Both polyurethane flooring and epoxy flooring are types of resin flooring. They are two of the most popular resin floorings because of their versatility and durability. Both polyurethane flooring and epoxy flooring are waterproof and protect concrete floors from damage and dirt.
Epoxy flooring and polyurethane flooring both have used in different environments. Polyurethane flooring is generally more flexible than epoxy flooring, which can be harder. Polyurethane coatings are more resistant to scratches and scuffs. Because polyurethane is more flexible than epoxy, it is used in places like multi-story parking lots and places with varying temperatures. Polyurethane will expand and contract with the temperature changes, which prevent cracks from forming.
Polyurethane flooring, like epoxy flooring, is resistant to chemicals. But these two types of resin flooring are resistant to different chemicals. Epoxy is a better protector against artificial corrosives like sulphuric acid but will turn yellow and corrode when exposed to lactic acid. Therefore, epoxy flooring is popular in workplaces such as warehouses and factories as it offers protection from normal wear and tears as well as chemical and other liquid spillage and leaks.
Polyurethane is popular for flooring in food processing environments, especially diary processing spaces as its structure and integrity are not impacted by lactic acid.
Also Read: Why Industrial Epoxy Floor Coating is Right for Your Business
When cleaning either epoxy or polyurethane flooring, both are easy to maintain. Both are dust resistant, making daily and deep cleans easier. When cleaning a resin floor, the main purpose is to get rid of any spills, or liquids that end up on the floor. While these floors are chemical resistant, humans are not. Maintaining a clean floor is part of keeping a healthy workspace for all.
Some polyurethane flooring and epoxy flooring may contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help to prevent stains from building up, however it is still a good idea to regularly clean floors. Some of these floors with these properties need regular maintenance practices and cleaning for them to last for a long time. While cleaning and maintaining epoxy and polyurethane flooring is not hard to do, regular cleaning and maintenance are required for them to last.
Also Read: The Most Common Misconceptions about Epoxy Coating Debunked
Concrete is less durable uncoated than it is with a polyurethane flooring or epoxy flooring coating. Epoxy is a thinner compound, so it can be used to fill in cracks in concrete, and it is self-leveling, so it can even out a floor that is not perfectly level. However, for merging gaps and cracks, polyurethane will work better as it is more flexible than epoxy flooring.
When installing either of these flooring coatings, keep in mind that polyurethane flooring is extremely sensitive to moisture and humidity during installation. While both polyurethane flooring and epoxy flooring can be installed as a DIY project, if they are not installed perfectly, they will not be effective floor coatings and their lifespan will be diminished. Epoxy floorings can be impacted by water, so it is important to ensure that it is dry when epoxy is being applied.
When installing either of these floorings, be sure to thoroughgoingly clean space, making sure that the concrete floor is dry, smooth, and clean of any dust, debris, or moisture. The cure time of polyurethane floorings is faster than epoxy floorings, which can make the installation of a polyurethane floor more difficult than epoxy flooring. There is less time to work with it.
Self-installation of both floorings is possible; however, an installer will have access to industrial cleaning equipment and cleaners, which, depending on the space and the condition of the concrete, may be recommended.
Both polyurethane flooring and epoxy flooring have their uses, and neither one is better than the other. It depends on the space, and what type of industry or workplace will be using the space to determine which flooring is the better option. In fact, many applications use a combination of epoxy and polyurethane, to take advantage of the superior concrete bonding of epoxy and the outstanding protective properties of polyurethane.
