Why Hycrete polyurethane cement is the best suited flooring system for commercial kitchens

Hycrete polyurethane cement is a unique polyurethane cement product that is applied as the top layer on concrete floors where challenging service conditions are standard. It’s recommended for use where exposure to high temperatures occurs regularly, as well as where maximum resistance to different types of acids (including organic acid) is required. It’s extremely resistant to food acid like phosphoric acid, as well as sanitising chemicals such as peroxyacetic acid solutions.The Hycrete system is based on a solventless polyurethane and a cementitious quartz filler blend. The commercial flooring product is usually applied as a broadcast topping complete with a range of anti-slip finishes and can then be sealed. But it can also be applied as a single layer, smooth seamless self-levelling topping.

• Durability

  Hycrete polyurethane cement is heavy-duty, durable, abrasion and impact resistant. Need we say more. The combination of specialist resins and high-quality blended fillers guarantees strength,durability and longevity; it has the strength to outlast the busiest commercial kitchen. Heavy equipment won’t make a dent and clumsy chefs won’t be a problem for this Hycrete system.

• Chemically resistant

  It’s chemically resistant to acids, caustics, fats and cleaning solutions which is exactly what it will come into regular contact within a commercial kitchen setting. If your flooring surface is not designed to withstand these types of substances then it will not last.

• Thermal shock resistance

  Commercial kitchen floors are subject to extreme thermal variations and therefore require a specifically designed flooring system. Hycrete polyurethane cement can withstand aggressive conditions and is very resistant to high temperatures and extreme thermal shock conditions such as regular discharges of boiling water and steam which are regular occurrences in a commercial kitchen.

• Slip resistance

  A safe working environment is critical to a successful operation. Having a heavily slip resistant commercial kitchen flooring system like the Hycrete system is imperative to meeting safety standards and ensuring the safety of those working in the space. Minimising or eliminating slips, trips and falls requires a well-designed commercial kitchen flooring system to ensure your staff’s safety on a daily basis.

• Odourless application

  Hycrete systems have successfully passed Green Building Council of Australia tests for low VOC. The flooring system is solvent-free and won’t negatively affect food or cause issues in public ventilation; it has minimal odour.

• Hygienic and safe surface finish

  Floor finishes need to be clean and serviceable, especially in a commercial kitchen setting. Strict food safety requirements ensure that floors don’t harbour potentially dangerous bacteria; it is of paramount importance in many industries including those that include commercial kitchens.The Hycrete system contains the world-leading antimicrobial Ultra-Fresh technology that has been conclusively proven to provide effective resistance to bacteria, fungi, mould and mildew. The Hycrete system is certified by HACCP Australia as a suitable floor surfacing material for food and beverage facilities that operate in accordance with HACCP based programs. The Hycrete system is also accredited under the Australian Paint Approval Scheme.

• Fast installation:

  Can be applied to 7-day old concreteHycrete polyurethane cement can be installed quickly with little fuss, ensuring that your operations aren’t stopped for a long period of time. If your commercial kitchen is not operating then your bottom line will be affected. The Hycrete system is moisture tolerant and can be applied to a slightly damp surface and is also available with a chemical accelerator for fast cure time even at low temperatures.

• Versatility

  Hycrete polyurethane cement is available in a range of colours for those that consider aesthetics just as important as functionality. It is a visually versatile flooring system that will suit all tastes.If you hadn’t considered a polyurethane floor for your commercial kitchen flooring then you may need to reconsider. It is fast becoming the flooring system of choice for commercial kitchens around the globe.

Yes, POLYURETHANE SEALERS ARE SUITABLE FOR CONCRETE, Use these high-build sealers to produce a very durable, chemical-resistant finish.Polyurethanes sealers are nearly twice as thick as an acrylic sealer and form a high-build protective film on the concrete surface that provides excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals. They are available in water- and solvent-based versions and a range of sheen levels. They can be used on both interior and exterior concrete to impart a transparent, non-yellowing, highly durable finish.

Applications

Typical applications for polyurethane sealers include:

• Floors in high-traffic areas, to provide good resistance to scuffs and staining
• To enhance the beauty of colored, stamped or exposed-aggregate concrete
• Concrete countertops
• Most polyurethanes are moisture intolerant until they cure, so they should not be applied to surfaces if any water is present. A chemical reaction will occur that results in foaming and bubbling. They also don’t allow for moisture vapor to move out of the concrete, which could present problems on some exterior concrete surfaces, such as driveways.

How to apply

Polyurethane sealers require more care when applying compared with single-component sealers, such as acrylics. Avoid applying water-based polyurethanes with a garden-type pump-up sprayer, since they don’t reach the level of pressure needed to achieve a thin, even spray pattern. Instead, use a low-volume, high-pressure airless sprayer. Polyurethanes can also be applied with a micro-fiber mop, using a push-and-pull motion to get thin, even coverage.

Urethane cement is a combination of a polymer binder (urethane) and fillers (cement and aggregate). Urethane Cement is also referred to as polymer concrete. Urethane cements can be used in floor coating systems. overall, Urethane cement coatings are well known for their chemical and temperature resistance.

Generally, a polyurethane floor coating is highly flexible and elastic, while epoxy flooring is harder and more brittle. This makes polyurethane coatings more resistant to scratches and similar damage and is why you’ll often find urethane resin floors in heavy traffic areas – such as multi-storey car parks.

Polyurethane lets you choose between an oil and a water base; polycrylic doesn’t. Yes, it’s not quite as cut and dry as oil- vs. water-based sealers. Oil-based polyurethane is very durable, making it the best choice for finishing wooden floors or furniture that gets a lot of use, such as a kitchen table.

Of the two, epoxy is a higher-strength substance that prevents a surface from moving. Though epoxy is strong, it will crack on surfaces that frequently move. Urethane retains flexibility. Structures that contract or expand with seasons or temperatures are better suited for urethane.

Remove all dust with a vacuum and tack cloth before applying the second coat. Repeat these steps until the desired level of protection is achieved. For protection, two coats are the minimum, but floors and anything else that will see hard wear or occasional moisture should get at least three coats.

According to finishing expert Bob Flexner, all finishes are food-safe once they have cured. Polyurethane varnish does not present any known hazard. However, no finish is food safe until it has fully cured. The rule of thumb for full curing is 30 days at room temperature (20°C – 25°C).

Clean Up. Clean up any uncured caulk with a paint thinner or acetone solvent. If the polyurethane caulk comes into contact with skin, wipe it off immediately with a paper towel and wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If any uncured residue remains, remove it with petroleum jelly, baby oil or mineral oil.