Epoxy flooring is a popular choice for commercial kitchen floors because it is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains and spills. It is also resistant to high temperatures, making it a good choice for use in areas where hot equipment is present. There are a few steps involved in installing a commercial kitchen epoxy floor:
Preparation: The surface must be clean and free of any contaminants or debris. Any cracks or imperfections in the concrete should be repaired before the epoxy is applied.
Priming: A primer is applied to the surface to help the epoxy adhere to the concrete.
Applying the epoxy: The epoxy is mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions and applied to the floor in thin, even coats.
Finishing: Once the epoxy has cured, you will want to add another coat of aliphatic urethane to retain sheen and color, it also enhances scratch resistance.
Installing a commercial kitchen epoxy floor is a complex process that should be done by a professional with experience in this type of work.
Details Of The Epoxy Flooring Project At Rutgers
The preexisting flooring system had failed at the joints and various areas where structural cracking had presented itself. To remedy these concerns we fill the random cracks using an epoxy putty material to bridge the crevice. After curing we then sanded the patching so that it would not show through the finished epoxy flooring system.
Determining And Specifying The Correct Chemical Resistance
Part of our services includes assessing what products to include cleanser this new floor might be exposed to. After discussing with our client and reviewing whatever MSDSs were available we were able to identify all bad actors and concluded standard epoxy and aliphatic coatings would best address any concerns.
Containing Wash Down Area In The Commercial Kitchen Floor
While the space was largely used for packaging and other dry processes the client required an area for equipment clean up. This photo depicts the 4"x$' curb installed by keying in the existing substrate and pouring engineered concrete. The fill material was specific to resinous flooring as trapping moisture would have caused a coating failure.
To see an actual project of a commercial kitchen floor, watch our short video!
Completion Of A Commercial Kitchen Floor
After all our remedial work was complete we then applied an 8-10 mil coating of a good quality high solids epoxy. After the new coating was cured, we walked the entire space being careful to note and repair any oversights as the final coat will be for color retention and sheen and would not serve well to hide any blemishes. Finally, we applied our topcoat of a good quality aliphatic urethane to complete our commercial kitchen floor.
Why Urethane Cement is the Preferred Commercial Kitchen Floor Systems
Urethane cement has become the go-to flooring system for commercial kitchens for several reasons. This robust and versatile flooring system is ideal for kitchens, thanks to its exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and thermal shock resistance.
One of the primary advantages of urethane cement is its ability to withstand harsh chemicals that are commonly used in commercial kitchens. Unlike other flooring systems that can be damaged by spills and splashes of chemicals, urethane cement is designed to handle these substances without cracking, discoloring, or deteriorating over time.
Another benefit of urethane cement is its resistance to thermal shock, which is particularly important in a commercial kitchen environment. These floors can withstand sudden changes in temperature without cracking, which is critical in an area where hot and cold items are frequently moved around.
In addition to its durability and resistance to chemicals and thermal shock, urethane cement is also very easy to clean and maintain. Its smooth surface can be quickly and easily wiped down to remove spills and debris, reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Overall, urethane cement is an excellent choice for commercial kitchen flooring, offering exceptional durability, chemical resistance, thermal shock resistance, and ease of maintenance. It is a smart investment for any commercial kitchen looking to enhance safety, hygiene, and overall functionality.