Hard-Surface Floors (Urethane) Cleaning FAQs

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Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) on Hard-Surface Floors

• Can I strip floors with urethane finish? If necessary, urethane is strippable, but if it reaches the end of its lifespan, it can be abraded and recoated without having to strip it. 
• How often do I buff? The gloss of the  urethane finish may be diminished by buffing, so it should never be done.
• Is urethane slippery when wet? Coated surfaces can be slippery when wet. Choose a product with acceptable slip resistance as per the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
• How long will urethane floors last? The average lifespan of urethane finish is two years, but this is dependent on the cleaning practices performed, amount of use, and amount of traffic.
• Does urethane have a span odor during the application? Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or solvents are common sources of harmful fumes. Urethane finish does not contain these compounds; instead, it has a clean and very light scent, which is almost unnoticeable.
• Is urethane more expensive than a traditional acrylic finish? Urethane finish is more expensive than an acrylic finish in terms of cost of product per square foot. However, urethane does not need a lot of regular maintenance which means fewer disruptions in the facility, so customers will see a return on the initial investment.
• Will applying urethane void my manufacturer's warranty on the floor? It may. Abrasion, scratching and wear are not covered by most factory warranties, so your best choice is to protect your floor when it experiences these. Applying a thin coat of urethane can help you achieve a factory-type finish. Refer to the manufacturer's warranty.   
• Is it hard to fix a damaged area? What if I drag a large piece of furniture across it and leave a gouge? Damage on urethane finish is easy to repair. Contact ServiceMaster Clean by LoveJoy professionals to repair the damaged area.
• Will furniture scratch floors with urethane finish? Urethane finish may be damaged by broken, poorly repaired, or improperly fitted furniture. Make sure to apply proper floor protectors and inspect all furniture before installing urethane. 
• How long will it take to have my floors coated with urethane? With a crew of two people, the application of the urethane coating can be accomplished at a rate of 750 square feet per hour. Preparation is dependent upon a lot of factors, such as the existing floor's condition, the current number of coats, and the required repairs.
• Will urethane application disrupt my business? Urethane application will require the stripping of existing coatings before application, in addition to drying time. This can be performed after hours and will only require regular cleaning for maintenance. 
• Does urethane finish yellow? ServiceMaster Restore's urethane finish is resistant to UV light and will not yellow.
•  Can I use household cleaning products on my floors? It is recommended to use a neutral cleansing agent to clean floors with urethane finish. Your cleaning company can give advice for a more suitable product to use. 
• How often do I clean my floors? Use only damp mopping on urethane floors regularly, or you may utilize an auto scrubber with a white pad, red pad or a soft brush. Do not risk a loss of gloss by dry buffing or dry scrubbing your floor.  
• When will I be able to walk on my floors? The fastest dry time takes about four hours, but wait for eight hours before walking on the floor.
• Will urethane application produce dust? For preparing the floor, a wet screening or conditioning pad will be used, thereby reducing dust.
• My floor's appearance should be improved, but I'm concerned about the price. What should I do? Urethane makes your floors shiny and clean-looking while protecting it from scratching, traffic wear patterns, chemicals and stains, giving it a longer lifespan. You'll get more cost savings with urethane floors compared to traditional acrylic floors.
• How do I maintain this floor after urethane application? Perform damp mopping on a daily basis or the use of an auto scrubber with a white or red pad or a soft brush. Utilize a properly diluted neutral cleansing agent and warm water for mopping. 
• Do I need to do anything prior to the technician arriving for my scheduled service? Remove breakables situated on the tops of furniture in the areas to be cleaned. Pick up all items scattered and placed on the floor and vacuum or dust mop all debris before the cleaning. Consult your technician for items that are too large to move, such as the furniture, before the appointed cleaning date.
• Are there instructions to follow after my hard-surface floors are cleaned? Allow at least eight hours before you walk on your floors. Protect floors from getting wet for 24 hours after urethane application. Furniture (use felt pads) and rugs may be returned after 24 hours. 
  
  

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