CARING FOR YOUR OUTDOOR TRACK SURFACE

Being outdoors, it is a given that this surface will somewhat be cleaned by natural process. However, basic regular or periodical maintenance on your part can be performed based on your needs and the use of the surface.

Regular maintenance should include:

1. DEBRIS REMOVAL

It is recommended to remove dust/debris from your Mondo surface by thoroughly vacuuming the track before and/or after special events or as needed. Do not allow for dust/debris to accumulate and stand on the surface for extended periods of time.

NOTE: High traffic areas may be vacuumed as frequently as needed.

2. WASHING PROTOCOLS

Washing your Mondo surface will maintain its appearance and aid to prolong its life expectancy. Outdoor tracks will naturally be washed by climate conditions such as rain and, in addition, can be washed as needed following the enclosed protocol. However, we recommend waiting a period of 6 months minimum before performing the initial wash on the surface in order to allow sufficient time for the paraffins to migrate to the surface. If for any reason this wait period cannot be respected and a wash is urgently needed, please call the Mondo Technical Department for immediate assistance.

The best method for washing your track is with a ride-on scrubber or sweeper¹.

¹ f you are attempting to wash this track yourself or if you are attempting minor spot cleaning, and you do not have access to a ride-on scrubber, the surface can be hosed down with a regular garden hose (with sufficient pressure) and scrubbed with deck brushes (equipped with soft nylon bristles) to deal with soiled areas. Washing your track is a team effort; it will require assistance from multiple individuals so that the surface remains wet during the wash and soap is not allowed to gather and dry on the surface. Rinse as much as needed to avoid any soap residue.

NOTE: It is recommended to request the help of professionals who have proper outdoor track maintenance experience as this work is elaborate. When washing the track, it is recommended to do so during the warmest months when there is less rain.

1. For this exercise you will need: vacuum(s), ride-on scrubber or sweeper (with soft nylon brushes), garden hose(s) with proper attachments or 2-inch hose(s) if accessible, squeegees and/deck brushes with soft nylon bristles and Profi neutral cleaner by Taski.



2. Begin by thoroughly vacuuming the track’s surface.



3. Prepare the ride-on scrubber making sure the battery is charged or that you have sufficient propane (based on the model you use, battery operated models might not last as long). Mix the appropriate ratio of the suggested cleaner. Normally we recommend 5–10 oz. of Profi to a gallon of water for the initial wash, and depending on how soiled the flooring is.
   
   NOTE: It is recommended to test your selected dilution rate on a small area of the track surface in order to measure its efficiency. If it is not producing desired results, then slightly adjust your mixing ratio according to your needs.



4. Flood the track with your garden hose to facilitate the cleaning. Rubber has a tendency to be “grabby” and free-standing water on the surface while you wash it will allow the scrubber and its brushes to thoroughly and easily move across and clean the surface.

NOTE: Avoid “burning” the surface of the track by scrubbing the surface while it is dry. On hot days the water will quickly evaporate so frequently check the surface for proper moisture. Washing your track is a team effort; it will require assistance from multiple individuals in order to be done effectively. Avoid using high-pressure wash systems. A regular garden hose with appropriate attachment is safe and recommended.


5. As the ride-on scrubber moves down the track, it is recommended to push soiled water down into the gutters with the aid of a garden hose. THE TRACK MUST BE SUFFICIENTLY RINSED WITH CLEAR WATER TO AVOID SOAP RESIDUE/BUILD-UP. If your garden hose is too long (some facilities do not provide nearby water access) thus reducing the water pressure, help soiled water make its way into the gutters by pushing it with a squeegee while you hold the hose in place. You can always use the ride-on scrubber to vacuum the soiled water and then rinse with clean water while vacuuming again but this will take much more time.

NOTE: Insufficient rinsing of the track surface after it has been washed can lead to the accumulation of soap residue.. This can leave white streaks/marks on the surface of your track and negatively affect the aesthetics of your track in addition to creating other aesthetic issues when this residue is exposed to heat and direct sunlight.

3. PRECAUTIONARY MAINTENANCE AND NOTES

NOTE: NEVER perform maintenance on a newly installed surface until the adhesive and paint has fully cured.

NOTE: DO NOT use a brown or black scrubbing pad on Mondo flooring or it will damage the material and void the warranty

NOTE: DO NOT use steel wool or abrasive brushes, acetone, gasoline or turpentine to clean your Mondo surface.

