Why Epoxy Flooring Outperforms Cementitious Urethane in Industrial and Commercial Environments
- Ron Tavakoli
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
In the world of industrial and commercial flooring, durability, hygiene, and performance are non-negotiable. With industries like food processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and commercial kitchens demanding high standards, choosing the right flooring system can significantly impact operational efficiency, safety, and long-term costs.
One popular option promoted by many manufacturers and installers is cementitious urethane flooring. It’s often marketed as a superior solution for high-traffic areas exposed to chemicals, heat, and moisture. However, as contractors who have worked extensively across Toronto and the GTA on commercial, industrial, and food-grade projects, Renovate Right Now takes a different stance—and with good reason.
Understanding Cementitious Urethane: The Basics
Cementitious urethane is essentially a hybrid material. It combines cement, water, aggregate, and a urethane binder, resulting in a harder-than-average concrete system. It’s frequently recommended for environments that endure extreme thermal shock or require slip resistance, such as food and beverage facilities.
But while the marketing may sound compelling, the actual performance of cementitious urethane raises several concerns—especially in environments where hygiene, longevity, and seamless application are critical.
The Problem With Porosity: A Breeding Ground for Bacteria
The most significant issue with cementitious urethane is its porosity.
While it may be slightly more dense than regular concrete, cementitious urethane still retains microscopic holes and capillaries. These small pores can trap:
Moisture
Microorganisms
Grease and food debris
Cleaning chemicals
Over time, these contaminants build up inside the floor, creating an unhygienic environment that’s difficult—if not impossible—to fully sanitize. For industries such as commercial kitchens, cleanrooms, and healthcare facilities, this can be a code violation and a serious risk to public safety.
At Renovate Right Now, we’ve seen firsthand how clients who previously installed cementitious urethane ended up facing:
Early degradation of floors
Health inspection failures
Constant maintenance costs
Major business disruptions
The Misleading “Seamless” Claim: A Top-Coat Illusion
Installers of cementitious urethane often promote it as seamless and non-porous, but here’s the truth:
Those qualities only apply if a proper top-coat is applied—and maintained.
The base cementitious urethane system itself does not inherently provide a non-porous barrier. It’s only through a separate coating layer (such as epoxy or polyurethane) that the floor becomes resistant to moisture and microbial growth.
In other words, the actual protection comes from the top layer, not the cementitious urethane itself.
And that raises two major problems:
Maintenance – The top-coat wears over time and must be re-applied periodically.
Vulnerability – If the top-coat is even slightly compromised (due to foot traffic, dropped tools, or heat shock), the underlying porous floor becomes exposed.
From a construction standpoint, this setup is not sustainable for long-term use in harsh environments.
Moisture, Pinholes, and Condensation: The Silent Floor Killers
Another issue with cementitious urethane is its tendency to develop pinholes during the curing process. These microscopic air pockets can trap moisture inside the material.
Over time, trapped water causes:
Surface bubbling
Microbial growth
Material breakdown
Efflorescence (white powdery residue)
Delamination
Moreover, in environments that experience constant temperature fluctuations (such as food processing facilities with hot washdowns), condensation becomes a frequent problem.
Cracks and chips eventually form, leading to costly repairs, sanitation concerns, and operational downtime.
Epoxy Flooring: A Superior Alternative by Renovate Right Now
At Renovate Right Now, we specialize in resin-rich epoxy flooring systems that address and solve the weaknesses of cementitious urethane.
Our epoxy floors are 100% non-porous from top to bottom. There’s no concrete-like base that absorbs moisture. Instead, every layer is engineered to deliver maximum resistance to:
Chemicals and solvents
Oils and greases
Extreme heat and cold
Microbial and fungal growth
Heavy mechanical traffic
With antimicrobial additives built into the system, our epoxy flooring prevents bacterial colonies from forming—ideal for industries that demand stringent hygiene protocols.
Industrial-Grade Durability and Seamless Application
Unlike cementitious urethane, which relies on a fragile top-coat for protection, our epoxy systems are self-leveling and chemically resistant throughout.
Whether you operate a:
Commercial kitchen
Manufacturing plant
Pharmaceutical lab
Grocery chain
Automotive facility
…our flooring is custom-installed to meet your space’s functional demands and regulatory requirements.
From slip-resistance to thermal shock resistance, our flooring options are customizable and aesthetically versatile—offered in dozens of colors, textures, and finishes.
Case for Epoxy Over Cementitious Urethane: A Technical Comparison
Feature | Cementitious Urethane | Epoxy by Renovate Right Now |
Porosity | ✅ Yes (porous) | ❌ No (non-porous) |
Requires Top-Coat | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (optional for finish) |
Thermal Resistance | Moderate | High (with polyaspartic topcoat) |
Crack Resistance | Prone to cracking | Flexible and impact-resistant |
Antimicrobial | ❌ Not built-in | ✅ EPA-registered additive |
Maintenance Needs | High | Low |
Longevity | 3–7 years | 10–20 years with proper care |
Designed for Wet Environments
Cementitious urethane often struggles in consistently wet or humid settings. Its cement-like nature absorbs moisture, accelerating degradation.
Epoxy flooring, especially with a polyaspartic or urethane top-coat, is engineered for wet zones, washdown areas, and steam-cleaned surfaces. The bond is tight, seamless, and fully moisture-resistant.
Sustainability and Safety: Flooring That Works With You
Epoxy flooring systems also contribute to a safer and greener work environment:
VOC-Free Options: We offer zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds) formulations, making it safer for both installers and building occupants.
Slip-Resistant Finishes: Custom textures are available to meet OSHA and WSIB standards for worker safety.
Fast Installation with Minimal Downtime: We work evenings, weekends, and off-hours to avoid business disruption.
Easy to Clean: Save money and time on cleaning agents and labor.
Real Results Across Toronto and the GTA
Renovate Right Now has completed numerous epoxy flooring installations in:
Warehouses and logistics centers
Breweries and bottling plants
Meatpacking and poultry facilities
Medical and lab facilities
Staff and change rooms
Grocery and retail chains (including high-traffic environments like Costco-style stores)
Our clients continue to trust us for precision, speed, and durability. Every project we take on reflects our commitment to quality, using top-tier resins, primers, and coatings sourced from trusted manufacturers.
Conclusion: Cementitious Urethane Doesn’t Measure Up
While cementitious urethane may seem like a durable solution at first glance, its porous nature, maintenance requirements, and bacterial vulnerabilities make it a short-term fix—not a long-term investment.
In contrast, epoxy flooring from Renovate Right Now offers:
True non-porous protection
Long-lasting performance
Regulatory compliance
Fast, expert installation
Aesthetic and functional versatility
If you’re planning to upgrade your facility or facing issues with your existing cementitious urethane floors, now is the time to switch to a system built for today’s industrial demands.
Work With Renovate Right Now: Experts in Industrial and Commercial Epoxy Flooring
Whether you're building a new facility or renovating an outdated space, Renovate Right Now provides flooring systems tailored to your operational needs. We don’t cut corners—we build floors that last.
📍 Serving Toronto, the GTA, and surrounding industrial zones.
Let’s discuss your project today. Epoxy is the future—cementitious urethane is yesterday’s shortcut.
Epoxy vs Cementitious Urethane: Why Epoxy Flooring is Superior for Industry
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