Polyurethane flooring is a type of resin widely used in industrial environments and in particular food
and drink production facilities.
A polyurethane floor is a protective flooring surface made up of polyurethane resin and aggregate. It is a mix of resin and cement. It is a thermosetting resin which means the system irreversibly cures once hardened.
Types of Resin Polyurethane Floor
There are four main types of polyurethane flooring available:
Polyurethane Floor Coating
Less than 2mm in depth a polyurethane floor coating, is commonly found in industrial settings to provide an easy-to-clean, protective coating over the substrate.
Polyurethane Mortar Floors
Typically, a resin-rich granite-reinforced polyurethane repair mortar. These are used to repair damaged substrates and are suitable for areas that require higher levels of resistance to chemical attack or impact damage.
Self-levelling polyurethane floors
As suggested by its name, self-levelling polyurethane floors are smooth systems that are typically 2mm -4mm in depth. These generally have a matt appearance.
Flexible Polyurethane floors
An elastomeric polyurethane self-smoothing flow applied flooring typically laid at 2mm in depth.
With a degree of tolerance for structural subfloor movement, it can be beneficial for certain areas which require certain flexibility.
Polyurethane trowel applied floor
This type mixes a combination of polyurethane resin and white aggregate and is usually trowel applied. Typically installed between 6-9mm this system is very hardwearing and has a matt appearance with a slip-resistant profile. When the floor is first installed it has a uniform-coloured surface but with general use, the white aggregate will begin to show through.
Advantages of Polyurethane Flooring
There are a variety of advantages to using resin polyurethane flooring, these include:
- Exceptionally hardwearing surface
- Excellent heat resistance
- Good surface abrasion resistance
- Low odour
- Cost-effective
Disadvantages of Polyurethane Flooring
Equally, however, there are also some disadvantages to using resin polyurethane flooring including:
- Longer curing periods 5-7 days full chemical cure
- The curing period is affected by the room temperature
- They will not cure below 5°C
- Susceptible to cracking with building movement
- Not highly aesthetic
If you like this, please take a look at our other guides about ‘what is a resin floor‘ including…
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