Is there a smell associated with Silikal resins?
Silikal is an acrylic resin, so the smell of the product is very similar to a nail salon where manicurists apply acrylic finger nails. This smell is not noticeable to some and very off-putting to others. During the installation process, the Deckade installation crew will install containment tenting and draping to minimize the odor and control dust from surface preparation. Fans are also arranged in the workspace to create air flow and negative air pressure so that workspace air is continually refreshed and exhausted. Silikal resins cure very rapidly (one to two hours maximum) and once Silikal resins have cured, there is no longer any odor. Most importantly, Silikal resins are solvent free and contain no VOC’s, so while you may be able to detect an odor during installation, the smell is in no way a hazard to your health.
What areas does Deckade install in?
Deckade has a contractor’s license and performs installations in Nevada, Northern California, Arizona and Idaho. Deckade has also traveled to many other areas outside our standard territories where our services were requested.
How quickly can Silikal floors be installed?
Each layer of the Silikal system has an approximate one hour cure time. After the final topcoat is applied, the Silikal system is completely cured in two hours and can be reopened to all traffic and activities. This rapid cure time, makes a Silikal install significantly quicker than the install of most other resinous systems, which require a much longer cure between coats and call for a minimum final cure of 24 hours.
Do I need to move equipment out of the installation area?
In order for a completely seamless flooring system to be applied, it is necessary that equipment be removed from the application area. Equipment that is too large to move completely out of the area can sometimes be lifted. In this case, Deckade requires at least a foot of clearance in order to get a hand-grinder under the equipment to properly prepare the substrate. In special cases, Deckade has butted up to equipment that could not be moved, but it is always our preference to provide you with the best install that we can offer.
Does Deckade remove existing flooring materials?
Deckade has many forms of prep equipment and has removed all types of existing flooring materials including all forms of resinous coatings, rubber flooring, sheet vinyl, VCT, carpeting, and tile. We would be happy to include a price for demo with your proposal.
What types of substrates can Silikal floors be installed over?
Silikal flooring systems can be applied over cement, plywood, tile, and metal substrates. If the substrate is not new, it is necessary for someone from Deckade to inspect the existing substrate to ensure that it is stable enough to go over.
What is the thickness of Silikal floors?
Silikal offers light duty systems which range from 1/16” to 1/8” in thickness, and heavy duty systems which range from 3/16” to ¼” in thickness. During evaluation of your floors, Deckade will determine what type of system will best suite your environment and price point.
What kind of prep equipment does Deckade utilize?
Deckade mechanically prepares all substrates. Acid-etching is never utilized and is not a good means of preparing a substrate. We use hand-grinders, skill saws, chipping hammers, shot blast machines, and scarifiers.
My new Silikal floor seems slippery. What should I do?
The curing process that a Silikal floor undergoes after application leaves a film of paraffin wax on the floor surface. This film will be removed after the first few washes, but may make the floor seem initially more slippery than it is.
Also, Silikal floors are 100% non-porous, meaning that any dirt, bacteria, and food products will remain on top of the floor until it is cleaned up, nothing soaks into or penetrates this system. We have found, especially in commercial kitchens, that when a floor seems slippery it is because good cleaning practices are not being used to remove grease from the floor.
It is best to try thoroughly cleaning your floor before worrying about slip issues. Please view our maintenance page for proper cleaning techniques.
If, after cleaning, you are still unhappy with the level of texture in your new system, please contact Deckade.
Can Silikal be applied on walls?
Silikal resins can be applied to walls to create seamless and easily cleanable surfaces.
Does Deckade install Silikal floors residentially?
Silikal was designed to stand up to the toughest of abuses and is not typically conducive to a home environment. With rare exceptions, Deckade is solely a commercial installer.