VCT - oil seeping between tiles? Problem?

[mike944]

Hey everybody,

I had a chance to visit a shop this weekend which used VCT tile. I really liked the look.

My question is: does oil and stuff seep in between the tiles, and then create dark lines? Once it gets wet, does it seep back out, and constantly be dirty? Will a wax, or polish seal everything so this isn't a problem?

That's the only downside i can see to VCT. Am i missing anything? Otherwise it's a nice look, and not too expensive.

By the way, i'm not looking to install VCT right now, I already have a farily nice epoxy floor. This is more of a research question.......for my next garage (no idea when that will be)

 

[1320stang]

I don't think it'd be a problem if you waxed it, but it might break down the adhesive bonding the tile to the concrete.

Very slippery when wet is another downside.

 

[mike944]

Very slippery when wet is another downside.

Oh, i didn't think of that.

So, it would probably be good for a workshop-garage but not for a daily-driver garage.

 

[1320stang]

The only thing I can think VCT would be good for is a showroom.

 

[mike944]

Showroom? Really?

I saw it in a home machine shop. Not a heavily used shop, but it does get used. It seemed to work well there, i was hoping it worked well in a garage too, because i liked it.

Oh well. I guess not. My garage does get used a pretty decent amount.

 

[Proeliator]

The only thing I can think VCT would be good for is a showroom.

What to you think they use is grocery stores across America

VCT wears like iron and is super durable. You can get some of the Armstrong VCT commercial grade tile for @ $1.20 a square foot. I'm actually surprised more people don't use it. Biggest drawback is that its very slippery when wet, as has been mentioned. Other caveat is that you have to have a VERY smooth concrete floor for it to properly adhere....I always figured the stuff like racedeck took off is because you can slap it on any old concrete pad.

 

[PatrickM]

What to you think they use is grocery stores across America

VCT wears like iron and is super durable. You can get some of the Armstrong VCT commercial grade tile for @ $1.20 a square foot. I'm actually surprised more people don't use it. Biggest drawback is that its very slippery when wet, as has been mentioned. Other caveat is that you have to have a VERY smooth concrete floor for it to properly adhere....I always figured the stuff like racedeck took off is because you can slap it on any old concrete pad.

Proeliator, I see that you are in Oregon. I am on the wet side, in Portland. Should I be concerned with the rainy season here lifting the tiles? I was thinking of doing my garage floor in VCT and throwing down a big rubber mat where the daily driver parks to keep some of the rain water in place. Any info would be most apprecciated. Thanks, Patrick

 

[speadrider]

In my workshop I had VCT tiles and they did ok until I spilled a little gas on them. I wiped it up very quickly but the tiles stained and the glue reacted with the glue that held them in place, actually causing the tiles to curl upward about a week or so later. I pulled it all out and replaced with plastic snap together tiles.