Often a PU self-levelling floor is compared to a cement-bound self-levelling floor (also referred to as concrete, concrete ciré, living concrete, design concrete or concrete look) We are happy to explain the differences to you so you can make a well-informed decision.
Sustainability
A new floor is quite an investment that you want to last you a good while. PU self-levelling floors are more sustainable than cement-bound casting floors.
1. Cement-bound self-levelling floors are composed of water and cement which can cause shrinkage. As a result, cement-bound self-levelling floors pose a higher risk of crack formation. EPI PU self-levelling floors have slightly elastic properties which help bridge cracks. If you add our EPI Membrane to the EPI PU self-levelling floor, the crack-bridging properties can take up to 2.5 millimetres wide cracks. This is one of the reasons EPI PU self-levelling floors will last up to 30 years!
2. EPI PU cast floors are more scratch-resistant than cement-bound self-levelling floors as the PU is stronger. A cement floor will show more signs of daily use. But truthfully, no floor is completely scratch-proof. However, taking preventative measures such as using a quality doormat and gliders under your furniture helps you to keep your PU self-levelling floors scratch-free.
3. PU self-levelling floors are very strong. This strength has its origin in the fact that EPI PU design cast floors were developed based on industrial floors. As a result, EPI PU self-levelling floors combine the loadbearing power of an industrial floor with the high-end look of a design floor.
These qualities for a sleek, stylish floor that lasts over 30 years.
Comfort and design
Both PU self-levelling floors and cement-bound self-levelling floors have quite a sleek and modern look. Both materials give your project an industrial look, however, self-levelling floors offer many more design possibilities. Unlike cement-bound floors, EPI Superbase self-levelling floors are available in a wide range of colours to suit every interior design style and taste. When it comes to comfort an EPI self-levelling floor is definitely the winner. Although both cement-bound floors and PU floors can be combined with underfloor heating, a cement-bound floor may still feel rather cold whereas PU floors transfer the heat evenly and keep it for longer. The floor does not feel cold, not even in winter, and not even to your bare feet!
Maintenance
Both floors are easy to maintain due to their seamless and smooth surface. However, a cement-bound self-levelling floor gives off dust and therefore needs cleaning more often. Cement-bound floors are less scratch-resistant than PU floors. For either floor goes that preventing scratches is important and needs to be taken into account when cleaning and maintaining your floor. Please use a soft brush when vacuuming and avoid the use of scouring cleaning agents. We also strongly recommend putting an absorptive doormat at the door, to prevent sand and rubble from scratching your floor and placing scratch preventive pads under your furniture. Do you need tips on the maintenance of your self-levelling floor? Please read more here!
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Meet our floors
As we produce the floors in our own factory we have extensive knowledge in house to give you tailored advice. Contact us via the form below or call our specialists direct.