Posted by PU floors provide an anti-slip, cushioning surface while at the same time offering sound reduction – making them the ideal solution for commercial environments like hospitals.
However, PU floor resins are more sensitive to moisture than epoxy coatings and could potentially cause irreparable damage if they haven’t fully set before curing occurs. A properly trained applicator should be able to avoid such issues.
Safety
Polyurethane (PU) flooring materials are an incredibly safe option. Formulated through a chemical reaction between polyols and isocyanates, PU floors produce an elastomeric polymer which can be used to create multiple floor coating solutions and are non-toxic and safer to use than alternatives like epoxy flooring materials.
PU flooring stands up better against chemicals like acids and solvents than epoxy flooring can, while it also can better withstand thermal shocks than its epoxy counterpart. As such, PU is an ideal choice for commercial settings which frequently experience spills of spilled items or other corrosive substances; in comparison, epoxy is more vulnerable to damage from impact or scrapes.
Polyurethane flooring solutions can withstand temperatures up to 120degC, providing sufficient resistance against hot and cold washdowns in high traffic food processing facilities or dishwashing spaces.
PU floors often feature textured aggregate finish for additional slip resistance, helping prevent injuries in busy and crowded environments such as schools or other public spaces. Furthermore, unlike epoxy, PU is UV resistant and will not yellow under prolonged sunlight exposure – making it more cost-effective option than other types of flooring available in outdoor settings where UV light exposure could otherwise fade other options.
Durability
PU flooring can serve as an economical and eco-friendly alternative to concrete and hardwood flooring for businesses in need of durable surfaces, like restaurants or factories that rely on fast food preparation areas. It withstands high-traffic areas without being damaged or scratched; is water-repellant, and layers can be quickly and easily repainted, making it an excellent option in these settings. PU also protects itself from chemicals like acids, fats, sugar solutions and other contaminants – another reason it has become the go-to floor coating of choice among many industries such as sports arenas or factories!
PU is more resistant to abrasion and impact damage than epoxy due to being a thermoset resin that hardens into permanent plastic, with elastic properties making it the superior choice for heavy equipment environments such as warehouses and logistics centers. Furthermore, its resistance to low temperatures means it can handle freezing chambers as well as environments requiring subzero indoor cooling.
PU floors are also less likely to emit moisture emissions and can be applied directly onto fresh concrete without extensive prepping work, providing contractors with greater installation flexibility; for instance, applying a multicoat system on Friday might have it ready by Monday while epoxy floors require longer for their cure time to pass.
Aesthetics
PU is a flexible and elastic material that makes cleaning simple. Additionally, its resistance to scratches far surpasses that of epoxy flooring, and PU tiles are suitable for installation in all rooms of the home. Available in an array of colours for installation in high traffic areas as it resists UV rays as well.
Before choosing the resin type that best meets your facility’s flooring needs and budget, it’s essential to evaluate both elements. Epoxy tends to be less expensive than polyurethane but may not hold up against chemicals and moisture as effectively, which could result in serious damage if left alone for too long.
On the other hand, polyurethane (PU) flooring can be more costly to install but will outlive epoxy over time. Furthermore, PU is less affected by temperature extremes and humidity fluctuations and reapplying quickly than epoxy can also help keep costs in check.
Maintaining a PU floor requires more work than an epoxy one; you will have to regularly perform daily dust mopping, vacuuming, weekly spot cleaning and monthly machine scrubbing, buff or polish the floors at least quarterly and apply topical sealers if you want your floors to resist oil stains.
Easy Maintenance
A PU floor system offers many advantages over epoxy in terms of flexibility and longevity. Notably, its chemical resistance makes it suitable for food processing companies as well as hospitals or commercial environments with tight hygiene restrictions; maintenance costs will also be significantly lower with such a long-lasting surface.
For optimal PU floor care, daily mopping with neutral pH cleaner or degreaser will remove grime and dirt accumulations. Frequent spot cleaning, vacuuming and machine scrubbing should keep it looking fantastic, while once every quarter you can also opt for dry buffing to provide quick shine and remove light scratches from your surface.
Maintenance costs for both epoxy and PU floorings can be considerable; with PU coatings being much easier to apply over epoxy counterparts. They can easily be applied over existing concrete and hardwood surfaces with relative ease, after they have been cleaned using mineral spirits, mopped with mineral spirits mop, mopped again using lamb’s wool applicator until all solvent has evaporated, then the coating can be applied using lamb’s wool applicators.
PU flooring has quickly become the go-to solution in gyms and fitness studios due to its soft yet hardwearing finish that makes walking for extended periods comfortable. Plus, its non-slip surface can withstand weights without damage; making PU an excellent choice for high traffic areas!