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VCT tile now done. Looks great!

WolverineCoatings

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Oct 22, 2007
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833
Location
Spartanburg, SC
These floors ARE VERY SLIPPERY WHEN WET. I would not take a chance using these if you're planning on washing your cars on them.

My tile has been down over a year (I've attached pics above), and when I wash my cars in the driveway and walk into the garage, just having a little bit of water on the soles makes it very slippery. I've lost traction a few times. My 3.5 year old daughter has fallen once already and learned her lesson. I don't let my wife park in the garage because of the slippery floor (at least that's what I telll her).

I just wouldn't take a chance... unless a sealer could be put on that wouldn't make it as slippery.

We make a product to increase the Coefficient of Friction on the flooring... It's basically a high friction Floor Polish... It's called AuraShine 3511
 
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ScaldedDog

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Jan 15, 2008
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Sedalia, CO/NSB, FL
We make a product to increase the Coefficient of Friction on the flooring... It's basically a high friction Floor Polish... It's called AuraShine 3511

Googling AuraShine 3511 yielded only one result, and that was another one of your posts. So, tell us more about this product, and how it would work on VCT tile.

Thanks!

Mark
 

HiHoSilver

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Mar 8, 2008
Messages
217
Location
Eleanor, WV
Googling AuraShine 3511 yielded only one result, and that was another one of your posts. So, tell us more about this product, and how it would work on VCT tile.

Thanks!

Mark



also is ths available at a Home center. if not, which companies supply Aurashine?

Thanks!!!!
 

HiHoSilver

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Mar 8, 2008
Messages
217
Location
Eleanor, WV
HD called today, tiles are in...picking up tomorrow...I am a little worried...they are 7 days early....:headscrat my past experience with special order HD is delivery date +7 days.....wonder if the housing slump has anything to do with the tile coming in early...

Just read a thread about VCT failure....now I am wondering if I made the right choice....I think so, may require a little extra effort to not damage tile...I shoud have a few extra that I will place under jacks, tires extra,
I actually use several old tiles and sand to level my car while setting camber for an autocross.
 
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J

Jason B

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Apr 16, 2007
Messages
353
Location
PA
Just read a thread about VCT failure....now I am wondering if I made the right choice....I think so, may require a little extra effort to not damage tile...QUOTE]

I don't think you need to worry. If it was a problem, you'd see many more posts about it. Out of the hundreds of posts on here, this isn't something you see.
 

kwright

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Jan 11, 2006
Messages
122
Location
West Michigan
I do have a question or two about installing tiles:

1. Wondering how the tiles are positioned in relationship to the overhead doors. From what I can tell from the photos, it appears the tiles start just *inside* of where the doors meets the floor. I'm basing this on the vertical door tracks and their relationship to the tiles. I could be wrong about this though, that's why asking for clarification.

2. Knowing the concern with having a full-size tile row at the front (door) side of the garage - which I agree with - curious as to what, if anything was done to establish a pattern from left to right, when facing the garage opening from the overhead doors. I would guess that a line was stuck down the middle of the garage (left to right) or in the middle of the large door. In any event, did you think though the pattern layout in terms of which side of the starter line you began with the white or black pattern so the finished pattern came out a certain way? This may not make any difference in most installs, just curious.
 
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Jason B

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Apr 16, 2007
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353
Location
PA
1. I wanted the tile to be centered on the bigger 2 car garage door on the left, and I wanted to have a full tile when the garage door was opened in that area.

garage_tile_doors.jpg


So, I started from the opening of the garage door itself, and centered it there. It just looked better to me to have a full tile when the garage door is opened. Some start at the front, and then have a half tile or smaller by the garage door. I did not want that.

2. Yes, line was struck down the middle, left to right. No, I didn't think the pattern layout through. I just started laying black & white tiles, and not sure which color I started with :)

***ALSO, instead of laying the tiles, 1x1, I layed them 2x2, and put 4 black tiles together, then 4 white tiles together. The BIGGER squares look nicer I think.
 

Mac Attack

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Apr 2, 2007
Messages
34
I do have a question or two about installing tiles:

1. Wondering how the tiles are positioned in relationship to the overhead doors. From what I can tell from the photos, it appears the tiles start just *inside* of where the doors meets the floor. I'm basing this on the vertical door tracks and their relationship to the tiles. I could be wrong about this though, that's why asking for clarification.

2. Knowing the concern with having a full-size tile row at the front (door) side of the garage - which I agree with - curious as to what, if anything was done to establish a pattern from left to right, when facing the garage opening from the overhead doors. I would guess that a line was stuck down the middle of the garage (left to right) or in the middle of the large door. In any event, did you think though the pattern layout in terms of which side of the starter line you began with the white or black pattern so the finished pattern came out a certain way? This may not make any difference in most installs, just curious.

1) I left about an inch between the inside of my door and the start of the tiles since you'll need a little space to lay down a transition strip.

2) I snapped a chalk line parallel to the garage door since I wanted the tiles straight in relationship to the door. Since I was doing a diamond pattern with 2' squares (I liked the bigger blocks like Jason), I started in the corner (leaving a little gap between the tile and the side walls), and laid the tiles on my chalk line. There's about 1/2" gap between tiles and my walls, but it's hard to tell since it's painted black.

