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Commonly Asked Questions

Ceiling and Wall Cleaning    Ceiling Restoration
Non-Slip Floor Treatment

Ceiling and Wall Cleaning

Ceiling Restoration

Non-Slip Floor Treatment

Questions About Ceiling and Wall Cleaning

Is it a bleach process?
No. We use ceiling cleaners produced by Green Dolphin. They are peroxide based enzyme cleaners that break down the dirt molecule on contact.

Is there a mess to clean up afterwards?
We use a low pressure 100psi spray. The chemical is biodegradable and it will break down in minutes. Tables, chairs, shelves, equipment etc.. are covered in plastic before the chemical is applied.

Does the chemical damage carpets, drapes etc…?
No.

How long does the process take?
Most jobs can be completed in hours and is done at a convenient time for the customer. We can clean 500 sq ft in approximately one hour.

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Is the chemical harmful?
The chemical is non-toxic and is approved by OSHA and the USDA.

What kinds of dirt or grease will your ceiling cleaner work on?
Our cleaner will work on all types of grease and dirt.

What types of surfaces will your cleaning process work on?
Our process will clean most any surface including traditional fissure drop ceiling tile, tectum tile, glacier tile, popcorn tile, vinyl tile, tin pan, stainless steel, drywall, plaster, most painted surfaces, wallpaper, grass cloth and brick. Call for inquiries about other ceiling surfaces.

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Are there surfaces you Do Not recommend for this cleaning process?
Green Dolphin’s non-toxic ReNew cleaner works well on almost every ceiling and wall surface. We do not recommend its application on surfaces such as polished stainless steel, mirrored, or chromed surfaces. When used on highly polished surfaces, the cleaner has a tendency to streak.

My ceiling is very discolored especially around the vents. Should I try this?
Absolutely. ReNew chemical is formulated to break down types of contaminates found in and around vent areas. In some extreme cases, Procoat® aerosol may have to be used to mask the heavier buildup.  Request a free demo to see what Preserve a Ceiling can do for you.

How long will I have to close my business to get the ceiling cleaned?
Jobs can be done over-night with no business interruption. Jobs can be scheduled around your business hours at night or weekends. Most jobs can be completed within 6 hours.

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Why should I clean my ceiling?
Cleaning gives a positive image to your business and makes a positive impression to customers and employees. It’s cost effective, brings tile to an almost new condition, restores fire ratings, acoustic value and light reflectivity, no business interruption, no mess, attached fixtures are also cleaned.

How often should I clean my ceiling?
The frequency of cleaning depends on your business and what contaminates are present inside the building. Anywhere from once every 3 months to once every three years.

When should I restore my ceiling instead of cleaning it?
Ceiling restoration is normally done on ceilings where cleaning doesn’t provide the desired results or you want to tint your ceiling a different color. Typically, ceilings with a lot of water stains or become discolored due to their age are candidates for ceiling restoration.

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What kinds of walls will this work on?
Our product will work on any surface including painted surfaces, drywall, plaster, grass cloth, wallpaper, brick.  Call for inquiries about other types of wall surfaces.

Why do you use Green Dolphin Products?
Green Dolphin products are environmentally safe, biodegradable products and are consistently tested and improved upon. Green Dolphin is committed to supplying high-performance, bio-based products and services to restore, clean and maintain facilities inside and out. From food processing plants, cafeterias and restaurants to homes, office buildings and hospitals.

Can I purchase Green Dolphin Products?
We are the Pennsylvania distributor for Green Dolphin products. We offer a full line of products from household cleaners to industrial strength products. As the Pennsylvania distributor, Preserve a Ceiling is only licensed to sell Green Dolphin’s amazing line of products to customers within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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Questions about Ceiling Restoration

What is the difference between using Procoat ceiling coating and regular latex paint on ceiling tiles?
Conventional paints have a bridging quality that can result in the tile pores being covered with a film of dried material. On an acoustical tile, closing these pores reduces the tile's ability to absorb sound, thereby causing an increase in noise level within that space. The same bridging characteristic results in the tile sticking to the supporting t-bars, making it difficult to gain access above the ceiling for maintenance purposes.