A. Cleaning Products

If you will be using cleaners other than those suggested you must perform tests on stock samples or small secluded areas of the track to ensure that the surface will not be damaged in any way. Do NOT use no-rinse formulas. For regular maintenance, your flooring cleaner is required to have a neutral pH (between 7 and 9). All chemicals used must be solvent-free, phosphate-free and phenolfree. As a general guideline, never select chemicals that have a pH below 2 or above 12. ALWAYS rinse surface with fresh water after washing as many time.

B. Cleaning Equipment

It is recommended to wash the track surface with the aid of a ride-on scrubber or sweeper for best results.

C. Weeds

Weeds, grass and/or other plants can be a problem if and when encroaching at both inside and outside edges of the track. If allowed to take over, the weeds will eventually grow up through the asphalt and will buckle the surface, entrap water and cause both cracking and drainage problems.

Inside and outside concrete curbs will prevent plants from breaking the asphalt. If budgeting does not permit the installation of concrete curbs, the initial design should allow the asphalt to extend beyond the surface by at least five to eight inches. This will minimize the possibility of grass and weeds growing onto the surface. This problem can also be avoided by using a grass killer, spraying the asphalt once every two years and by sealing the asphalt with an asphalt sealer once every two years also.

D. Sandpits

Maintain the sandpit by sweeping the sand back into the pits on a regular basis, especially after events or practice to avoid sand accumulation on the track. Sand standing on the track will abrade and accelerate deterioration of the track. If necessary, vacuum and dispose.

E. Drains

Drains should be cleaned periodically. If not, blockages can cause water accumulation to occur which will leave marks on the track (watermarks).

F. Heavy Equipment

Facilities that will need to move heavy equipment on or across the new Mondo surface should use extra care to avoid any damage to the flooring. When moving heavy equipment, plywood or Masonite should always be used as a bridge in order to avoid damaging the surface when moving across.

Utility vehicles should be kept off the surface. These vehicles can cause damage to the surface by leaking oil, making sudden stops and/or spinning their wheels which cause tire marks or streaks on the surface. When vehicles must be allowed onto the surface, drivers should be cautioned to avoid quick starting and stopping. Plywood tracks can be used and are recommended to cross over the surface. NOTE: All equipment going on or off the Mondo surface should be in good working order to avoid any oil or gas spills.

G. Rolling and Static Loads

Facilities that use or plan to use heavy rolling or fixed equipment, such as bleachers, are invited to analyze the product’s mechanism and weight distribution to ensure no damage to the flooring resulting from their use. Always respect the flooring’s maximum tolerance. Mondo will not be responsible for malfunctioning or improperly calibrated equipment.

H. Food and Beverages

When possible, food and beverages should not be allowed onto the surface of the track. Certain types of food and highly colored drinks, if left in place, could be difficult to remove and may cause permanent staining to the surface. For best results, clean up spills immediately as they occur.

I. Spikes

When spikes are used on the surface, IAAF regulations notwithstanding, Mondo believes that the length and shape of spikes allowed should be controlled as part of good facility management practices. Track surfaces are designed to be spike resistant, but abuse will cause permanent damage. Mondo recommends use of maximum 6mm long “Pyramid” or “Christmas-Tree” spikes for best athletic performance on the track surface. This will also aid in reducing the possibility of excessive damage to the track surface. NOTE: Pin spikes and Needle spikes are not recommended. Prevent athletes training and/or competing on the track from using football/soccer type cleats/footwear as these might damage the surface. This kind of footwear is not designed for use on synthetic track surfaces..

J. Starting Blocks

Some athletes are assuming a position in the starting blocks that places their toes on the track surface material instead of having the complete foot on the face of the blocks. With only a few spikes on the track surface and all the forward thrust pressure exerted at the start, the material has a tendency to damage more quickly than what is normally expected. It should be noted that this tendency is much more apparent on softer surfaces.

K. UV

Mondo’s track surfaces are UV resistant and can be safely installed outdoors.

For assistance, please contact:

JohnsonDiversey Technical Support
1-800-558-2332 ext. 5

Mondo Technical Department
2655 Francis Hughes, Laval (Quebec) Canada H7L 3S8
Email: technical@mondousa.com
North American Headquarters: 450-967-5800
Canada Toll Free: 1-800-663-8138
United States Toll Free: 1-800-361-3747