IMPERIAL SOLUTIONS - Blog

Water Pockets in Restaurant Floor Tile: A Recipe for Disaster

2/18/2025

Water pockets form when moisture seeps through damaged grout lines or cracks in the tile itself. This can happen due to:

Wear and Tear: Over time, grout can crack and chip,, leaving gaps for water to enter.
Spills and Leaks: Frequent spills and leaks, especially if not cleaned up promptly, can contribute to water accumulation.
Cleaning Practices: Harsh cleaning chemicals or excessive water used during cleaning can also damage grout and tile.

The Problems with Water Pockets

While seemingly harmless, water pockets can cause significant damage to your restaurant:

Structural Damage: The trapped moisture can weaken the subfloor, leading to cracks, warping, and even structural failure.
Mold Growth: The damp environment is ideal for mold and mildew to thrive, posing health risks to staff and customers.
Slippery Surfaces: Water puddles on top of the tile when stepped on, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
Unpleasant Odors: Trapped water can develop musty odors, creating an unsanitary atmosphere.
Costly Repairs: Addressing the problems caused by water pockets can be expensive if not repaired immediately because the damage will spread to surrounding areas very quickly.

Prevention Is Key

The best way to deal with water pockets is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some tips for restaurant owners:

Invest in Professional Installation: Ensure your tile flooring is installed by the experience professionals at Imperial Solutions who will properly repair tiles and apply grout that withstands restaurant traffic.
Regular Maintenance: Inspect your floors regularly for any signs of damage, such as missing grout or cracked tiles, Address these issues promptly.
Clean Spills Immediately: Wipe up spills as soon as they happen to prevent water from seeping into the subfloor.
Use Appropriate Cleaning Products: Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage grout and tile. Opt for neutral cleaners designed for tile floors.
Proper Ventilation: Ensure floor fans are strategically placed to minimize moisture buildup.

Addressing Existing Water Pockets

If you suspect you have water pockets, it's crucial to address them promptly. Contact Imperial Solutions for a FREE CONSULTATION today.

If you are ready to get this fixed, click the link below:

By taking proactive measure and addressing issues immediately, you can protect your restaurant from the damaging effects of water pockets and maintain a safe & sanitary environment for your staff and customers.

Restore the safety of your restaurant kitchen floors

9/5/2024

get a free quote for tile and grout repair for your restaurant

Do you have cracked tiles causing retention of standing water? Get a FREE QUOTE emailed to you today! We perform all of our services overnights/after hours and your floors will be ready to walk on by the morning. #restaurants #restauranttile #tilerepair #deepgroutlines #missinggrout #centralflorida

How to Give Your Kitchen a Quick Refresh

3/20/2024

HOW TO GIVE YOUR KITCHEN A QUICK REFRESH

Keeping your restaurant kitchen fresh and functional is key to both staff morale and customer satisfaction. But a full-blown renovation isn’t always an option. Here are some quick and impactful ways to breathe new life into your back-of-house space:

Flooring Fundamentals:

First Impressions Matter: Kitchen are notoriously hard on floors. Address cracks, water puddles, broken tiles, or low grout lines promptly. This is crucial because it’s the first thing people see peeking through the swinging doors. A safe, level surface is not just about aesthetics, it prevents slips and falls.
Deep Clean and Maintain: Implement a regular deep cleaning routine for your floors, walls, and ceilings. This will help remove bacteria and pathogens lurking in crevices and corners, while also eliminating food sources for pests.

Declutter for Efficiency:

Vertical is Your Friend: Utilize wall space with shelves or hanging racks to store ingredients and equipment. This keeps things off the floor, creating a more spacious feel and improving traffic flow.
Organize and Label: Clearly label shelves, containers, and equipment to streamline tasks and reduce wasted time searching for things.

Refresh and Rejuvenate:

Paint it Smart: A fresh coat of paint on walls or ceilings creates a brighter work environment, makes it easier to keep clean, and extents the lifespan of walls.
Art for Inspiration: Dirty posters project a negative image and suggest a lack of attention to detail. Hang new motivational posters to create a more positive and engaging workspace for your team.

