MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Initial Post-Installation Maintenance

*To allow proper curing of adhesive, you may have to wait up to 7 days after installation to begin post-installation maintenance procedures.  Please consult the adhesive manufacturers for accurate curing times.*

1. Begin cleaning by removing all foreign particles such as soil, debris, sand, dust & grit by traditional means, such as sweeping or dust mopping.  These particles can result in scratching or improper/uneven application of floor finish, should you choose to apply additional layers of floor protection.

2. Using a neutral pH detergent begin to scrub or mop the floor.  Traditional mops may be used and recommended for smaller areas, however the use of a nylon pad on either a rotary machine or automatic scrubber is recommended for larger areas.  Cleaning pads are generally red in color and will pick up more soil than a white buffing pad.

3. Rinse the floor with clean water & permit to dry.  Excess liquids should be wet vacuumed in order to remove the soiled water should a floor be traditionally mopped.  Failure to remove soiled water may result in hazy or streaky floors with uneven sheen.

4. Under no circumstances should the floor ever be flooded with either cleaning solution or rinse water.  Take measures to use as little water as possible as topical moisture can damage an installation.

5. Decoria recommends Taski R50 Neutral Floor Cleaner.  Decoria has also been tested for compatibility with JohnsonDiversey, Hillyard, Franklin & Fuller Brush cleaning products, & we are committed to continue testing compatibility with other suppliers.  Please contact your local dealer/distributor or janitorial supply company for recommendations.  Most retail supermarket brands are not suitable for use with Decoria.

Maintenance Overview

Decoria has three basic maintenance routines that are considered acceptable and will not affect warranty.  Determination of routine suitability will rest with end-user so it is imperative to seek consultation in order to keep the floors looking and performing their best.

1. Damp Mopping
Floor should be swept, vacuumed or dry mopped on a regular basis.  Dirt spots & liquids should be cleaned up as soon as possible with water & a neutral detergent.  Following dry cleaning procedure, damp mop with a neutral detergent followed by rinsing with clean water when the floors has become too dirty for spot cleaning.  This routine is recommended for low traffic & residential floors. 

2. Spray Buffing
After the initial cleaning, apply two light coats of a high-quality acrylic-based commercial floor finish.  Decoria has been tested with numerous makes & models, but recommends Taski Vision Matte to duplicate the factory finish or Taski Vision Star can be used for a glossier sheen.  The floor should then be maintained following the dry cleaning & spot cleaning routines specified above.  Spray buff solution, such as Taski P44, is then applied to the floor following Taski’s recommendations and then buffed using a low-speed rotary machine with a white buffing pad and does not require rinsing.  Decoria has been tested with other spray buff solutions, such as JohnsonDiversey’s Ultraspray, but please consult your local dealer or janitorial supply dealer for equivalent recommendations.  This routine is recommended for all levels of traffic, as it will restore the original sheen of the flooring or floor finish, and is proven to be the most environmentally conscious approach to maintenance. 

3. Full Build-Up
After the initial cleaning, the floor can be coated with a sealer or finish/sealer combination.  Decoria has been tested with numerous makes & models, but recommends the use of Taski Vision Matte or Vision Star.  Typically, 4-6 coats of acrylic-based finish are applied in most applications with full finish build-ups, but more coats of finish may be applied as desired.  Once the finish has cured, as per the finish manufacturer’s instructions, the flooring can be maintained using either the Damp Mopping routine or Spray Buffing routines outlined above.  The finish will have to be stripped & recoated at either precalculated intervals or when it becomes apparent that the finish cannot accept any further wear.  Decoria has also been tested with a polyurethane option from JFB Hart Coatings for longer lasting & thicker protection.  JFB Hart Coatings Glosstek or Mattetek products have also been deemed suitable for use with Decoria & do not require stripping, & can even be used to increase slip resistance properties.  Please inquire for more details.

Preventative Maintenance

1. Encourage the use of protective walk-off mats in any entryways leading from outside to prevent the collection of damaging sand, grit and foreign particles.  It can also help to mitigate staining from construction elements, such as asphalt, that may contribute to staining and discoloration.  Remember that rubber will cause yellowing in any vinyl product, so be sure to avoid rubber-backed mats and stick primarily to latex or vinyl-backed products.

2. Use of a throw rug or mat in front of sinks, tubs and showers help to reduce seepage of topical moisture under the flooring, which may result in the re-emulsification of the adhesive, leading to failure.

3. Installation of floor protectors to the bottom of furniture may help to prevent scratching, scuffing and general marking.  Avoid the use of rubber, and regularly check any pads in order to prevent the lodging of damaging particles such as sand.

4. Trimming your pet’s claws and/or nails will help to prevent scratching and gouging of floor covering.

5. Exposure to excessive sunlight may fade your floors over time.  Decoria recommends taking steps to provide shade for your floors through the use of blinds in order to reduce the appearance of fading.  Floor finishes can also help to reduce fading.

Stripping and Re-Coating

Stripping procedures should only be done when necessary.  Please seek professional assistance.

1.  Blockade the area which needs to be attended to, and apply liberal amounts of properly diluted solution to the floor in a uniform manner.  We recommend Taski’s Radical Floor Stripper for this purpose, or you can consult your local dealer or janitorial supply dealer for recommendations from Hillyard, Franklin, Fuller Brush & others.  Wipe splashes clean with a damp cloth or rag.  Let the solution sit for 5-7 minutes, or follow the manufacturer’s directions for best results when using other products.

2. Using the rotary scrubber or automatic scrubber with scrubbing pad, scrub off the old finish.

3. Pick up all solution with a wet vacuum and wipe remaining liquid clean.

4. Rinse with clean water and allow floor to dry thoroughly.

5. Apply the desired number of coats of a high-quality, acrylic-based commercial floor finish, such as Taski’s Vision Matte.

D.I.Y. Minor Repairs

Should you accidentally scratch, scuff or damage the floor deeply, it may be necessary to replace the tile.  It is for this reason that you should purchase extra tiles when buying your initial quantity, to ensure lot number compatibility.  First mark the tile that you wish to replace, and score it diagonally with a utility knife, taking care not to damage any other tiles.  Afterwards, use a hair dryer 4 inches from the surface to heat the tile from the center outwards, and begin to pry up the tile.  Take care not to touch the tiles, for they should be hot to the touch to ensure maximum pliability and to loosen the adhesive.  If the subfloor is still smooth, apply the new tile, but should it be rough or uneven, remember to use a patching/leveling compound before re-applying adhesive to lay the tile

Special Incidents

• Safety- Wet floors are slippery. Use proper signage and always keep traffic off floors until they are thoroughly dry.
  
  
• The use of high pH cleaners, disinfectants, and strippers may cause permanent damage to any resilient floor covering. Use only neutral pH cleaners between a pH of 7 and 8.5, such as Taski R50 Neutral Floor Cleaner.
  
  
• No flooring product is impervious to every type of chemical, acid, solvent, etc. Remove spills as soon as possible, and rinse clean with warm water.
  
  
• Rubber, oil and petroleum-based products, particularly dark color ones like tires, casters floor mats and asphalt sealers, may contain chemicals that can permanently stain floor coverings.   Please exhibit caution when purchasing rugs & walk-off mats with rubber backings.  Latex & vinyl backings are typically suitable for use over resilient flooring.
  
  
• The use of a proper walk-off mat system can eliminate as much as 80% of the soil being tracked into the building.
  
  
• Always remember to consult and follow the manufacturer’s directions when using floor care products, and test in inconspicuous areas for suitability before applying to the whole floor.