For ordinary consumers, relatively recently, building polymer blends have become available that quickly and efficiently create a layer on the surface of a subfloor. These mixes consist of two main fillers: polyurethane polymer or epoxy.
Before the start of repairs, many builders often ask the question: what to choose - an epoxy or polyurethane floor? Which material is better? It is definitely impossible to answer these questions. It all depends on the conditions in which the coating will be used.
The following names were obtained depending on the filler used: polyurethane and epoxy floor. It should be noted that the layer created using such fillers is the finish and is applied to the previously prepared subfloor. Preparation consists in preliminary leveling and priming the base cement-sand screed.
An epoxy or polyurethane floor will be considered below .
Epoxy floor, in comparison with polyurethane, has a smoother surface. To determine which coating is best suited to specific operating conditions, it is necessary to understand what these polymer floors have in common:
- and epoxy and polyurethane floors belong to the class of bulk surfaces;
- A distinctive feature of such floors is the absence of seams. Due to this, the surface is easy to clean, dirt does not accumulate on it;
- polymeric materials quickly dry and harden. However, during installation, they are toxic: it is necessary to protect the respiratory system and ensure the flow of fresh air. When drying, such floors are absolutely safe for humans, and they can be installed in children's rooms;
- materials are wearproof. They can be used in rooms with high traffic;
- have a high tenacity with the floor, but difficulties can arise during dismantling.
Epoxy and polyurethane floors together have these features.
Which polymer floor to choose
The question of which polymer floor to choose is relevant when carrying out repairs. It all depends on which rooms these floors will be used in: heated or not, with high temperature or not, in a house that has already shrunk or not.
The epoxy floor is harder and therefore more wear resistant. He is not afraid of temperature changes, so it can be used in unheated rooms, as well as in baths, pools and saunas. Due to its hardness - sensitive to sagging floors. That is, if the house shrinks, then cracks can form on such a floor. Also, cracks can appear with a strong impact on its surface with any object. However, cracks can easily be covered with clear epoxy varnish.
Epoxy floor is suitable for any room, especially for bathrooms, swimming pools, baths and saunas. But if you want something softer and less slippery under your feet, then you can consider the option with a polyurethane floor.
The polyurethane floor is similar in characteristics to linoleum: it has plasticity. It is quite durable: it is used both in workshops and in indoor parking lots. It is suitable for residential premises. It withstands mechanical shocks. However, the material does not tolerate subzero temperatures: it begins to crack. Therefore, this floor must only be used in heated rooms. The material is also not adapted to ultra-high temperatures - it begins to curl, so it is not recommended to install it in saunas. The polyurethane floor is well suited for the kitchen, corridors and rooms.
Decoration of polymer floors
Since epoxy and polyurethane floors were originally used in workshops and in storage rooms, no one set strict requirements for their attractive appearance. But the situation changed when these floors migrated to apartments and private houses. Then there was a need to decorate polymer floors.
By and large, polymer floors can be decorated in three ways:
1. Add paint to the mixed solution at the time of filling the floor. The factory color of polymer floors is not everyone likes, as it resembles the look of a utility room in a store. To diversify the meager initial color gamut of the mixtures, various colors can be added, which are added to the polymer mixture in the required volume.
2. Use decorative grains. As such grains are used: flocks, chips, sparkles. These items are bought separately. Grains are created from plastic or acrylic, they can be applied bright paint, including reflective. The shape of grains can be different: from a rectangle to a snowflake.
3. Apply images. An image is applied to the cured first layer of the polymer floor. The image can be applied both with brushes and paints, and by gluing a vinyl film already with a picture printed on it. Next, a second polymer transparent layer is applied. It should be noted that this method of decoration is suitable for epoxy floors.
Therefore, the choice of an epoxy or polyurethane floor should be based on the ability of the materials to withstand specific operating conditions. Read more about apartment renovation on the website: .