Expert: Stephen Hayes - 11/22/2011

Question
Hello,
Here's the scenario: An elementary school basketball gym has an existing VCT floor applied over concrete.  The floor is old and worn but sound and not coming apart or de-laminating.  The problem is that it is very slippery and attracts dust.  Maintenance is difficult due to constant traffic.  There is a forced air HVAC system which probably adds to the problem as it appears that the vinyl attracts the dust.
Several volunteers that are in the trades are exploring possibilities of improving the surface.  We have looked into anti-static cleaning products, permanent coatings and interlocking tiles.
One method that we would like advice on is applying a coating directly over the existing surface that is non slip and suitable for basketball, soccer and gym class.  Preferably something that could be applied with a lambs wool or roller and subsequently can have lines painted for the sports.
Any advice on the above or any anti-static cleaning products would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Fred

Answer
Hi Fred;Thanks for your question.  My suggestion would be to obtain the name of the EXACT manufacturer of the VCT, 'google' their name and visit their website on which you should find contact information, which is usually an 800#.  Call it and speak with their technical services department to see what products they suggest, because the factory finish, which also leaches into the tile, many not be compatable with products that you may be thinking of using.  If a non-slip coating is available, it may not stick to the surface of the VCT.  You should also contact the manufacturer(s) of the maintenance products you have been using on the
VCT, to see if any non-slip coating is compatable with the cleaning products you have been using.  The residues left from those cleaning agents will be still on the VCT, and may cause the same problem as I indicated above.  That holds true for any new cleaning agents you may be considering using on the VCT, such as the anti-static types.  You also need to find out the same type of information for the application of any paint used for sport lines.  If not compatable with the surfaces of your existing VCT, any topical applications could simply peel off the surface of the VCT.  If there are any gaps between tiles, no matter how minute they are, applications of anything, including cleaning agents, can seep between tiles and leach up to the surface, causing topical applications of anything to fail and peel off.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to get back to me.


Cordially,

John Michaels