
7. If using high pressured water, pressure must not exceed 5.5 MPa at nozzle.
8. Dispose of contaminated water while paying special attention to local regulations governing the introduction of certain chemicals into surface water drains and sewer systems.
9. Avoid the use of strong solvents, especially hydro-carbon type solvents.
Inspections
PremierGarage resinous flooring systems are highly durable but if subjected to extreme and (or) repetitive abrasive conditions can cause wear or other physical damage to occur. Periodic inspections will provide a basis for the proper maintenance work to be performed to assure a long-life expectancy of the floor coating system. The following is a suggested maintenance / inspection schedule.
Inspection Schedule
· Weekly – Physical inspections should be done in harsh environments in which the resinous flooring system is exposed to excessive wear or traffic.
· Monthly – Physical inspections should be done in environments which have normal traffic to determine if there are any areas of excessive wear or physical damage to the coating.
· Semi-annually – Make a thorough physical inspection.
Inspection Steps
1. Inspect the sealant in joints for proper adhesion. Also determine if there are any cohesive failures or physical damage to the sealant from traffic.
2. Inspect the joints for evidence of leaks where possible.
3. Inspect areas where there are beams or columns for evidence of stress cracking or excessive movement.
4. Inspect the entire structure’s movement joints for cracks which show evidence of a difference in plane of the materials.
Snow Removal/Ice Control
· The use of metal blades should always be avoided to prevent physical damage to the coating system.
· Snow blowers (with rubber blades) and snow brooms are recommended, as opposed to heavy snow removal equipment.
· Ice should be removed with chemical de-icing materials. Avoid de-icing salts if possible.
· Magnesium or Calcium chloride products are the recommended de-icing agents for use on PremierGarage resinous flooring systems.
Coating Repairs
Please contact PremierGarage or your PremierGarage designer should any repairs be necessary to have the work performed by a manufacturer approved / authorized installer. Any attempts to repair a PremierGarage resinous flooring system by persons other than an approved / authorized installer may void the warranty as stated in the PremierGarage Residential Flooring Warranty found in your signed contract.
In addition to these general maintenance and cleaning procedures, it should be noted that spills of petroleum distillates, hydrocarbon type solvents, lighter fluid, oil, gas, automotive fluids, and alcohols be cleaned up as soon as possible. Wet metal cans or objects should not be allowed to remain of the floor coating for extended periods of time as this may cause irreparable staining on the surface. Also, hot coals from charcoal grills or objects exceeding 180 degrees Fahrenheit must not be allowed to remain on the coating for prolonged periods of time to prevent burns, discoloration or marring of the finish.
Following this maintenance guide will ensure the beauty, durability, and performance of your floor for many years to come. Should you have additional questions regarding the use, care or maintenance of your resinous flooring system feel free to contact our team at 703.707.0009.