While dairy brick (also commonly known as acid brick) may not look like anything too special, it is actually one of the most durable and sanitary flooring options available. In some industries, including food processing and manufacturing, dairy brick is a requirement for sanitation and safety purposes. If your food processing plant, restaurant, packaging plant, or other business has dairy brick, it is of the utmost importance to properly maintain it. The good news is that you can prolong the life of your building's dairy brick by taking a few simple steps.
Have It Resealed as Needed
After it is installed, dairy brick is seal-coated to provide an added layer of protection. While the brick tiles themselves are non-porous, grout is not. This is why it's so important to reseal dairy tile as needed. Otherwise, bacteria could end up getting into the grout and causing contamination. The frequency with which dairy tile should be resealed will vary based on how much foot traffic the area sees, but an experienced tile company that works with dairy brick will be able to tell you whether yours needs to be resealed.
Repair and Replace Bad Grout
Speaking of grout, it is important to repair or replace damaged or dirty grout as soon as possible. Otherwise, this can result in the dangerous harboring of bacteria that can create a serious safety hazard within your facility. Any reputable dairy brick repair company can assist in replacing grout, and some businesses even sell grout patch/repair kits if you'd prefer to go the DIY route.
Ensure Proper Drainage
Even the highest-quality dairy brick that is properly installed can become prone to damage over time if there is not enough drainage in your facility. If you have pooling water anywhere around your dairy brick, this needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.
Schedule an Inspection
When was the last time your dairy brick was inspected by a professional flooring company? If it's been more than a few years, then now is the time to schedule one. A dairy brick repair contractor will be able to take a look at your facility's floor tiles, drainage, grout, and other components to make any recommendations on repairs. From there, he or she may even be able to perform some repairs on the spot.
Maintaining your dairy tile can save you a lot of money down the road while also keeping your facility as sanitary as possible. By following these steps, you can keep your dairy tile looking its best, too!
Contact a company like Archway Brick and Tile to learn more.
