What is a polyaspartic floor system and is it right for your facility?
Why polyaspartic flooring? Where is it used?
Stonhard added polyaspartic urethane technology to some of its product lines more than 18 years ago to give customers an option for fast-curing resinous floors, along with excellent chemical resistance and outstanding UV protection. Polyaspartics are not the go-to products for every situation, however in industries such as pharmaceutical, food, and food service (including kitchens), finding a durable floor that can be installed quickly, in low temperatures, and one that will not discolor, is significant for facility managers and planners.
What’s the difference between a flooring system and a floor coating?
There is an important distinction between a surface treatment or coating, and a multi-layered polyaspartic system. Stonhard offers several multi-layered flooring systems, meaning from top to bottom, formulated using polyaspartic technology, including a final clear sealer of Stonseal CA7, a polyaspartic coating that increases cleanability, stain and UV resistance. A clear UV sealer alone protects the top surface only. If appearance is important, a clear sealer over non-aspartic base layers will likely show discoloration of the base layers and lose its decorative finish.
If floors are indoors, why be concerned about UV exposure?
UV rays can discolor and yellow a floor, quickly. UV exposure is not just a result of outdoor applications either. Floors can be exposed to UV rays from windows and in some cases even artificial lights. UV lighting is often used in food and pharmaceutical industries to reinforce surface sterilization methods. In food processing environments it can help eliminate viruses that cause food to spoil. A multi-layered system protects against discoloring or yellowing from the primer through to the coating.
Comparing an MMA flooring system with a polyaspartic flooring system – here’s what you need to know:
While Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) technology provides the fastest curing floor surfacing materials, there is an odor associated with MMA installations. Additionally, MMA floors are offered in a matte or flat finish only. Polyaspartic floors are offered in a high-gloss finish.
Deciding between the two technologies is dependent on the demands of the project and desires of the decision maker. Polyaspartic floors are often chosen for projects facing time constraints during a renovation or new construction where scheduling of many trades is a factor.
How to choose a polysaspartic flooring company:
When considering a polyaspartic floor system make sure the company and/or contractor you are working with provides thorough answers so you can invest for the long-term and choose a surface that protects and enriches your work environment.
Stonhard polyaspartic flooring systems:
Stonshield URT, Stonshield UTS, and Stontec TRF are all multi-layered floor systems that use polyaspartic technology to protect environments from substrate to the finished surface. Contact us to schedule a site visit in order to determine the right product for your facility.