Urethane Cement Flooring Systems
Urethane cement (also known as polyurethane concrete) flooring systems are high-performance, heavy-duty resinous floors designed for the most demanding environments. These systems combine urethane resins with Portland cement and aggregates to form a thick, highly durable surface that can withstand extreme thermal, chemical, and mechanical stress.
Ideal Applications
Urethane cement is especially well-suited for:
- Food and Beverage Processing Plants
- Commercial Kitchens and Breweries
- Pharmaceutical and Chemical Manufacturing
- Cold Storage and Freezers
- Dairies and Meat Processing Facilities
These environments benefit from urethane cement’s thermal shock resistance, moisture tolerance, and ability to meet strict hygiene standards.
Pros of Urethane Cement Flooring
- Thermal Shock Resistance: Withstands hot washdowns and extreme temperature swings.
- Chemical Resistance: Resists acids, alkalis, solvents, and organic materials.
- Moisture Tolerant: Can be applied to green or damp concrete without failure.
- Slip Resistance: Adjustable with aggregates to meet safety standards.
- Durability: Withstands abrasion, impact, and heavy loads in industrial traffic areas.
- Fast Return to Service: Rapid cure times minimize downtime.
Cons of Urethane Cement Flooring
- Shrinkage: During the cure process, urethane cement will shrink. This can stress the bond line, causing the floor to disbond if there if the preparation is not thorough. Therefore, the preparation typically requires a minimum of CSP-3 profile to help provide a 3-dimensional lock.
- Limited Decorative Options: These floors are designed for utility. They can be tinted, however, they will discolor over time. Most installers install additional coats of epoxies or polyaspartics.
- Professional Installation Required: Much more challenging to install than epoxies. Urethane cements generally require a 7-8 man crew for installation.
- Thickness: These are not thin-film floors, and are not designed to replace thin film floors. So be mindful of where you’re installing, because urethane cements are best suited for industrial environments.
Urethane cement is a go-to solution for industries where performance and hygiene outweigh aesthetics, and where floors face daily abuse from heat, moisture, and chemicals. Contact Witmer Coatings if your food or industrial plant needs a heavy duty flooring system that can hold up to the challenging environments.
Written By, Jeff Neal [Division Manager, Concrete Coatings Department, at The Witmer Group]
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