Compare the operating conditions first
| Requirement | Epoxy systems | PU cement systems |
|---|---|---|
| Heat and temperature changes | Check the selected system’s temperature and thermal-shock limits. | Specialist systems are available for demanding thermal conditions; thickness and specification matter. |
| Water, fats and cleaning chemicals | Suitability depends on the particular coating, exposure and maintenance. | Often considered for wet food-production environments; check resistance to the actual chemicals used. |
| Slip resistance and cleaning | Texture can be specified for the task. | Texture can be specified for the task. |
| Installation and reopening | Product, substrate and site conditions determine the programme. | Product, substrate and site conditions determine the programme. |
| Appearance | A range of colours and finishes is available. | Usually selected for functional performance in demanding areas. |
When to assess PU cement
Discuss PU cement for cooking areas, wash-up zones, cool rooms and food-processing spaces where the floor faces demanding combinations of water, cleaning chemicals, heat or impact. Specify for the actual temperature cycle and cleaning process. A product described as “PU cement” does not automatically meet every kitchen requirement.
When epoxy may be suitable
An appropriately specified epoxy system may suit dry storage, adjoining workshops or commercial areas with operating conditions within the product’s limits. Epoxy formulations and complete systems vary. Avoid assuming that every epoxy floor will fail in a kitchen—or that any resin floor can handle unrestricted hot cleaning.
Slip resistance and hygiene need a complete plan
Choose texture with expected contaminants, footwear and cleaning in mind. More texture can change cleaning effort. Discuss coving, drains, joints and transitions as part of the floor design. Flooring alone does not make a premises compliant: installation details, maintenance and operating procedures also matter.
Questions to answer before installation
- Which areas get hot water, steam, oil, fats or chemicals?
- What cleaning products, temperatures and methods are used?
- Is the concrete sound, dry enough for the system and free of contamination?
- Are falls, drains, coving or junction repairs required?
- How long can each area be closed, and what use resumes first?
- Which documented product limits and maintenance procedures apply?
Plan the shutdown around the specified system
Separate application time from the time needed before cleaning, cooking equipment, trolleys or full chemical exposure can resume. Request a written reopening plan based on the chosen system and site conditions. Compare the whole scope using our commercial flooring cost guide, or explore EpiqFlo’s PU cement flooring service.
Technical background: manufacturer information illustrates how properties vary by system. See Sika’s polyurethane cement system information and epoxy application information. These are reference examples, not a promise that a particular product will be supplied.
Frequently asked questions
Is PU cement always better than epoxy for a commercial kitchen?
No. A hot, wet kitchen may justify a suitable PU cement specification, while a less demanding area may suit an epoxy system. Assess the temperature cycle, cleaning, chemicals, traffic and substrate before choosing.
Can a resin floor be installed over the existing kitchen floor?
That depends on the existing material, bond, contamination, moisture and the proposed system. Do not assume that an overlay will solve a failed or unsuitable substrate.
Can the kitchen reopen the next day?
Do not assume a next-day reopening. The product specification, preparation, temperature and intended use determine the return-to-service programme. Confirm the plan in writing.