“Green” and Healthy Medical and Hospital Floor Coatings

One of the biggest problems for medical and hospital facilities with concrete floors is moisture vapor and bacterial growth. Our Polyaspartic / Polyurea system prevents the bacterial growth that has always plagued the coatings industry.

How Polyurea Technology Prevents Bacteria Growth

There are many ways bacteria ends up on your floor, creating an unhealthy environment. While it’s impossible to prevent bacteria from entering your space, our Polyaspartic / Polyurea coatings have unique features that prevent the bacteria from making your floors their permanent home.

1. Moisture – All concrete has some degree of moisture. Since it is porous, concrete contains moisture that is transmitted to the surface via capillary and hydrostatic pressure. Moisture inherent in concrete travels upwards through tiny air holes or capillaries. When it reaches the surface, it increases humidity in the air, which encourages the growth of mold and bacteria. Hydrostatic pressure begins below grade. Moisture from natural underground springs in the earth, rain and snow can create moisture pressure that is pushed upwards through air holes in concrete. This can cause many coatings to delaminate or chip. Grinding the floor before coating allows the Polyaspartic / Polyurea to be absorbed into the concrete, capping off moisture. This actually serves as a waterproofing system, substantially reducing mold and bacteria breeding moisture.

1. Surface Conditions – Any floor with a seam, such as ceramic or vinyl tile, is problematic. Hardwood floors collect dirt and moisture where boards abut and are often porous. Epoxy coatings stick to floors rather than being absorbed into the concrete and can delaminate due to moisture pressure. Although an epoxy coating is seamless, its biggest flaw is that micro-scratches will fray like plastic. Frayed edges trap dirt, moisture, and bacteria.
2. The Polyurea Straight Scratch is The Secret To Mold Prevention – As mentioned before, Polyaspartic / Polyureas are absorbed into concrete, capping moisture pressure and reducing humidity levels. On the surface, micro-scratches are straight and not frayed. The result is simple, routine cleaning with ammonia and water to remove dirt and bacteria. You then have long-term durability and bacteria is virtually eliminated.

Polyspartic/Polyurea floors are seamless, water proof, low maintenance, durable, scratch resistant, and have a Coefficient of Friction (nonslip) that exceeds OSHA guidelines.  All of these features combine to make it the floor coating of choice for hospitals, clinics and medical offices.