The “VCT” in VCT flooring stands for, “Vinyl Composite Tile.” There’s a fair chance that your commercial facility features VCT flooring and you may not know it, and that’s okay. Without knowing what it is, though, how can you be expected to know anything about VCT floor maintenance?
It’s definitely different from the upkeep that hardwood floors, stone floors, carpeting, and various other flooring types require. It may even differ from the upkeep that other tile flooring types require. Don’t be discouraged! Here are three facts about VCT floor upkeep that you didn’t, but need to, know about:
First, What VCT Flooring Is
VCT flooring is the type of flooring that is very commonly found in commercial and institutional buildings. This is so because it’s low cost, durable even through prolonged, high traffic, and is easy to maintain. VCT flooring can withstand more frequent stripping to meet maintenance demands, and consists of tiles that are easily replaced if and when damaged beyond repair through maintenance efforts.
Fact #1: Three Upkeep Phases
Like many other kinds of flooring, VCT flooring requires three phases of upkeep. The first is daily maintenance, which involves sweeping, dust mopping or vacuuming, and wet mopping. The second phase of upkeep is scrubbing and recoating, which involves removing the topcoat of finish and cleaning the floors of previously unreachable debris and stains, followed by recoating. Depending on the level of foot traffic, this phase can be performed as frequently as monthly, or as occasionally as twice a year. The third phase is restorative maintenance. This phase involves a full stripping, cleaning, and recoating, and should be done once a year.
Fact #2: Protective Matting Is Needed
One of the most critical facts about VCT floor upkeep is more of a preventative measure than a maintenance effort that needs to be performed. What we’re referring to is including the proper entryway matting in your facility’s floor program. Matting is the first line of defense for your VCT flooring, trapping dust, dirt, and other heavy exterior debris and contaminants that are trekked into your facility from outside. Experts recommend matting both the interior and exterior of all entryways with about 15 feet of matting, making it so that people take eight to ten steps on matting both as they arrive from the exterior and enter the interior.
Fact #3: Climate Affects Upkeep Safety Measures
Because phase one of VCT floor upkeep involves daily maintenance efforts, it’s likely that some or all of your VCT flooring will be wet at some point every day. Due to the materials used and manufacturing process of VCT, temperature and humidity have a serious impact on the time required for VCT flooring to dry, and when it’s not completely dry, it can be very slippery! Pay close attention to the indoor and outdoor climates when performing upkeep so that your floors don’t present any slipping hazards for guests!
