Preparation

1. Surface Inspection

• Durante garage tiles work best on hard and flat surfaces such as concrete, pavers, tiles etc.
• Ensure the surface is clean - sweep or vacuum to remove debris
• Check for any uneven areas with drops and rises and repair them before starting the installation

2. Layout Planning

• Measure the area to determine the number of tiles needed and plan the layout to minimize cutting and ensure an aesthetically pleasing design
• You can send us this information, and we can quote and advise based on this

Installation Steps

1. Starting Point

Begin with the ramps at the garage door so at the end you make your cuts against the walls.

2. Tile Placement

Align the male edges (with the pins) over the top of the female edge (with loops) of another tile.

3. Connecting Tiles

• Press down on the corners and edges to snap the tiles together securely
• Use a rubber mallet to tap gently on the tiles, ensuring a tight fit without damaging them

4. Continue Installation

• Repeat the process, working your way across the garage and toward the back wall in rows
• Ensure tiles are aligned and properly connected as you go

5. Last Row & Cutting Tiles

When you reach walls, it is important to leave a 0.4 in (10 mm) gap for heat expansion against each wall. You will most likely require the last row of tiles to be cut:

• Measure and mark tiles for cutting at edges and corners
• Use a saw to cut tiles to the required size - electric saws such as a circular saw will be the easiest, but any saw will work including a handsaw
• Place the cut tiles in position and connect them to the adjacent tiles, with the cut side against the walls, making sure you have left a 0.4 in (10 mm) gap

6. Optional Finishing Touches

To prevent movement of your Durante tiles when driving cars on or off them, you may want to:

• Drill through the provided anchor holes in the ramp edges into your concrete floor, and apply anchor screws into them, locking the ramps and therefore the entire Durante tiled area in place
• The same effect can be achieved by using a strong construction adhesive like liquid nail at the ramp edges instead of anchoring them with screws, but this is a non-removable option

General Maintenance

1. Regular Cleaning

• Dirt will fall underneath the tiles to keep the surface clean and prevent you from tracking that dirt into your home. When the area is fully dry, you can use a vacuum cleaner to suction up the dirt from underneath
• Mud can be hosed and washed away underneath the tiles outside the garage or to your drain point
• For the rare deep clean, you can remove the last rows of the tiles on each side and slide out the remaining tiles still interlocked like a carpet, for a thorough deep clean of the concrete underneath

2. Washing

• Mild Detergent: Mix a mild detergent with warm water and use a soft mop or cloth to clean the tiles
• Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure all detergent residue is rinsed off with clean water to prevent slipping and ensure a clean surface
• Drying: Allow tiles to air dry

Spills

1. Common Spills

Oil and Grease: You may remove the tiles even in the middle of an area using a larger metal hook that fits into the gaps to expose the oil spill underneath. Soak up whatever oil and grease you can with paper towels, then use a degreaser suitable for polypropylene surfaces on both the tile and the concrete underneath to clean the remainder of the oil/grease spill. Let the degreaser sit for a few minutes, then wipe off, or if possible, hose it off.

2. Stubborn Stains

• Stain Remover: Use a commercial stain remover safe for polypropylene. Follow the manufacturer's instructions
• Scrubbing: Use a soft-bristled brush for gentle scrubbing. Avoid using abrasive pads that may scratch the tiles

Special Considerations

1. Chemical Exposure

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use solvents, bleach, or acidic cleaners not meant for polypropylene as they can cause damage to the tiles
• Safe Cleaners: Opt for pH-neutral cleaners designed for polypropylene surfaces

2. Heat and Fire Safety

• Avoid Direct Heat: Do not place hot objects directly on the tiles to prevent melting or warping
• Fire Safety: Keep tiles away from open flames or heat sources exceeding 248°F (120°C)

Preventative Measures

1. Furniture and Heavy Objects

• Protective Pads: Use furniture pads under heavy objects to prevent indentations and scratches
• Avoid Dragging: Lift and place objects instead of dragging them across the tiles

2. Environmental Factors

• UV Protection: DURANTE tiles are UV resistant, but prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause slight discoloration over time. Consider using shades or blinds in areas with intense sunlight
• Temperature Fluctuations: DURANTE tiles are designed to withstand temperature variations but avoid extreme conditions where possible

Routine Inspection

1. Check for Loose Tiles

• Regular Inspection: Periodically check for any loose tiles and snap them back into place if necessary
• Edge and Corner Tiles: Pay special attention to edge and corner tiles as they are more prone to loosening

2. Tile Replacement

• Damaged Tiles: Replace any damaged tiles promptly to maintain the integrity of the flooring
• Matching Tiles: Keep a few extra tiles from the original installation batch for seamless replacements