Polyurethane vs. Epoxy: Which is Better For Industrial Kitchen Flooring?
Industrial kitchens need to follow certain regulations to make sure that everything is safe for the workers. It is a high-pressure environment where chances of a slip, trip, or fall increases over time. Slippery surfaces and heavy kitchen equipment can lead to accidents, so it’s crucial to have a plan in place to protect your employees by giving emphasis on industrial kitchen flooring.
When it comes to industrial flooring, two of the most popular choices are epoxy and polyurethane resin floors. While both types of floors have their own unique qualities, it is important for business owners to be aware of the key differences between them.
Epoxy resin floors are known for being strong and durable, while polyurethane resin floors are more flexible and resistant to chemicals. With this in mind, many people wonder which material is best for industrial kitchen flooring but a great choice for a particular type of industrial kitchen will depend on the specific needs of the business.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane can be used to protect surfaces from corrosion and degradation. It can have either a gloss or matte finish. Additionally, polyurethane is more flexible than epoxy, making it ideal for areas that are subject to wet conditions, extreme temperature swings, and attacks from chemicals or corrosive substances.
Selling Points
Moisture Resistant
A floor coating that is not resistant to moisture or vapor transmission will have a short lifespan. Many industrial kitchen flooring installation projects take place in industrial environments where moisture and vapor transmission are common.
However, a floor that is resistant to chemicals and thermal shock is necessary to ensure a long lasting product. When a polyurethane cement coating is applied to your floor, the flooring becomes resistant to some of the harshest environments, including those in the food and beverage industry.
Easy to Clean
It’s no secret that smooth surfaces are easier to clean than rough ones, but it’s still a fact worth mentioning. Most businesses choose self-leveling (SL) options, which allow for smooth floor applications without extra grinding or the need for additional top coats. In the end, time is money, and smooth floors decrease the amount of time and manpower required to clean it, not to mention polyurethane is much more sanitary.
Long-lasting
Scientifically speaking, polyurethane is made of two main chemical components: polymers and urethane. During the chemical process, polymers are linked together by urethane groups, creating a versatile solution that can take many forms. This polymer compound creates a stable, safe and durable product that is perfect for a variety of applications.
Drawbacks
Not Eco-friendly
Polyurethane foam is known to release harmful toxins into the air if burned. In addition, the blowing agents used in polyurethane production contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, which negatively impact our atmosphere. Furthermore, many types of polyurethane foam contain non-renewable fossil fuels, further depleting natural resources and harming the environment. Even though it is not as toxic as some other chemicals, it still causes damage to the ecosystem.
Health Risk
Polyurethane is a popular material due to its many uses, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers it poses to human health. Studies have shown that polyurethane emits toxic fumes that can cause a variety of health problems, including allergic reactions, rashes, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness and blindness.
Epoxy
Epoxy resins are thermoset plastics made by the reaction of two or more industrial chemical compounds. They are used in a wide array of consumer and industrial applications because of its toughness, strong adhesion, chemical resistance and other specialized properties.
Applying an epoxy coating to existing cement or concrete substrates can help protect the floor from mechanical abrasion. This is a multi-component solution that requires proper and careful measurement and mixing of all parts. Epoxy coatings are most common in facilities such as warehouses, logistic centers, dry process manufacturing plants and facilities with forklift traffic.
Selling Points
Resistant to Heat
Epoxy floor coatings can provide an extra level of protection for your kitchen floors, particularly when a high-grade epoxy is used. This can help to protect your floors against boiling water and hot pans, as well as reducing the risk of fire.
Flames and high temperatures are common in commercial kitchens, so it is important to take precautions. Applying a coating to your floor can help to avoid heat damage and improve the safety of your kitchen.
Slip-resistant
It is possible to coat kitchen floors with a non-slip epoxy coating, which can significantly reduce the risk of accidents in kitchens. An anti-skid additive can add grit to your floor, which can make industrial kitchens less slippery. This can be a great option for those who are looking for a way to make the kitchen safer.
Cheaper
Replacing kitchen flooring can be expensive, but epoxy coating is an affordable way to protect your floors from damage. Applying epoxy coating to your floors can help to prevent damage and can increase the lifespan of your flooring.
In addition, epoxy coating can also save you money on cleaning and maintenance. Your floors will be easier to care for than ever, which will save you time, money, and stress. Epoxy offers incredible value, especially in Industrial kitchens.
Drawbacks
Long curing time
It generally takes several days for epoxy flooring to cure completely, depending on various factors such as the type of epoxy coating. In most cases, applications usually take 72 hours to dry and cure. However, applying epoxy in smaller areas could take only 24 hours.
The curing process can be an inconvenience if the epoxy is being applied on kitchen floors where there is normally a lot of foot traffic, or if the building is located in a humid climate – as this can impact the drying time.
Toxic Fumes
When wet, epoxy floors give off a strong smell. Sometimes, during application, you may notice the epoxy floor smells like ammonia. These fumes are toxic and can cause side effects to anyone nearby, including nose and eye inflammation, throat and lung irritation, and difficulty breathing for asthmatic people.
Key Takeaway
Two of the most popular choices for industrial kitchen flooring are epoxy and polyurethane resin floors. Each type of flooring has its own selling points and drawbacks but regardless, it is important to ensure that you’ll choose the safest and best type of flooring for your particular needs.