Before starting, I was really nervous about screwing it up. You need to make sure your chalk line is perfectly straight, and that your first row of tiles is perfect. After that, it's a snap to finish.

BTW, I don't have full tiles along my garage door since they were cut to do the diamond pattern. They look exactly the same as I laid them over 1.5 years ago with daily use. This is the only picture I have near the door, let me know if you would like a close-up.

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Mac Attack

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Apr 2, 2007
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Thanks,

The pictures I keep recycling are from when it was just finished! While my garage has stayed relatively clutter-free over the 1.5 years, I have some **** along that wall/corner now. Oh, well.

I have to admit, I don't keep the floor as clean as I should, although I frequently sweep it out. Family and neighbors already think I'm nuts.

I just got some floor stripper and another gallon of polish. I need a membership to Sams or Costco to get the polish you had posted earlier. What I would really like to have is a buffer :)
 

kwright

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Jan 11, 2006
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122
Location
West Michigan
If possible, a close up of where the tile & overhead door meet would be helpful. Particularly near the door tracks.

Thanks for both replies, most helpful.
 

Mac Attack

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Apr 2, 2007
Messages
34
If possible, a close up of where the tile & overhead door meet would be helpful. Particularly near the door tracks.

Thanks for both replies, most helpful.

Sorry, these are a little dark....

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kwright

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Jan 11, 2006
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122
Location
West Michigan
Photos are just fine, they give me what I need. Thanks for the effort and taking the time to take and post the photos. It's appreciated...
 

Silver Bullet

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Dec 25, 2007
Messages
47
Location
Long Island, NY
VCT guys........getting ready to start mine this week. I've read most of the details but one more question. How soon after laying the tiles do you need to use the 100 lb roller? I know the adhesive sets up in about 20-30 mins and theres a window of a few hours to put the tiles down but how long do you have to roll over the finished floor? I'm doing my floor in 2 stages so I'm thinking if I rent the roller at the end of day 1 and roll the first half, then I'll still have it for the end of day 2 within the 24 hour rental.
 
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HiHoSilver

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Mar 8, 2008
Messages
217
Location
Eleanor, WV
VCT guys........getting ready to start mine this week. I've read most of the details but one more question. How soon after laying the tiles do you need to use the 100 lb roller? I know the adhesive sets up in about 20-30 mins and theres a window of a few hours to put the tiles down but how long do you have to roll over the finished floor? I'm doing my floor in 2 stages so I'm thinking if I rent the roller at the end of day 1 and roll the first half, then I'll still have it for the end of day 2 within the 24 hour rental.

I would not wait to long, I rolled mine about a third of the garage at a time, I could actually hear the air being pushed out from under the tile, the helps insure that the tile has a good contact patch with the adhesive. then after complete installation, I went over the floor again for good measure....the directions on the S-750 glue does not state how long after laying tile...:headscrat

if you are doing a typical 2 car garage, it should just take a few hours, It took my wife and I about 8 hours to install once floor was cleaned. Here, if you rent equipment on Saturday morning, it is not due back until monday morning, get 2 days for the price of one.

be sue to post picks:thumbup:
 

Silver Bullet

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Dec 25, 2007
Messages
47
Location
Long Island, NY
Thanks HiHoSilver. I did the first half today and it went pretty well. No pics yet (waiting until done). How long after installing did you guys put on a coat of wax? The instructions say to wait 5 days before wet mopping. I was planning to just put a coat of the all in one mop on wax but do you think I need to wait 5 days for that? I want to put on at least 1 coat of wax before I move stuff back in.
 

HiHoSilver

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Mar 8, 2008
Messages
217
Location
Eleanor, WV
Thanks HiHoSilver. I did the first half today and it went pretty well. No pics yet (waiting until done). How long after installing did you guys put on a coat of wax? The instructions say to wait 5 days before wet mopping. I was planning to just put a coat of the all in one mop on wax but do you think I need to wait 5 days for that? I want to put on at least 1 coat of wax before I move stuff back in.


Silver Bullet.....Ive been out....I waxed my floor the day after, put on 2 coats, no problems.

I sure you have done what you needed to do already....you should be fine.


don't forget to post pics:thumbup:
 
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Chuck W.

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Nov 19, 2007
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92
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Agoura Hills (Los Angeles) California
Well, it's been 8 months since I put the VCT floor in. I rented a high-speed polisher and used a little polish on the floor. Bottom line is, I would do it again. There are some brown spots on the white tiles from the tires, but it's a garage.
P1050229.jpg
 
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kartracer23

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Aug 7, 2008
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Location
New Castle, IN
Very nice!

I'm trying to figure out how to polish my floor (when it goes down in a couple of weeks). I've got a Porter Cable RO I use on my truck, but not sure what pads to use. Do they make special polishing pads for floors that would fit on my PC backing plate? I'm thinking that you'd have to use something stiffer than a foam pad that you would use on a car simply from a durability aspect and catching it on the edges of tile.
 

Chuck W.