By implementing these quick fixes, you can significantly improve the functionality, morale, and overall aesthetic of your restaurant kitchen. Remember, a clean and organized kitchen is an investment in the success of your business!

Imperial Solutions offers comprehensive tile repair and re-grouting services to bring your floor back to its like-new condition.

GET A FREE ESTIMATE HERE!

Why are tiles Breaking in my Dish Pit?

2/8/2024

Is your dish pit more like a battlefield than a sparkling sanctuary? We feel you!

But before you throw in the dish towel, let’s talk solutions!

By identifying the cause & taking the necessary steps, you can ensure your kitchen tiles are strong & functional for years to come.

4 Issues That Damage Your Tile Floors:

Expansion/Contraction:
All floors, including tile, need room to expand and contract for temperature and humidity changes. This movement is amplified when there is extreme heat on the tile floor such as, hot water leaking from the dishwasher, or spilled hot oil from the fryers.
Your floors may start to tent or warp because the tile expanded and had no where to go but pop off the floor.
If you’re hearing a hollow sound when stepping over your tiles, there’s a high chance the tile and mortar bond have separated. Give Imperial Solutions a call at 407-259-9781 if you hear any hollow or drumming sounds coming from beneath your feet.

Forceful/Heavy Impact:
Let’s not forget that tile isn’t bulletproof. Dropping things, like the occasional stock pot, can cause an impact that can gouge or break a tile. This may only show a small dent at first, but the damage can spread over time if the area sees continual pressure like constant foot traffic. Cracked/broken tiles can allow water to seep through the base and compromise the mortar bond that adheres the tile to the subfloor.

Water Damage:
The main reason for water underneath your kitchen tiles is leakage. Some kitchen fixtures have plumbing that’s connected to the mainline underneath the floor. If any of these connections are damaged, water will end up pooling beneath your tiles.
Check your dishwashing area for damage regularly. This area gets a lot of hard use every single day, and it’s important to assess your dishwasher space perhaps even more often than you inspect the other areas of your kitchen workplace. You’ll want to make sure your dishwashing equipment isn’t leaking water, which can create problems with your interior flooring, walls, and the valuable tools of your trade.
One of the most common signs of water damage is loose tiles. Water can weaken the mortar that holds the tile in place, causing tiles to lift over time. If you notice wobbly or loose tiles, give the professionals at Imperial Solutions a call to discuss next steps.

Low Grout Lines:
Tiles begin to fail if the grout around them wears down and water is able to penetrate. Once water is able to penetrate tiles in any way (most commonly from eroded grout), your floor will begin to smell due to bacteria-ridden, water-damaged, and mold-friendly conditions. In many restaurant kitchens, broken and cracked tiles go unaddressed for long periods of time resulting in a need for more extensive repairs.
In this instance, you should definitely regrout your tiles to preserve its condition. Doing so will help retain the tile’s water-resistant properties and keep the tile grout in good condition.

Here’s how we can help:

Fast Turnaround- Minimize downtime and get your kitchen back in business quickly.
Durable Solutions- Choose from long-lasting repairs that withstand kitchen wear & tear.
Expert Craftsmanship- Our experienced technicians ensure flawless results.
Free Estimates- Get a clear picture of costs and options before you decide.

get a FREE QUOTE

LET'S KEEP KITCHENS COOKING!

1/22/2024

restaurant tile repair

Let's keep kitchens cooking!
Partner with Imperial Solutions for reliable & friendly restaurant tile repair

The heart of any restaurant is its kitchen, It's where the magic happens, where flavors come to life and where the pulse of the entire operation beats. But even the most bustling kitchen can grind to a halt if there's one major obstacle in its path: cracked and damaged tile floors.

Look no further! Get your Free Quote from Imperial Solutions to repair your tile and grout.

RESTAURANT MANAGERS: HERE’S HOW TO PREVENT SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS IN THE KITCHEN

1/9/2023

Preventing Slip & Fall Claims

Slips, trips, and falls accounted for 27% of the 888,220 nonfatal work injuries that resulted in time off, in 2019, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2018, numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show about 7,850 injuries were caused by slips, trips, and falls in restaurants.

