Is your floor showing cracks due to thermal shock when cleaning with steam or boiling water? Pucem is the solution for tough industries where extreme heat and cold alternate. We explain how this cement-bound polyurethane floor protects your commercial floor against temperature variations.
What makes Pucem unique compared to standard coating
In many production environments, floors are severely tested by changes in temperature. A standard floor coating may then crack or even detach from the substrate. Pucem is different because it is a cementitious polyurethane floor. This means the material combines the positive properties of both cement and plastic.
The main feature of Pucem is that it has almost the same coefficient of expansion as the concrete floor below it. When the floor is warmed by hot water, the material expands in the same way as the concrete. As a result, no tension is created between the layers. This virtually eliminates the risk of cracks or detachment, which is a major advantage over a traditional epoxy floor in thermally stressed areas.
Thermal shock resistance explained
Thermal shock occurs when an icy floor suddenly comes into contact with boiling water or steam. For most coatings, this is a huge impact. Malema Coatings's flooring is specifically designed to absorb these extreme impacts. Even with constant exposure to high temperatures, the surface remains fully intact and liquid-proof.
The need for a strong floor in specific sectors
Not every business needs a floor that can withstand extreme heat. But in sectors where hygiene and intensive cleaning come together, there is often no other option. For areas where heavy mechanical stress plays a bigger role than extreme heat, a trowel floor incidentally, are also an excellent alternative.
Which sectors require thermal shock-resistant flooring
The strain is particularly high in the food industry. Think of bakeries where ovens heat the floor or industrial kitchens where steam is used for daily cleaning. This type of floor is also indispensable in the agricultural sector and in cold stores.
- In breweries where hot liquids flow across the floor.
- In the dairy industry when cleaning tanks with hot water.
- In rooms where the temperature is below freezing.
WHICH LIQUID-TIGHT FLOORS SUIT YOUR SITUATION?
Not every floor is the same. Which liquid-proof solution is most suitable depends on the load, the substrate, the desired appearance and the sector you work in.
Epoxy flooring
Epoxy flooring is a strong, seamless industrial floor that is well suited to areas where heavy loads, hygiene and chemical resistance are important. Epoxy floors are liquid-proof, easy to clean and can carry heavy weight effortlessly.
A thinner protective layer over an existing floor, so epoxy is ideal for large(er) areas and often a budget-friendly solution unlike PMMA.
Advantages:
✔ Twice as strong as concrete
✔ Seamless
✔ Easy to clean
✔ Anti-allergenic
✔ Enormously strong
✔ Light impact and abrasion resistant
Resistant to chemicals and acids
✔ Can be supplied in many colours
✔ Anti-slip possible
✔ Liquid-proof
✔ Can carry heavy weight effortlessly
PMMA floor
A PMMA floor is a strong and hard-wearing floor coating with a particularly great advantage: the floor is fully cured and ready for use again within about two hours. That makes this system ideal for companies where downtime costs money immediately.
PMMA floors are liquid-proof, hygienic, chemical-resistant and can be fitted with anti-slip. They are also flexible, reducing the risk of cracking.
Advantages:
✔ Drying time of only 2 hours
✔ Seamless
✔ Hygienic
✔ Easy to clean
✔ Liquid-proof
✔ Dust-free
✔ Wear-resistant
✔ Flexible so it does not tear
✔ Anti-slip possible
✔ Heat-resistant coating possible
✔ Suitable for cold areas
✔ Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
What should good liquid-proof floors meet?
An impermeable floor should do more than just hold back liquids. In practice, these are the most important properties:
- Seamless finishing
- Resistant to moisture and chemicals
- Wear-resistant top layer
- Easy to clean
- Anti-slip possible
- Suitable for the load of your working environment
That is why it is important to look not only at the price or appearance, but also at the application. A floor in a warehouse simply requires something different from a floor in a butcher's shop or car workshop.
Extra grip in damp working environments
Safety for your staff is a big priority. In environments where a lot of water or grease is handled, a floor can become very slippery. Pucem has a matt and slightly rough structure of its own. This provides a natural anti-slip layer that offers excellent grip even when wet. To complete hygiene in these wet areas, we often recommend installing plastic skirting boards for a seamless transition to the walls.
A safe floor prevents industrial accidents and allows your team to continue working efficiently. You can adjust the degree of skid resistance to the specific requirements of your workplace. This way, we combine thermal benefits with a safe surface that is easy to keep clean.
Hygiene and durability under harsh conditions
Besides its resistance to heat, Pucem is also extremely hard and wear-resistant. Heavy machinery or rolling stock pose no problem for this flooring system. As the floor is applied seamlessly, dirt has no chance of adhering in cracks or joints.
- The floor meets all the food inspectorate's strict hygiene requirements.
- The material is resistant to aggressive detergents and chemicals.
- Its longevity makes it a very sustainable investment for your property.
Are you dealing with extreme conditions in your production process and looking for a floor that can cope? We would be happy to advise you on the application of Pucem in your specific situation. Contact us for a no-obligation appointment on site or request a quote directly.