What is PU Flooring?
PU or polyurethane is the coating material that has been developed as an alternative for heavy industries usage and has ever since become quite a common flooring material. PU flooring is primarily known to have the excellent gloss and colour varieties. Its exceptional properties are because it is more flexible than Epoxy.
Essentially, polyurethane coatings have high resistance to abrasion, chemicals, fire and high voltage. Due to its excellent characteristics, PU flooring is highly recommended for industrial usage and is especially suitable for chemical and food industries, commercial laboratories, medicine and public service flooring.
Additionally, polyurethane beautiful and smooth properties also make it the best option for creating a flat floor without any expansion joints.
PU Flooring vs Epoxy Flooring
Flexible vs Rigid
Generally, the main difference between polyurethane flooring and epoxy flooring is that the former is highly flexible and elastic, while the latter is rigid and heavy-duty. This makes PU coatings more resistant to scratches and thermal shock.
Resistance to Chemicals
PU flooring is known to have high resistance to natural chemicals, lactic acids, for instance. This property is what makes PU flooring the best option in the food processing industry because it food grade flooring. However, epoxy flooring does not have resistance towards lactic acids, and it will experience a degree of corrosion and yellowing when coming in contact.
Sensitivity to Humidity
When it comes to humidity, PU flooring is known to have better moisture resistance than Epoxy due to it’s flexiblity properties.
UV Stability
Unlike epoxy flooring, polyurethane is known to have higher UV stability. This means the flooring won’t turn yellow when exposed to ultraviolet light or sunlight. This gives benefits to users since PU flooring is typically low maintenance once installed.
The Usage of Polyurethane (PU Flooring) in Industrial Flooring System
Food & Beverages Industry – F&B Industry need food grade flooring as the floors need to be thermal shock resistance, chemicals resistance and heat resistance. This make PU flooring the best choice for food, drink and chemical industries.
Laboratories – PU waterproofing floor is known to be highly resistant to chemicals, making it a great flooring material in laboratories
FAQs on Polyurethane Floor Coatings
Is polyurethane coating or epoxy coating better?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific application and requirements of each project. Generally speaking, though, epoxy tends to be harder. Polyurethane is flexible and better at handling temperature. Both can last long if correct care or maintenance is carried out.
Both PU & Epoxy have the same glossy level and both resist stain, but PU is better to resist chemical stains. However, PU floor systems are often more resistant to UV radiation and chemicals than epoxy, so they may be a better choice for certain applications.
In the end, it’s important to consult with an experienced professional before making a final decision about which product to use.
What is PU waterproofing?
PU waterproofing is the process of treating the surface of the base material with a polyurethane waterproofing membrane in order to make it resistant to water infiltration.
This system is widely used in construction and roofing applications as it provides an effective waterproofing solution that is also resistant to chemical and fire damage.
The reason PU is better for roofs is because of its UV resistance properties.
What is polyurethane paint used for?
Areas like kitchen with an oven and consistent wet areas.
Thinking of Getting PU Flooring?
Are you currently considering having a PU flooring system in your industry? Is the project needed to be handed in in a short period of time? If that is the case, polyurethane flooring is a better option than epoxy because it fixes faster.
Essentially, as there are various industrial flooring products in the market, you need to understand that price is not always the only factor. Still, it is even more crucial to find the right kind of material for the facility intended purpose.
If you need to find out more about what type of flooring best suits your needs, get in touch with our experienced applicators at Advanced Polytech today. Please write to us, and our team of experts will get back to you for your free consultation for your flooring project needs.
For more info Epoxy Coating
