Floor Safety

A meat processing facility faces unique challenges when it comes to maintaining floor integrity, especially in cold environments. These facilities are subject to constant thermal cycling—from freezing ambient temperatures to daily hot water washdowns used for sanitation. Over time, these extreme conditions can take a significant toll on traditional flooring systems.

In this case, the facility’s existing epoxy coating began to delaminate and deteriorate. The combination of sub-zero temperatures, moisture infiltration, and the mechanical stress of heavy foot and equipment traffic caused the epoxy to lose adhesion and crack, creating safety hazards and sanitation concerns.

To address this issue, the facility turned to MORTARTHANE™ SL, a high-performance, pourable concrete floor resurfacer specifically engineered for harsh industrial conditions. This video demonstrates the full application process of MORTARTHANE™ SL, highlighting its ease of use, excellent bond strength, and superior resistance to thermal shock and chemical exposure.

Watch as the damaged epoxy is removed, the surface is properly prepped, and MORTARTHANE™ SL is poured and finished. This creates a durable, seamless floor surface that can stand up to the rigors of a demanding meat processing environment.

Whether you're dealing with similar issues or planning a preventative upgrade, MORTARTHANE™ SL offers a long-term solution to help maintain safety, hygiene, and structural integrity in cold-storage and food production facilities.

Challenges of Cold Temperature Floor Coatings 

Applying coatings in freezing environments is tricky. To prepare the concrete floor for the urethane cement, the surface needed to be heated quickly to remove frozen moisture. MORTARTHANE™ SL can be applied in temperatures ranging from 31°F to 36°F.  

Step-by-Step Application Process 

1. Surface Preparation: Begin with removing containments and create a rough surface.  
2. Heating the Concrete: Check for the presence of frozen moisture, ensuring the surface is at the required temperature. 
3. Applying Mortarthane™ SL: The material is then applied quickly while the surface is still warm, as low temperatures can cause the material to stiffen rapidly. The team uses a roller. 
4. Rolling: A strong, quick team applies the urethane cement with a roller to ensure an even and durable finish. 

Why Mortarthane™ SL Is Ideal 

This product provides superior protection against thermal shock and is resistant to hot water washdowns, making it perfect for meat processing environments. It also helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, ensuring food safety. It is pourable and super easy to spread. 

By following these steps, facilities can maintain resilient, safe floors even in the harshest cold climates. When time is of the essence, MORTARTHANE™ SL is the solution that ensures a high-quality, long-lasting floor without downtime.

FAQS for Urethane Cement in Cold Temperature Areas

FAQ 1: Can urethane cement resurfacers be applied in low-temperature or refrigerated environments?

Yes. Urethane cement products are specifically formulated to handle application and curing in low temperatures, often as low as 40°F (4°C) and in some cases even lower with proper product selection and conditioning. These materials are designed for cold environments like walk-in freezers, coolers, and refrigerated processing areas where traditional coatings (like epoxy) would fail to bond or cure properly.

FAQ 2: How does urethane cement perform under thermal shock, such as hot water washdowns in refrigerated spaces?

Exceptionally well. Urethane cement has excellent resistance to thermal shock and thermal cycling. It can withstand rapid temperature changes, such as going from a 35°F environment to a 180°F+ hot water washdown, without cracking or delaminating. This makes it ideal for meat processing and food production areas that require daily sanitation.

FAQ 3: Will urethane cement bond to cold or damp concrete in refrigerated areas?

Yes, with proper surface prep. Urethane cement systems are moisture-tolerant and can bond to damp (but not wet or frozen) concrete surfaces. This makes them ideal for areas where condensation is common, or where concrete can't be fully dried due to environmental constraints. Proper mechanical preparation, such as shot-blasting or diamond grinding, is still essential for optimal adhesion.

Still unsure about which repair products are right for you? Contact our team today.