What is VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile) Flooring? Not What You Think

What is VCT?

VCT is an acronym for Vinyl Composition Tile. VCT is a kind of floor that is mostly used in areas that undergo heavy foot traffic such as retail stores, educational facilities, offices, and other commercial setups. They are used to replace the carpet in areas where the latter will likely give way due to high traffic. Some such areas include restrooms, hallways, bathrooms, or classrooms.

VCT floors can replace ceramic tile, wooden, or stone floor because they are resilient, easy to clean, and cheap. They are also available in different colors, patterns, and designs, just like the expensive alternatives, and hence more people favor the use of VCT more. Commercial outfits such as institutions, restaurants, and offices rely on VCT as a more cost-effective floor covering which matches whatever design they choose in these establishments.

VCT can last more than 3 decades if laid properly, and still maintain its brand new look for that long provided there are consistent cleaning and maintenance carried out on the floor on a daily basis and flooring trends followed. This is another win because VCT is easy to clean and maintain.

Protecting Your VCT

It is one thing to install VCT floors; it is another thing to keep it protected from harm. This can be done by applying at least 5 coats of protective finishing onto the VCT floor. This is because an unprotected VCT floor is porous and vulnerable to stains from spills and scratches, this is why you should mitigate moisture spillage. However, a periodic application of the protective finish will ensure your VCT stays bright, new, and beautiful for many years.
Any part of the floor that experiences heavy traffic must be coated by this protective finish periodically before being maintained regularly to elongate its lifespan.

Maintaining Your VCT

Not properly maintaining your VCT floor or laying it in a wrong way will make it lose its sheen and ability to protect. Vacuum cleaning and mopping of your VCT floor should be done regularly to keep it looking attractive for extended periods. Dirt particles can collect on the floor and cause scratches like sandpaper on the VCT finish. It is only wise to keep these dirt particles off the floor continually.

Once a week, it is paramount to vacuum clean or dust mop the floor – this way, you would be protecting the finish, which in turn protects the beauty and sheen of the floor. Also, any particular room with heavy traffic should be mopped daily or scrubbed using a cleaning solution with neutral hydrogen concentration or pH. While an acidic or alkaline cleaner might damage your VCT finish, a neutral cleaning solution is a safe alternative. Additionally, soft scrubbing and mopping should be done to remove residual debris, which was not picked up by the vacuum cleaner.

Finally…

VCT floors are one of the most cost-effective, beautiful, and long-lasting floorings today. They are mostly favored by establishments who consider how their clients view them judging by the appearance of their facility.
Besides being beautiful and pocket-friendly, they are easy to install and maintain.