When it comes to flooring for your facility, there are many options that will serve you well. For many industries, urethane and epoxy solutions from KEVCO, Inc. are the best two to choose from. Why? Our experts break down the pros and cons of urethane vs. epoxy floors in this blog. Have more questions? Reach out to us today, we’re happy to help.
Urethane Flooring – Pros and Cons
When weighing the benefits of urethane vs. epoxy floors, it’s important to start with the basics: What is the difference between them?
Urethane cement is designed to absorb impacts, whether from heavy machinery or constant cleaning. FlowResin technology helps these surfaces resist thermal shocks, high impacts, and even moisture vapor during washdowns. These floors are also seamless, which prevents problems with varying temperatures and moisture issues like mold and other bacteria. If you work in a medical facility or in the food and pharmaceutical industries, urethane cement will perfectly match your needs.
Pros
- Impervious to moisture, mold, and bacteria
- Up to three times more resistant to chemicals and abrasions
- Slip-resistant
- High thermal stability
- Can last as long as 20 to 30 years
Cons
- A topcoat is needed in order to stay water-tight
- May not bond as tightly to concrete as epoxy
- Thin film makes it a challenge to cover small cracks
Epoxy Flooring – Pros and Cons
Epoxy coatings are often confused with urethane floors, but have one key difference. While urethane cement is thinner and more flexible, epoxy is thicker and harder, which helps it hold up better against wear and tear. Epoxy is also self-leveling, which makes it the ideal solution to fill imperfections in your floors or to help reinforce and protect either standard concrete or existing epoxy surfaces. Though versatile enough to be used in almost any facility, epoxy works best in commercial kitchens, pharmaceutical labs, and storage areas.
Pros
- Thick polymer surface protects against wear
- Slip and moisture resistant
- Stands up to impacts and elevated temperatures
- Added traction and density results in increased safety
- Can be poured in many different color options
Cons
- Shorter lifespan than urethane concrete
- Can become brittle and need replacing
- Takes longer to install
Let KEVCO Help You Find Your Perfect Floor
Choosing a new concrete floor is an investment. At KEVCO, we want to help you get it right. Our experts will work with you, learn the ins and outs of your business, and help you choose the perfect solution for your needs. We can even help repair or waterproof your existing surfaces—we’re truly your do-it-all team.
Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.