Archive for August, 2016

Q: What do I need to consider when installing Garageflex tiles in the garage environment?

A: Garageflex have been supplying tiles into commercial and domestic garages for a number of years thereby creating a smart, clean and dust free workshop environment but there are four important considerations to take into account.

• Catalytic Converters – When the car is running the catalytic converter gets extremely hot and if the car is left running whilst sitting on the tiles it may cause the tiles directly under the converter to expand through the heat. This is only a temporary issue and the tiles will shrink back to their original size once the heat source has been removed. In a busy commercial garage it is worth considering gluing the tiles down in-between the lifts or ramps where vehicles may be left with the engine running.
• Staining from car tyres -Rubber tyres will stain almost every type of floor including bare concrete, painted and vinyl flooring. The stain is a chemical reaction and will not damage the tiles or impact on their durability.
• What causes the staining? The stain is caused by a component used within the manufacture of car tyres called ‘6PPD’ (phenaline diamine). 6PPD is an anti-oxidant and is added to rubber products to resist environmental attack by ozone and Ultraviolet light. It also has other beneficial effects in the moulding of rubber itself. Since it adds to the cost of making tyres, manufacturers usually only add it to the softer high performance tyres. The staining is dark grey / green in appearance and will show within 4 to 5 hours of the tyre being located on the tile. The stain cannot be removed as it is a chemical reaction between the 6PPD and the surface it is in contact with.
• How to avoid the staining issue? Because the stain is a dark grey / green it is far less obvious in the darker colours and is almost indistinguishable from the colour of our Dark Grey and Graphite tiles (which also happen to be the smartest and most popular colours). It is also less obvious in the black and green colours. Light grey, yellow, white and red should be avoided. If you wish to use the lighter coloured tiles to brighten up the garage or workshop design the floor in layout that incorporates different colours using the darker coloured tyres where the car will be parked. The following examples may be of help:
  • Use black, graphite or dark grey tiles where tyres will sit
  • Place strips of black, graphite or dark grey tiles where the tyres rest
  • Add black, graphite or dark grey under the engine where oil may drip