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Client Overview:

• Facility Type: High School

• Location: Burlington, Wisconsin

• Building Age: 100 years

 

Problem: High School, located in a 100-year-old building, faced significant challenges with its flooring:

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• VCT Floors: Located in the basement, these floors had accumulated layers of wax which trapped moisture, leading to severe discoloration and buckling of the vinyl composition tiles (VCT).

• Terrazzo Floors: These floors, although durable, needed rejuvenation to meet modern standards for appearance and safety.

 

Key Challenges:

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• The building lacked an elevator, prohibiting the use of heavy equipment like propane burnishers and auto-scrubbers.

• Traditional flooring maintenance was not addressing the underlying moisture issues or enhancing the floors' aesthetic and functional qualities.

 

Solution Implemented by Interior Environmental Management (IEM):

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1. Assessment and Planning:

   • Initial inspection revealed the extent of wax buildup and moisture issues.

2. Wax Removal:

   • IEM employed traditional stripping methods to remove the old wax from the VCT floors, ensuring all residues were eliminated to prevent future moisture entrapment.

3. Cleaning:

   • The floors were thoroughly cleaned using Split Restorative Cleaner, which effectively prepares surfaces for subsequent treatments without leaving harmful residues.

4. Surface Restoration:

   • Proprietary 3-step Diamond Pad Process: This process involved using diamond-impregnated pads to polish and hone the VCT tiles, restoring their original luster.

   • MINERAL ARMOR REJUVENATOR: Applied using a side-by-side machine, this rejuvenator helped in restoring the floor's appearance while preparing it for the protective coating.

5. Application of MINERAL ARMOR PROTECTOR:

   • Coating Application: Four coats of MINERAL ARMOR PROTECTOR were applied with a microfiber flat mop. This ceramic coating was chosen for its durability, ability to allow moisture vapor transmission, and its enhancement of the floor's appearance.

   • Application Method: Each coat was applied with a microfiber flat mop, with a drying time of 20 minutes between coats. This method was selected for its efficiency in the absence of mechanical applicators.

6. Post-Application Care:

   • Maintenance: The floors are now maintained by mopping with a solution of MINERAL ARMOR REJUVENATOR. This maintenance routine helps in sustaining the floor's condition, preventing organic growth, and maintaining slip resistance.

 

Results:

• Moisture Management: The new coating system allows moisture to pass through, preventing future buckling and discoloration.