Cementitious Urethane Flooring: Pros, Cons & vs Epoxy

Introduction: Why Choose Cementitious Urethane Flooring?

In today’s industrial, commercial, and institutional flooring markets, Cementitious Urethane has emerged as a top choice for high-performance floor coatings. Combining the strength of cement with the flexibility of polyurethane, it excels in extreme environments such as food processing plants, chemical facilities, warehouses, and hospitals.

This guide covers:
✔ Definition and composition of Cementitious Urethane
✔ Key advantages vs. epoxy garage floor, polished concrete, and other systems
✔ Industry applications and real-world case studies
✔ Installation process, maintenance tips, and FAQs

1. What is Cementitious Urethane?

1.1 Definition

Cementitious Urethane is a hybrid flooring system made from a blend of cementitious materials (for strength) and polyurethane resins (for flexibility and chemical resistance). Unlike traditional urethane concrete flooring, it offers a unique balance of durability and elasticity.

1.2 How It Works

The curing process occurs in two stages:

1. Cement Hydration – Forms a rigid, high-strength base.
2. Polyurethane Crosslinking – Creates a flexible, crack-resistant top layer.

This dual-phase reaction results in:

• Compressive Strength (>50 MPa, stronger than standard concrete)
• Impact Resistance – Handles heavy machinery without cracking.

2. Top 5 Benefits of Cementitious Urethane Flooring

2.1 Extreme Durability

• Abrasion Resistance – 2-3x more wear-resistant than epoxy garage floor coatings (ASTM D4060 tested).
• Heavy-Duty Performance – Withstands forklifts, pallet jacks, and industrial traffic.

2.2 Superior Chemical Resistance

Resists:
✔ Acids & alkalis (stable in pH 1-14)
✔ Oils, solvents (gasoline, diesel)
✔ Food-grade chemicals (FDA/USDA compliant)

2.3 Slip-Resistant (Even When Wet)

• Textured finishes available, with wet COF >0.6 (exceeds OSHA’s 0.5 standard).

2.4 Seamless & Hygienic

• No joints = no bacteria buildup (ideal for hospitals, urethane for concrete industry).

2.5 Customizable Aesthetics

• Multiple colors, with options for quartz or metallic aggregates.

3. Cementitious Urethane vs. Other Flooring Systems

💡 Key Takeaway: For high-traffic, chemical-heavy, or wet environments, Cementitious Urethane Flooring outperforms alternatives.

4. Where is Cementitious Urethane Used?

4.1 Industrial Facilities

• Warehouses & Logistics – Handles heavy equipment wear.
• Pharma & Chemical Plants – Resists corrosive spills (GMP-compliant).

4.2 Commercial & Public Spaces

• Hospitals & Labs – Seamless, easy to sanitize.
• Supermarkets & Kitchens – Slip-resistant, oil-proof.

4.3 Food & Beverage Industry

• Breweries & Dairies – NSF-certified, resists lactic acid/sugars.

5. Installation Process (6 Steps)

Step 1: Surface Prep

• Grind old floors; remove oil (chemical cleaners if needed).
• Patch cracks (with polymer-modified mortar).

Step 2: Primer Application

• Roll epoxy primer for adhesion.

Step 3: Material Mixing

• Blend cement powder + urethane resin (accuracy <2%).

Step 4: Trowel Application

• Apply at 3-6mm thickness.

Step 5: Curing

• Walkable in 24hrs (25°C); full strength in 7 days.

Step 6: Topcoat (Optional)

• Polyurethane sealer enhances gloss/stain resistance.

6. Maintenance: 3 Tips to Extend Lifespan

1. Daily Cleaning – Use pH-neutral cleaners; avoid acids.
2. Bi-Annual Inspections – Check edges/joints for wear.
3. Spot Repairs – Use urethane cement floor coating for minor damage.

7. FAQs

Q1: Is Cementitious Urethane good for outdoors?

✅ Yes! More UV-stable than epoxy; add anti-UV topcoat.

Q2: Cost per sq. ft?

• $4–9/sq. ft (varies by thickness/specs).

Q3: Will installation disrupt operations?

• Phased scheduling minimizes downtime.

8. Conclusion: Is Cementitious Urethane Right for You?

Choose it if you need:

• 15+ years of service
• Chemical/wet environments
• Hygienic, seamless floors

For a free flooring consultation, contact our experts today.