Advantages and disadvantages of polyurethane-based self-leveling floors

Poles are an important element in premises where high demands are placed. The surface must be high quality, strong, reliable and durable. These requirements are met by many building materials used for subfloor construction. Particular attention is paid to self-leveling polyurethane floors, which can withstand physical stress without losing their original decorative appearance. Polymer floors allow many designers to implement projects that amaze with their beauty and texture.

Contents of the article:

• Polyurethane self-leveling floor: features and varieties
• Its main advantages
• Some disadvantages

Almost realistic imitations of ocean waves crashing onto the beach or huge images of roses. The decorative properties of self-leveling floors are not limited. They have more advantages, diluted with some disadvantages.

Polyurethane self-leveling floor: features and varieties

Self-leveling floors based on polyurethane polymers are monolithic thin-layer or highly filled coatings with decorative protection.

Synthetic heteroseptic elastomers – polyurethanes form films with a high level of acid and abrasion resistance. Often found in everyday life as part of paints and construction chemicals (mastic, foam), some adhesive materials (two-component polyurethane adhesive for parquet, one-component for furniture, leather, foam), rubbers, latex products, etc.

Self-leveling floors can be transparent or matte. Used based on:.

• Industrial premises: warehouses, industrial buildings, underground parking lots.
• Shopping centers, exhibitions, gyms.
• In residential premises and garages.

This coating is especially popular as an alternative to ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles and polished concrete.

Artistic options with various images printed on banner fabrics, or mineral filler bonded to the 3D floor, which is called polyurethane-based SO.

The finish is extremely impressive, almost life-like. However, this is not the only thing that attracts potential clients.

Its main advantages

Polyurethane protective coatings are considered the most wear-resistant of all materials. Household varnishes for parquet and parquet boards, wooden windows, doors, furniture, sports or conference rooms are made from special two-component mixtures.

Polyurethane-based compositions are covered with household, semi-commercial and commercial polyvinyl chloride coatings (uneven linoleum with resistance class 23-34 according to the Taber test).

Loose polyurethane coatings on poles have the same properties as abrasive ones. Additional finishing benefits include

• Simple and quick installation of the prepared base. Thanks to the polymerizer, polymerization occurs quite quickly, without swelling, bubbles or other defects.
• Various decors and a wide color palette. Most companies offering bases with 3D effects have qualified personnel and the necessary equipment to create absolutely any floor design.
• Waterproof. The floor has a zero absorption coefficient and the same vapor permeability, which allows it to be successfully used in wet rooms.
• Resistance to mechanical and chemical influences Polyurethane self-leveling floors are resistant to the impact of wheels, furniture legs and heels, and you are unlikely to notice smoldering tobacco (unless, of course, you remove it immediately after falling). It is inert to strong cleaners, oils, glycerin and various household alcohols, but it is recommended to be careful with solvents, as areas of cloudiness may form where the solution enters.
• Fire safety. The coating does not burn, but melts under high temperatures, releasing substances that are toxic to humans.
• Frost resistance. Operation of self-leveling floors is possible at temperatures as low a s-25 °C.
• Hygienic and antistatic. The floor can be easily cleaned with regular soapy water, and stubborn stains can be removed with a cleaning product.
• The average service life is approximately 10 – 15 years without damage or defects and requires careful operation.

Polyurethane-based floors are durable enough for industrial and residential use and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. The design of the flooring can be left to the discretion of the decorator. Rare materials can boast such a rich combination of properties.

The most popular are polyurethane and epoxy industrial self-leveling floors, which have many common properties, but also individual characteristics. Both materials are created on the basis of a resin and a hardener, resulting in durable surfaces with increased resistance to various mechanical and physical influences.

Today, polymer floors are used in warehouses, manufacturing plants, shopping centers, entertainment centers, medical facilities, refrigeration units, freezers, garages, parking lots and residential premises.

Some disadvantages

For all their advantages, polymer coatings are not as ideal as sellers imagine.

• High requirements for the base. The preparation phase is labor-intensive, taking from two to six weeks, and uses expensive equipment.
• High consumption of materials. The thickness of the polyurethane composite layer varies from 2 to 6 mm, which significantly affects the customer’s budget.
• The coating is cold to the touch and uncomfortable. Under it, it is recommended to install a “warm floor” system (infrared or water) in a screed, with appropriate insulation of the concrete floor.
• Not eco-friendly. Polymer compositions release substances such as formaldehyde, phenol, ammonia and toluene in low concentrations. Heating intensifies the process. Therefore, it is not recommended to equip hospitals, kindergartens and rooms.
• Low maintainability. Scratches and chips can be partially removed using repair products, but they leave marks.
• The cost of installation and consumables is high. Depending on the complexity of the work and the area of the facility in Moscow and the Moscow region as of March 2020, this ranges from 4, 400 rubles/m2 to².

Despite all the unusualness and decorativeness of self-leveling floors, their disadvantages should be put first. If this is an ideal option for retail spaces and large office premises, then in houses and apartments you should prefer a more natural and safe material. Self-leveling polymer floors are the latest material for creating strong, wear-resistant and durable decorative surfaces. Such coatings are easily laid on a concrete base. It is important to follow all stages of installation of the material to obtain positive results that guarantee long-term operation.