Urethane Flooring

Resinous flooring with excellent resistance to thermal shock and thermal cycling

Urethane flooring systems (also known as polyurethane flooring systems) resurface concrete floors and add colour to designate walkways or other markings. They are able to provide a number of performance functions such as slip resistance, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance. Urethane floors are also used to provide waterproofing and pitch for water drainage and are seamless solutions for hygienic protection. From an aesthetic standpoint, urethane floors can add decorative finishes and designs to both commercial and industrial spaces, with unlimited colour options. Urethane floors are sought after for the protection they offer against thermal shock and thermal cycling. Continue reading to learn more specific information about the benefits of urethane flooring as well as the environment to which they are applicable.

BENEFITS OF URETHANE FLOORING:

Antimicrobial Protection: Urethane floors can provide anti-microbial properties to help block the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and molds. Seamless, poured-in-place urethane floors are naturally bacteriostatic and fungistatic because there are no seams, welds, or grout lines where bacteria can harbour and potentially grow. This seamless structure also makes the floor easier to clean, which supports anti-microbial efforts.
Moisture Resistance: Urethane flooring is water resistant in that it is able to resist the penetration of water to some degree. Water-resistant urethane floors have properties that protect against water, but these floors are not waterproof (meaning impervious to water). Urethane floors will likely survive an encounter with water, but it will depend on the amount of water and how often the contact occurs.
Thermal Shock and Thermal Cycling Resistance: Urethane floors that are designed to stand up to extreme temperatures and extreme changes in temperature are thermal shock and thermal cycling-resistant (i.e., hot, cold, hot again). Floors are often exposed to these extreme conditions due to processing, equipment, and cleaning.
Sustainability: Floors can be considered eco-friendly based on the disposal of the materials upon replacement. Unlike many other flooring products, poured-in-place urethane floors are part of a building's structure and do not end up in landfills upon repair or replacement. Urethane flooring may also utilize rapidly renewable agro-based materials as well as recycled materials within their formulation.
Low VOC formula: Urethane floors are available in low VOC options to improve indoor air quality during installation.
Slip-resistance: Urethane flooring can provide excellent slip-resistance. When designed with material properties (finishes and textures) to help reduce slipperiness and increase traction, these floors can be critical to protecting employees, customers, and visitors in both industrial and commercial facilities.

INDUSTRIES THAT BENEFIT FROM URETHANE FLOORING:

Commercial Kitchens: Urethane floors provide seamless, stain, and slip-resistant flooring for commercial kitchens. Urethane floors are also easy to clean and come in a wide-range of colors, textures, and finishes.

Food and Beverage Processing Facilities: Floor performance is key in food and beverage processing facilities. These plants do not have time to shut down for repairs and replacement, so long-lasting, durable floors are key. That means the floor will need to stand up to harsh chemicals, thermal shock, thermal cycling, frequent cleaning, spills, and organic acids. Urethane floors can handle all of these issues and because they are seamless, they can also protect facilities against bacterial growth, like listeria, a major concern in the industry. Urethane flooring is one part of hygienic design for Food and Beverage.
Transportation Facilities: Urethane floors are a perfect fit for airports, train stations and bus terminals as they are slip resistant, easy to maintain, as well as stain and impact resistant. Urethane flooring stands up to foot and wheeled traffic and is available in custom designs.
Healthcare Facilities: Urethane floors are sought after for their sterile, sound-reducing solutions within medical facilities. Since they are a long-lasting alternative to VCT and vinyl tile, they are often used in operating rooms, patient rooms, labs, trauma centers, corridors, and more. They are also popular for the free-form designs and colours available to achieve directional markings, a soothing atmosphere, or a custom look.

URETHANE FLOORING INSTALLATION:

Stonhard is responsible for manufacturing and installing the materials to provide a finished floor. The details are important for a successful urethane floor installation. The area is inspected prior to installation to determine the right system required for the area and what testing is required. Based on the condition of the slab, use of the space, or age of the building, different tests may be required, such as Calcium Chloride or Relative Humidity testing to determine the moisture content of the slab or contamination. Based on the information found from these tests and onsite visits, the proper preparation procedure is determined. This may include mechanical preparation with media blasting, diamond grinding, and removal by jack hammers and chipping guns. If slabs are determined to be contaminated with oils, de-greasing may be necessary to achieve proper adhesion. Preparation is the most important process to ensure there is a proper bond to the substrate. Installation of the system will vary depending on the specific system (broadcast, mortar, self leveler). The common installation procedures vary from screeding and troweling the material, squeegeeing and rolling the material, and broadcasting the material. All details, including waterproofing, cove base, penetrations, drains, etc., are discussed prior to installation. These will be handled properly to ensure a good quality urethane floor installation with professionally trained installation teams.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE FOR URETHANE FLOORING:

Seamless urethane floors are known for their easy cleaning and maintenance procedures, however each environment has its own specific requirements and standards to meet. Stonhard Territory Managers work with customers directly to provide the right cleaning solution for the specific environment.

STONHARD URETHANE FLOORING PRODUCTS:

Stonclad - Available in several HACCP-certified formulations to meet your needs, Stonclad urethane mortar systems provide serious protection for heavy-duty environments, and is especially formulated for food and beverage environments.

Stonshield - Textured and slip-resistant, Stonshield urethane floors are decorative and easy to clean, perfect for food preparation and food service areas where thermal shock and cycling are present.

Stonres - A seamless, resilient urethane floor that combines distinctive design elements with performance and function. These urethane floors are resilient and noise reducing and are known for their custom design. They are popular in healthcare, especially operating rooms, education, and public spaces. Some formulations are meant for exterior environments like pool decks, rooftop bars and restaurants, and resort patios.

Stontec - A dense, stain-resistant flake system with an extensive range of finishes and colour options. Available in urethane systems that work well in healthcare, education, labs, process areas, retail, and sports and entertainment venues. Stontec is known for its rapid installation.