Choosing the right high durability flooring for your business can be tricky. Maybe, you want something strong enough to handle heavy use with an immunity to moisture vapor issues and thermal shock. (the process of sudden temperature changes causing separation of a floor coating from concrete, causing floor failure). But maybe affordability is also a concern.
Urethane Cement and Polished Concrete are two of the highest durability concrete flooring options on the market. They are also both immune to moisture vapor problems that other coatings suffer from as well as thermal shock. But they are very different. Understanding these differences is vital for making an informed choice on which best suits your needs.
Nobody knows your business needs better than you. Here at CustomCrete, we’ve been helping businesses like yours choose the right flooring for their needs for over 20 years. We understand that your space needs tough, durable floors without unnecessary extra costs. When you need strong floors but you don't know what's right for you, we are here to understand your needs and guide you to the right choice.
By the end of this article, you'll know ...
- What is Urethane Cement? When Is It the Best Option?
-
Urethane Cement vs. Polished Concrete: A Side-by-Side Comparison
What is Urethane Cement? When Is It the Best Option?
Urethane cement is a type of flooring made from a mixture of polyurethane and cement that is used to coat a concrete floor. It's designed to be extremely durable and resistant to chemicals, temperature changes, and moisture. This type of flooring is often used in places that require tough protection or areas with very heavy foot traffic.
Urethane Cement is ideal for industries where spills or extreme temperature fluctuations are common. But because it is such a thick coating, it can also take a heavy beating. Heavy impacts from machinery or forklifts with no issue.
What Are the Benefits of Urethane Cement?
Durability: Urethane cement is tough and can handle heavy impacts, abrasions, and heavy foot traffic.
Chemical Resistance: Urethane Cement is resistant to many chemicals, oils, and even acids. It's perfect for industries that deal with these substances and resist stains.
Temperature Resistance: This flooring can withstand sudden changes in temperatures. Because of its thick coating, it is also immune to thermal shock. This makes it suitable for places like industrial kitchens or food plants that use hot water wash downs
Moisture Vapor Resistance: Unlike some other floor coatings, urethane cement isn't affected by moisture. Moisture vapor will not cause delamination (the separation of the coating from the concrete).
What Are the Disadvantages of Urethane Cement?
Higher Upfront Cost: Urethane Cement generally costs more to install initially, especially if it’s being used in complex environments.
Limited Aesthetic Options: Unlike polished concrete, urethane cement doesn't have as many options for color or finish, so it may not be the best choice if aesthetics are important.
What is Polished Concrete? When Is It the Best Option?
Polished Concrete is made by grinding and polishing concrete floors to create a smooth, shiny surface. It’s not a coating but rather a treatment to the existing concrete, making it a more permanent solution. Polished Concrete is great for businesses that want a low-maintenance floor with a sleek, modern look.
Polished Concrete is ideal for spaces where durability and a clean, modern appearance are important. It’s a great option for places with foot traffic or machinery but doesn’t require the heavy chemical or heat resistance that urethane cement provides.
What Are the Benefits of Polished Concrete?
Durability: Polished concrete is also very tough and can handle heavy impacts, abrasions, and high foot traffic.
Long-lasting: Polished concrete is highly durable and can last for years with very little upkeep.
Low Maintenance: Once installed, polished concrete floors are easy to clean and don’t need constant repairs or re-coating.
Aesthetic Appeal: With its high-gloss finish, polished concrete provides a sleek and modern look that can brighten up any space.
What Are the Disadvantages of Polished Concrete
Limited Chemical Resistance: Harsh chemicals or oils can damage polished concrete. So, it's not ideal for some industries, like food processing or labs.
When Should You Choose Urethane Cement?
Urethane cement is the best choice for harsh conditions. It can resist chemicals, extreme temperatures, and heavy impacts. It's ideal for environments where chemical resistance and durability are crucial.
Its key drawback is cost. Because of how much material is needed , the upfront costs are fairly high compared to other solutions.
If your business needs high durability and often faces moisture, spills, or temperature changes, consider urethane cement.
When is Polished Concrete the Better Choice?
Polished Concrete is the better choice for businesses that need a sleek, modern look with minimal maintenance and for a reasonable price. It's perfect for spaces with foot traffic, such as offices, retail stores, and showrooms. It’s also great for areas like warehouses and factories that don’t need heavy chemical or heat resistance but still require a durable, easy-to-clean surface.
Its key weakness is its poor resistance to stains, and chemical resistance.
If your business is looking for high durability and doesn't deal with moisture, spills, or temperature changes, then polished concrete is right for you.
Urethane Cement vs. Polished Concrete: A Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature |
Urethane Cement |
Polished Concrete |
|
Durability |
Very High (chemical, heat, impact resistance) |
Very High (resistant to wear and impact, but not chemicals) |
|
Cost |
Higher upfront cost |
Moderate |
|
Maintenance |
Low (easy to clean, but may need repairs in tough conditions) |
Low (easy to clean, no recoating needed) |
|
Customization |
Limited (basic color options) |
Limited (finish options like gloss or matte) can be color stained |
|
Chemical Resistance |
High |
low (may stain or degrade with harsh chemicals) |
|
Temperature |
Very High (withstands extreme changes) |
Unaffected |
|
Slip Resistance |
High (With texture) |
High |
Making the Right Flooring Decision for Your Business
Choosing between Urethane Cement and Polished Concrete depends on your business's specific needs. Both are very durable options and can withstand impacts and heavy foot traffic.
If you need a floor that can handle moisture, is resistant to chemicals, and temperature changes, urethane cement is likely the best choice. It’s ideal for industries where extreme conditions are common. But, if you need a low-maintenance floor, and moisture and temperature are less of a concern, then polished concrete is a great option.
Now that you have a better understanding of both options, you can assess which flooring will work best for your budget by taking a look at pricing.
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