If you are considering laying a new floor in your premises – whether that’s a commercial kitchen, medical establishment or even a public building like a school, then you’ve probably heard that polyurethane resin is a great option. Not only is it incredibly hard wearing and resistant to chemicals, heat, wear and more, it is also very easy to clean and has no seams where bacteria can accumulate. It is non-slip and non-toxic, which means it is ideal for spaces where food or medical treatments are carried out, providing maximum security for staff and other users.
A resin floor is also a very cost effective option. Resin flooring strength means that they will outlast almost all other types of floor surfacing, providing excellent return on investment. However, for building managers, owners or operators there are also the practical considerations to consider when laying a new floor.
With resin, the big questions are usually how long does a resin floor take to dry and are resin floors durable? Let’s take a closer look at the answers to both of these below.
Understanding curing times may seem complicated but in reality it is pretty straightforward. Resin flooring drying times, often known as curing times, will vary based on the type of resin used. Resin and polyurethane resin typically take 24 hours to fully cure for light foot traffic, 48 hours for light wheeled traffic and 7 days for full chemical cure . Methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin can cure in as little as 2 to 4 hours. Of course, it will not be possible to use the floor for normal operations during these curing times so this will need to be factored into any new flooring decision. But, once cured, all types of resin flooring offer exceptional durability and resistance, not to mention ease of cleaning and safety.
It is also necessary to understand the effects of temperature on drying time. Warmer temperatures will speed up the curing process, while cooler temperatures slow it down. This may affect the time of year you choose to lay your new floor, as it could significantly reduce down time and the impact on operations.
It’s not just the air temperature and climatic conditions that can affect the curing time of resin floors. Other factors that influence the curing process include the type of resin used and the thickness of the application. In some cases it may be necessary to use catalysts or hardeners in order to reduce curing time if this is an essential factor in the process. Thicker layers and lower concentrations of catalysts generally result in longer curing times, which is also something that needs to be considered. But it is also worth remembering that any new floor surface will require time to lay and cause a level of disruption to operations.
So, just how long after curing can a new resin floor be used? In general, epoxy floors can handle light foot traffic after 24 hours and light use after 3 to 4 days. However, it may be necessary to wait longer to extend this to full use, which generally includes heavy traffic and equipment. This should ideally wait until the new floor is fully cured, which is typically after 7 to 10 days.
If you would like to know more about slip resistant resin flooring and the laying process, then contact us. Our team will be happy to talk you through the finer details of the process and answer any questions you may have.
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