Causes of Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents:

The most common causes of slips, trips, and falls, including those that occur in restaurant kitchens, include:

Wet or greasy floors
Missing floor tiles or uneven floors
Changes in traction along walking surfaces
Food scraps that fall on the floor
Clutter like boxes or cords
Unsecured carpets, rugs, or mats
A lack of adequate lighting
Footwear that doesn’t have a strong grip or provide good traction.

Easy Prevention Methods

You can prevent falls and injuries at your restaurant or facility with good housekeeping. Otherwise, the risks of employee injuries and time out of work increase. As do the chances of paying higher insurance rates and incurring regulatory fines and legal penalties.

Slip, trip, and fall accidents can be prevented by taking these steps:

Clean Spills Immediately
Wet floors in food preparation areas, restrooms, and general walking surfaces pose a danger to employees and others. Using microfiber mops whenever there is a spill or otherwise wet floor mitigates the risk. The longer you wait to eliminate the hazard, the higher the chances of someone inadvertently contacting a wet surface and slipping.

Mark Wet Areas
A “Wet Floor” sign provides a clear indication of danger when the hazard cannot immediately be eliminated. For example, if you’ve just mopped a floor, it will take time to dry.

Make Sure Flooring Has No Bumps or Cracks
Bumpy, lumpy, and loose walking surfaces are common causes of falls and injuries. If necessary, repair, replace, or regrout the floor as soon as any problems are found. This protects workers who spend all day on foot.

Create a Mopping Schedule
A bit of planning ensures everyone knows what needs to be done, by whom, and when. By creating a mopping schedule, you can prevent a buildup of slippery materials. This is especially important if you have an active kitchen.

Make Sure the Kitchen Is Brightly Lit
Fewer injuries occur when work areas are well lit. Workers can then see and avoid slip hazards. Also make sure light switches are visible and easily accessible. Make sure all lighting fixtures, switches, and cords are in good repair and replace those that aren’t.

Do Regular Tripping Hazard Inspections
Your housekeeping program should include inspections accounting for wet/slick areas, moisture sources (such as leaks or water being tracked in by foot), lighting issues, potential sources of spills, and the types of footwear your employees are wearing. The type and condition of flooring surfaces must be accounted for as well.

Require Non-Slip Footwear
Slick soles and loose shoelaces can easily trigger a fall. Workers should wear properly fitting, non-slip footwear suited for the types of surfaces in your restaurant. It also improves comfort and helps reduce fatigue.

GET A FREE FLOOR ESTIMATE >>>

Transform your floors for the New Year

12/21/2022

Get ahead of the New Year's rush and request your TILE & GROUT ESTIMATE now >>>

#restauranttile #tilerepair #kitchenregrout #commercialtileandgrout #floridarestaurant #restaurantrepairs

How to prevent Standing Water

4/14/2022

Standing water is usually caused by 2 common problems: water leaks and low grout lines.

Tips to Avoid Standing Water
1. Find the source of the leak and repair
2. Use floor fans
3. Mop/squeegee puddles throughout the day
4. Keep floor drains unclogged and free of debris
5. Re-grout your tile floors
6. Repair broken tiles

What Makes Imperial Solutions Stand Out

12/8/2020

What makes Imperial Solutions stand out

We are a commercial flooring contractor in Orlando, Florida specializing in tile and grout repair for restaurants. We have been in business since 2007, and we serve clients throughout Florida.

For long-lasting usability at a low price, QUARRY TILE is the best option for a commercial kitchen

8/12/2020

Quarry tile has exceptionally low absorption rates —as low as 0.5 to 3%— leaving a slightly rough texture better suited for high-moisture environments and better equipped to reduce slips and falls.

In fact, it provides better slip resistance than almost any other hard-surface product. Terrazzo has a fall rate of 9.6 incidents per million dollars of sales. Smooth quarry tile has only 7.3 incidents. And abrasive quarry tile comes in at 4.7. Clearly, quarry tile has a marked advantage over other materials when it comes to accident prevention — a key concern in most commercial environments.

NOTE: Make sure your tile contractor is using an abrasive quarry tile or a raised-tread quarry tile to maximize slip resistance. Smooth quarry tile is not recommended for commercial kitchen environments.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TILE

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