The food and beverage industry is unique when it comes to floor coatings because they require a floor that won’t promote bacterial growth. The floors must either have a sealer applied to them or some type of coating. There are many different types of coating materials such as epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic and polyurea. The specific use of the floor, along with daily wear and tear, determines which of these four coatings a professional contractor would use.
A common concern in a restaurant space is thermal shock. Thermal shock occurs when there is a sudden change in the temperature of the floor surface. Not surprisingly, kitchen floors frequently experience thermal shock due to continuous washing and heat from ovens and other equipment. Unfortunately, it causes most coatings to delaminate from the concrete. We’ve found one coating that does extremely well with thermal shock which is polyurethane slurries. It also provides long-term durability.
As always, it’s important to consult with a company like Smith & Company Flooring so you can ensure you’re selecting the right floor coating for your food or beverage business.