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Nov 19, 2007
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92
Location
Agoura Hills (Los Angeles) California
In my opinion after sealing it and waxing it with a mop 3 times, you HAVE to rent a high speed buffer. It is a must. $45 for an hour or so of labor and the results are amazing. You will use a Hogs Hair pad. Go to a specialty shop and ask some questions.
 
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kincade

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Joined
Sep 12, 2006
Messages
16
I just read the whole thread and I'm 99% sold on VCT for my garage... But the talk about sensitivity to moisture might throw the whole thing off... I live in Utah, where they salt the roads in the winter. Regularly, in the winter we will pull in the garage where gobs of slush and ice will drop off and eventually evaporate off the floor. But it can be wet for days at a time.

Has anyone used the VCT in similar circumstances, i.e. michigan, etc?
 

mmhouse

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Aug 31, 2008
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754
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Desert Southwest
For those concerned about the tile being slippery when wet. As someone posted earlier there are non-slip waxes available. I previously worked in the retail industry and most retail stores use this type of was on their vinyl floors to avoid customers slipping and resulting liability claims. Sorry, I can't direct you to a specific product but would think that any local distributor for commercial floor care products could provide the right stuff.

I'm getting my walls done next week (currently just fire taped) and am seriously considering putting down the VCT floor as my next project while the garage is cleaned out.

Great thread BTW. :thumbup:
 

chevelle67

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Apr 7, 2009
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418
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Campbellsport, WI
I just finished 900 sq ft of vct, looks just like Chuck W`s. Question is what did you guys use for trasition strips by the garage doors? i cant seem to come up with any good ideas. I will post pics once i cleanthe floor up. Thanks guys!
 

FPM

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Dec 15, 2007
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Location
Crystal Lake, Illinois
I just finished 900 sq ft of vct, looks just like Chuck W`s. Question is what did you guys use for trasition strips by the garage doors? i cant seem to come up with any good ideas. I will post pics once i cleanthe floor up. Thanks guys!

I see you live in Wisconsin. Any concerns with it standing up to cold weather? I live in Illinois, and this has been my only concern.

Where's a good place to find VCT tile?
 

steve911

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Jan 8, 2005
Messages
49
I did 1300 sq ft of VCT in my garage in Wisconsin and it came through last winter just fine.

What I used at my garage door opening was a piece of heavy duty/commercial thickness aluminum threshold. I countersunk the holes for some #8 screws, drilled holes in the concrete for anchors, squirted some construction adhesive on the back side of the aluminum and voila its down!

Havent had any problems at all.

Steve A.
 

chevelle67

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Campbellsport, WI
I just read your post and the funny part is I just got back with some 4" commercial aluminum threshold and am doing the exact same thing you did.
 

chevelle67

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Campbellsport, WI
I see you live in Wisconsin. Any concerns with it standing up to cold weather? I live in Illinois, and this has been my only concern.

Where's a good place to find VCT tile?

I have a couple of friends with VCT and no problems. This will be my first winter but dont see any difficulties ahead
 

G-force

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Jul 2, 2006
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Oregon
I just read your post and the funny part is I just got back with some 4" commercial aluminum threshold and am doing the exact same thing you did.

I'd like to see this as well. I could not find a threshold piece big enough to do my garage in one piece (16')
 

chevelle67

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Campbellsport, WI
I will post pics when done. I just did the 8` door tonight and am doing the 16` one tommorow (I hope). I bought 6` sections and am laying them end to end. I was worried about the seams but now that i have done one they are so tight and stiff I dont believe anything will get in.
 

steve911

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Jan 8, 2005
Messages
49
Here are some pics of my floor, that I hadn't posted before. My garage is 36x48 with a loft that covers almost half of the main floor. I have forced aire heat, plumbed air, cable TV and hard wire phone and lots of electricity.

The picture of the cabinets was made just before we put the tile down.

The only problem I had was when my wife tried to back my Hemi Ram out of the freshly waxed floor and did about an 20" burnout through the wax, sealer and into the tile. She says it was an accident but I say HMMMMM.
 

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chevelle67

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Apr 7, 2009
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Campbellsport, WI
Nice place Steve911. For anyone considering doing VCT the only problem I had (not really a prob. but annoying) was waiting for the adhesive to "dry" before being able to lay the tile. If it is humid out it can take forever, I got around the problem by turning on the AC to dehumidify and it was amazing how much it speeded up by pulling the moisture out. Like I said not a true problem but could turn out to be if on a tight schedule and have to leave without laying the tile and have alot of adhesive down, the working time is pretty long but not infinite.
 

jayoldschool

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Apr 23, 2006
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Canada
Should I crank up the temp on my radiant when I am doing my install? I am thinking this will help the adhesive...
 

chevelle67

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Apr 7, 2009
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Campbellsport, WI
Its not a problem unless its very humid out and if its so humid that the adhesive is taking to long turning on the heat would actually raise the relative humidity in the garage. Warm air can not hold as much moisture as cooler air as its less dense. I`m starting to ramble sorry, I guess all the psychrometric`s I learned might actually be handy. The best way to speed up the process is to dehumidify with AC or a dehumidifier.
 
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