Hard Floor Maintenance
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| Hard floors include a wide variety of
different types of surfaces from both man-made and natural origins. Concrete is probably
the most commonly used hard floor surface. Terrazzo, marble, natural stone, clay, ceramic
tile, and brick flooring are valuable members of the hard floor surface family as well.
Although this article is not exhaustive it is our intent to provide helpful information on
the major hard floor.
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A SAVING TECHNIQUE
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When cleaning tile, terrazzo, or marble, employ a
preliminary rinse before using any cleaning solution. This simple operation consists
merely of dampening the surface with soft water using a mop, a sprayer, or a sprinkling
can before applying the scrubbing solution. The clean water is absorbed by the pores of
the floor and consequently prevents the deep absorption of the cleaning compound. By using
the preliminary rinse, the yellowing of hard floors due to residues may easily be avoided.
It should be pointed out that the preliminary rinse
does not cost any money because it enables faster scrubbing. It permits the cleaning to be
done easily and more completely. It cuts down on the amount of cleaner needed and saves
the floor surface. It is strongly recommended as a regular practice on hard floors.
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CONCRETE FLOORS
Plain concrete flooring is unattractive in
appearance and very drab if left untreated. If the floor has not been sealed, dirt, oil
and grease can easily penetrate and discolor the surface. Before applying any seal it is
extremely important that the floor is cleaned, etched if needed, and dry. The particular
sealer to be used for concrete will depend on the job to be done and the desires of the
customer. All American
is the best option interior
for concrete floors. |
TERRAZZO FLOORS
Terrazzo floors have been in existence for a very
long time, with several floors in the Mediterranean area that are more than 3,000 years
old. Terrazzo floors are not resistant to acids due to the high content of marble. Some
harsh alkaline solutions will also do considerable damage to an unsealed terrazzo floor.
It is generally agreed that the best seal for terrazzo will be waterbased and light in
color. Defiant and All American are water-based coatings that leaves a tough,
traffic-resistant surface. When multiple coats are applied, All American serves very well
as both a sealer and a finish coat. It dries quickly without strong odors. It is colorless
so it will not darken even the lightest colored floors. When it is necessary to remove the
product, it will not require the harsh, strong alkaline strippers that could lead to
damage of the surface. Super Automated Stripper is very adequate and safe for this type of
floor. |
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CLAY AND CERAMIC TILE
FLOORS
Clay tiles include all types of floor tile having a
basic clay composition, which ranges from cheap quarry to the more expensive vitreous or
semi-vitreous tiles. They are either glazed, having a glossy surface fused upon their
face, or they are unglazed with a duller appearance.
Quarry and other types of clay tile require little
in the way of routine maintenance and are comparatively easy to keep clean. Many floors
are maintained with a neutral detergent such as Blue Lighting.
Perhaps one of the most common cleaning problems is
the removal of hard water deposits and soap scum from washroom and shower floors. Both the
deposits left by hard water and soap scum are alkaline; due to the lime content, they
cannot be removed wilt normal types of detergents. This soil can, however, be removed with
a mild acid solution such as LAV GLO. The solution should be allowed to act for a few
minutes and the floor scrubbed, if necessary, with a nylon or polyester floor pad (brushes
work best for grouted floors). After treatment, the acid solution should then be
thoroughly rinsed from the floor with clean water.
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BRICK FLOORING
Brick flooring usually consists of clay, either
vitreous or semi- vitreous. Sand, lime, and concrete bricks can also be used for flooring.
Normal maintenance should be carried out by sweeping, followed by washing with a solution
of neutral detergent, such as Blue Lightning. Sealing is not generally recommended
for brick floors, however, if a sealer is desired for the grout two coats of a water-based
acrylic seal such as would perform well.
Aquathane HP |
NATURAL STONE FLOORS
Marble, granite and limestone are the most common
floor and tile types that you will encounter. However, there are other stone types that
you may encounter. In most situations it should not be necessary to seal natural stone
floors. However, it is recognized that in some circumstances a seal may be desired to
protect the cement or grout and occasionally to add gloss to the surface. If the floor is
subject to heavy traffic it may require resurfacing on a stringent maintenance schedule.
For these occasions, a water-based, acrylic type seal that is water-white in color while
possessing non-yellowing characteristics should be selected.
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SLATE
Slate can be found both indoors and out. Slate can
be a problem since it contains high clay content and will often flake, spall and easily
develop efflorescence. This is especially true in wet areas. Slate is best treated with a
high quality finish such as Granite |
SANDSTONE
Sandstone is a sedimentary material that consists
of sand crystals cemented together with natural clays. Sandstone is very porous and should
be sealed with a penetrating seal such as
Granite. |
QUARTZITE
Quartzite is also a rare flooring material but is
gaining in popularity. It is classified as sandstone. For this reason if exhibits all the
properties discussed under the sandstone category. |
SHELLSTONE or COQUINA
Shell stone or Coquina is limestone composed of
broken fragments of shells and corals. It is a sedimentary material and is very porous.
Its shell or cord fragments easily identify it. It is a very abrasive stone and should not
be resurfaced. |
FLAGSTONE / BLUESTONE
Flagstone is a term given to almost all stone
material cut into thin, irregular shapes. It is found extensively on sidewalks, foyer
entrances and Pool decks. Flagstone should be cleaned and sealed with a penetrating
sealer; such as
Granite. |
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ONYX
Onyx is a type of marble. It is very expensive and
can be found on tabletops and small pieces of furniture. It can be treated just like
marble while possessing a high shine.
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SOAPSTONE
Soapstone is one of the softest materials, which is
composed of the mineral talc. For this reason it makes an excellent carving material and
can be found on fireplace surrounds and hearths. It is treated like marble.
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