Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)

Vinyl composition tile (VCT): Is a finished flooring material used primarily in commercial applications. Modern vinyl floor tiles and sheet flooring and versions of those products sold since the early 1980’s are composed of colored polyvinyl chloride (PVC) chips formed into solid sheets of varying thicknesses (1/8″ is most common) by heat and pressure. Floor tiles are cut into modular shapes such 12″ x 12″ squares or 12″ x 24″ rectangles. In installation the floor tiles or sheet flooring are applied to a smooth, leveled sub-floor using a specially formulated vinyl adhesive or tile mastic that remains pliable. In commercial applications tiles are typically waxed and buffed using special materials and equipment.

History: In 1894, Philadelphia architect Frank Furness patented a system for rubber floor tiles. These tiles were durable, sound-deadening, easy to clean and easy to install. However, they stained easily and deteriorated over time from exposure to oxygen, ozone and solvents, and were not suitable for use in basements where alkaline moisture was present.

In 1926, Waldo Semon, working in the United States, invented plasticized polyvinyl chloride. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a plastic containing carbon, hydrogen and chlorine. It is produced by the process of polymerization. Molecules of vinyl chloride monomers combine to make long chain molecules of polyvinyl chloride. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based floor coverings, commonly known as vinyls made its big splash when a vinyl composition tile was displayed at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. Because of the scarcity of vinyl during the war years, vinyl flooring was not widely marketed until the late 1940’s, and eventually became the most popular choice for flooring in just about any hard-surface application.

Today: vinyl floor tile is frequently chosen for high-traffic areas because of its low cost, durability, and ease of maintenance. Vinyl tiles have high resilience to abrasion and impact damage and can be repeatedly refinished using chemical strippers and mechanical buffing equipment. Tiles are available in a variety of colors from several major flooring manufacturers. Some manufacturers have created vinyl tiles that very closely resemble wood, stone, terrazzo, concrete, and hundreds of varying patterns.

We’ve polished  several VCT floors in the state, both tile and sheet installations, and reclaimed the brilliant shine expected by our customers, and restored the beautiful appearance that’s expected for VCT.

The process we employ was developed by the 3M Company. Rumor has it –  the product was derived from their experience providing a protectant for military equipment; to guard against the damaging effects of constant exposure to sand. Check out their pamphlet.

This process will provide an exceptionally brilliant appearance that withstands the abuse of high level foot traffic, and incorporates long lasting wear with the elimination of stripping finish and applying new finish annually.

Camacho Equipment & Janitorial Supply, Inc. is the only company in the state of Indiana certified by 3M to perform the 3M Resilient Floor Protector application with 3M proprietary products.