1. Learning Objectives
This presentation will explain:
Maintenance differences between polished concrete and other flooring.
Definition of floor maintenance.
Why perform floor maintenance.
Floor Maintenance Life Cycle
Maintenance Program Development
Maintenance Tasks

2. Polished Concrete vs. Other Flooring
Polished Concrete is extremely low maintenance when properly installed.
Maintenance compared to VCT
VCT
Initial Finishing
Dry Debris Removal
Wet Cleaning
Buffing/Burnishing
Top Scrubbing and Refinishing
Stripping and Finishing
Polished Concrete
Installation
Dry Debris Removal
Wet Cleaning
Burnishing
Restoration

3. Polished Concrete vs. Other Flooring
VCT goes through an extreme aesthetic roller coaster ride.
Soft finishes require frequent buffing/burnishing and hard finishes scratch easier and are hard to repair by buffing or burnishing.
Floor finish requires continuous maintenance - buffing or burnishing, applications of floor finish and labor.
Polished Concrete does not go through this roller coaster because of its ability to resist scratching and damage.
It requires significantly less burnishing to maintain its appearance
and significant life before needing to go through a restoration process.
Top scrubbing and refinishing is not required with polished concrete.
Stripping and refinishing is also not required with polished concrete.
Years can go by before restorative maintenance is required.

4. Definition and Why of Maintenance
The elimination or reduction of soil in a building.
Protection of the Floor
Reduction of Restorative Procedures
Cleanliness and Health
Improve Appearance and
Provide a Safe Surface to Walk

5. Definition and Why of Maintenance
What is the purpose of hard floor maintenance?
To remove tiny particles of dirt, grit and sand continually attack and wear away the surface.
Nothing Lasts Forever

6. What are we removing? Enemy #1 - SOIL
Soil Types
Dust
Dirt
Clay
Grit
Sand
Soil Binders
Petroleum
Grease and Oil
Animal Fat and Oil
Sugar
Over Use of Detergents

7. Degrees of Soil General Soil Spots and Spills Superficial Soiling
Light
Soiling
Moderate
Soiling

8. Oil, Grease and Fat Soiling
Degrees of Soiling
Tough Soil
Heavy
Soiling
Oil, Grease and Fat Soiling
Embedded Soiling

9. Floor Maintenance Life Cycle Restorative Maintenance
Installation
Routine Maintenance
Routine Maintenance
Restorative Maintenance
Periodic Maintenance
Periodic Maintenance
Routine Maintenance
Routine Maintenance
Periodic Maintenance

10. STEP 1 Program Development
Maintenance Starts with the Installation
The more a surface has been refined the more durable it will be and require less periodic and restorative maintenance. Notice the irregular peaks and valleys of the surface. These peaks are easily worn and broken off.

11. STEP 1 – Program Development
The above profile has peaks and valleys that are smaller, closer together and more consistent. The result is a surface that is more resistant wear.

12. STEP 1 - Program Development
Who puts these programs together?
Janitorial Companies
In House Providers
Maintenance Specialists

13. STEP 1 - Program Development
Program Components
Chemicals
Equipment, Tools and Materials
Labor Requirements
Establish Program
Objective
Expectation
Environment
Office
Industrial
Health
Hospital
Retail
Education
Transportation
Food Service
Soil Types of the Environment
Congestion
People
Furniture
Décor
Matting
Time Factors
Budgets
Determine System - Based on above factors.
Service Procedures – Based on above factors.
Frequencies of Service – Based on above factors.

14. STEP 1 - Program Development
Every maintenance task performed and how well the task is performed delays the need for tasks that follow. 
For example:
if entrance mats are not used and maintained more dirt will enter the facility resulting in additional dry debris removal and labor to remove that dry debris.
if adequate dry debris removal is not performed it will be harder and require more labor to remove the dry debris when wet cleaning.
if adequate wet cleaning is not performed soils will be left on the floor wearing the surface quicker and result in premature periodic maintenance.

15. STEP 2 – Defense The Matting System Scrapper Grid/Mat
Removes Heavy Soil
Grass Mat
Absorbs Moisture
Fiber Mat
Trap & Absorbs Dirt
Length/Reduction %
5 Feet = 33%
10 Feet = 52%
20 Feet = 86%
25 Feet = 100%

16. STEP 3 – Dry Soil Removal - Routine
Matting Systems
Vacuum Daily
Dry When Wet
Routinely Launder
Replace When Worn Out
STEP 2
Remove Dry Soil
Vacuum - Recommended
Micro Fiber Mops
Dust Mop
Cloth Systems

17. STEP 4 – Spots and Spills - Routine
Cordon Off Area
Spot Mop Immediately
Dry with Fan
NOTE – DO NOT use cleaners that are
acidic or contain oil.

18. STEP 5 – Wet Cleaning - Routine
Auto Scrubber – Recommended
Red Nylon Pad
Soft Non Abrasive Brushes
Micro Fiber Mops
String Mop – Not recommended.
NOTE – Use a neutral cleaner without
consulting the manufacturer of the
flooring system.

19. STEP 6 - Periodic Periodic – Burnishing
As determined in Step 1, Program Development when gloss values drops below the predetermined value burnish the floor with a burnisher spinning not less than 1,500 RPM. Test diamond sprayed nylon pad before use to determine the required performance.
Propane – Recommended
Battery
Electric
NOTE – DO NOT BURNISH FLOOR UNLESS
STEPS 3, 4 and 5 HAVE BEEN PERFORMED
IMMEDIATELY BEFORE BURNISHING.

20. STEP 7 – Restorative Performed by specialized service providers to
bring the floor back to like new condition.
Restorative – Honing and/or Polishing
When gloss values drops below the predetermined value
and periodic maintenance does not return the floor back to its required gloss
restorative maintenance is required.
Step 1 – Determine what abrasive must be used to remove damage
from the floor.
Step 2 – If there is color, determine at what step color should be reapplied.
Step 3 – Re densify the surface.
Step 4 – Work through abrasives in a consecutive order until the desired gloss values have been
achieved. Gloss values should be taken before any protective chemicals are applied.
Step 5 – After inspection and correction of the surface for scratches and needed repairs apply protective chemical as required.

21. Ensuring a Successful Program
The best chemistry and equipment available cannot be successful with an unskilled technician.
The best technician in the world cannot be successful using inferior chemistry and equipment.
Successful programs require trained and skilled technicians and managers.

22. AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS CONTINUING EDUCATION SYSTEMS PROGRAM
THIS CONCLUDES THE
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS
CONTINUING EDUCATION SYSTEMS PROGRAM