Over the past 25 years urethane cement flooring systems have become the flooring system of choice for several of the most demanding applications. They have replaced flooring systems based on Epoxy, Vinyl Ester and MMA chemistry because they possess several properties that make them far superior to other systems. They are resistant to thermal shock and thermal cycling, aggressive chemicals, abrasion and standing water. These systems can be installed in one lift at 1/8th -1/2 inch and returned to service in 12-24 hours making them ideal for rapid turnaround projects.
Here, we’ve outlined some of the most common areas and applications where you should consider installing urethane cement.
Food Processing Facilities: These facilities have some of the most challenging conditions. The floors in these facilities are constantly exposed to thermal shock from steam cleaning and hot water wash downs, heavy loads from wheels carts, forklifts, and foot traffic. These floors are constantly exposed to food acids, animal fats, caustic cleaners, and thermal shock. Many contractors still use epoxies for these facilities; however, failures are commonplace in these instances. This is because, unlike urethane cement, epoxy lacks the ability manage thermal shock and depending on the formulation some epoxies don’t do well in wet environments. Additionally, urethane cement out- performs in areas of high heat exposure such as under fry lines and ovens which are often present in food processing.
Labs and Bio Medical Facilities: In these environments, urethane cement acts as a sturdy base for more aesthetically pleasing finishes, such as decorative color chip or colored quartz, with the added benefit of superior protection. They are the base on which high performance decorative finishes can be built. One of the most important performance factors of urethane cement in a lab environment is its moisture tolerance. Often these facilities floors are below grade which increases the chances for concrete moisture and urethane cements boasts excellent moisture tolerance where epoxies may fail. Laboratories, vivarium and bio-medical facilities also require systems that are chemical resistant, impact and thermal shock resistant which urethane cement can easily withstand.
Commercial Kitchens: The needs of a commercial kitchen flooring system are very similar to that of food and beverage processing. They require a system that can withstand elevated temperatures, thermal shock, hot oil animal fats and caustic cleaners. In this environment, urethane cement is the ultimate flooring system and offers all around protection for these demands.
Heavy Manufacturing: Floors In these environments are often exposed to heavy loads and harsh chemicals which are easily handled by urethane cement. Additionally, its ability to be applied at ¼ to ½ inch in a single lift makes it ideal for resurfacing badly damaged manufacturing floors which is a common issue in heavy manufacturing. If you require a high-build system, urethane cement is the better option since epoxy systems are much more time consuming if you require a high-build system. Lastly, because of urethane cements high moisture tolerance, they are ideal for use on older slabs that may not have a sub slab vapor barrier.