What is the cost savings when comparing ceiling restoration and new tile replacement?
Ceiling restoration is approximately one-half the dollar cost of replacement.

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Are there any other saving factors when comparing ceiling restoration vs. new tile replacement?
There are four significant additional savings that are generally recognized.

  • Installation time, particularly in occupied spaces, is one-third of that required for new tile replacement.
  • Ceiling tile restoration reduces solid waste disposal.
  • A restored tile has a surface finish that will hold its color longer and provide better light dispersion than any other alternative. This increases the life expectancy of the ceiling.
  • There is a reduction in energy costs due to increased light reflectance.

Can ceilings be restored in occupied spaces that contain furnishings, equipment or in the case of retail stores, merchandise on racks?
This type of situation represents the greatest market for ceiling restoration. Under these conditions, work is typically done in off-hours. The limited available time often makes tile replacement impractical but ideal for restoration.

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Is ceiling restoration appropriate when there is a need to change the ceiling color?
The standard white coating can be tinted to match a pastel color by any paint store. Any other color is available on a special order basis.

Will this process mask water stains?
This product will cover water and soot stains in one application and can be reapplied to the stained area should there be a problem after your tile is treated. We distribute Acoustical Tile Restorer, packaged in aerosol that can be used to mask water and soot stains. Unlike most primers on the market, this product covers the stain in one application and does not leave a shiny spot on the ceiling.


Since heavy nicotine tends to bleed through and yellow white pigmented water based paint materials, should the ceiling be primed first before applying ProCoustic?
No, the application of a primer will negate the restoration process. Primers will close the pores of the tile and leave the tile stuck to the t-bar system. Instead, Preserve A Ceiling can pre-clean the ceiling with our ceiling cleaning service.

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Will ProCoustic adhere to the t-bars and other non-porous surfaces such as air diffusers and audio speaker plates?
Yes. If the non-porous surfaces are covered with grease, nicotine or other contaminants that could prevent proper bonding, then they should be cleaned first.

Is there a manufacturer's warranty on the acoustical coating product?
Yes, there is. Since there is no way of knowing what the ceiling material will be subjected to, in the way of contamination, it is difficult to assign a guaranteed life expectancy. Therefore, the warranty is stated in the following manner: The new surface finish will last as long or longer than a new tile would, subjected to the same environmental conditions.

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What if the only problem is an occasional water stain. Does the whole ceiling have to be treated or can the stained area be touched up?
No, the whole ceiling does not have to be treated. We offer an Acoustical Tile Restorer in Aerosol, tinted to the same color as a new tile. This product provides a quick one-step solution to water stains.

Can this process be used for other applications?
Yes. We can apply the ProCoustic coating to surfaces other than acoustic tile i.e., popcorn, drywall, plaster, etc.

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Questions About Non-Slip Floor Treatment

Does Preserve a Ceiling’s non-slip floor treatment make wet floors safer?
Yes. We use Green Dolphin’s NON-SLIP™ product, which increases the coefficient of friction on wet floors. The surface of your shoe will grip the treated floor where it will slide on the untreated floor.

Does a non-slip coating change the appearance of a floor?
No. The non-slip coating only changes the behavior of the floor when wet.

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What types of floors are best suited to your non-slip application?
Green Dolphin’s NON-SLIP™ floor application works on all mineral based floors. It is effective on ceramic tile, terrazzo, porcelain, glazed brick, concrete and many other natural mineral surfaces.

Are there floors on which NON-SLIP™ is not recommended for use?
The process is not recommended for linoleum or waxed tile surfaces.

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Is your non-slip floor application guaranteed?
Yes. Commercial and industrial floors are guaranteed for two years. Residential floors are guaranteed for three years.

What are the best uses of your non-slip floor coating?
NON-SLIP™ floor application is ideal for commercial use in office buildings, restaurants, retail stores, hospitals, and hotels. It can also be used in residential homes. Green Dolphin’s NON-SLIP™ is great for use in bathrooms, kitchens, public areas, work areas, and showers.

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Ceiling and Wall Cleaning    Ceiling Restoration
Non-Slip Floor Treatment

 

 

Call 412-292-6756 to have your ceiling cleaned professionally!