(January 2006) Tnemec Company, Inc., has introduced the addition of Ultra-Tread, a polyurethane modified concrete flooring system designed to meet the needs of floors in manufacturing and processing facilities, to its StrataShield line of floor and wall coatings, according to Joe Schmit, director of StrataShield.
Ultra-Tread is resistant to thermal shock associated with freeze/thaw cycling, hot water washdowns or constant steam cleaning and hot fry oils and liquids often present in food and beverage facilities, Schmit noted. Ultra-Tread can also withstand a wide range of chemicals, such as organic and inorganic acids, alkalis and various solvents, making the product ideally suited to meet the demands in food processing facilities, meat and poultry plants, commercial and restaurant kitchens and the pulp and paper industry. This resistance makes floors coated with Ultra-Tread easier to clean and eliminates downtime for repairs.
“It’s always important to select the correct flooring, but it’s especially important for food and beverage manufacturers and restaurants,” Schmit said. “These facilities are constantly facing scrutiny from organizations such as the FDA, USDA and health departments who examine the cleanliness and hygiene of the facilities’ floors. With Ultra-Tread, we’ve created a flooring system to meet the required demands and provide a quick return to service for such facilities.” Available in both gray and red, Ultra-Tread is impact resistant, meaning the product holds up extremely well in abusive environments and has a long service life. Ultra-Tread is versatile, consisting of three options: Series 243 Ultra-Tread V (vertical); Series 244 Ultra-Tread M (mortar); and Series 245 Ultra-Tread S (slurry).
Series 243 Ultra-Tread V is a trowelable mortar for vertical surfaces such as trenches, equipment pads and coves. It is used in conjunction with Series 244 and 245 at a 3/16-inch suggested dry-film thickness. Series 244 Ultra-Tread M is a trowelable mortar with high early strength. The suggested dry film thickness is 1/4-inch and Series 244 is typically used to resurface degraded floors caused by physical or chemical attack. Series 245 Ultra-Tread S is a self-leveling slurry product with high early strength. Series 245 exhibits a smooth appearance; however, aggregate can be broadcast to achieve a non-skid finish. Series 245 also has a 3/16-inch suggested dry-film thickness.
Ultra-Tread’s self-priming and rapid curing properties decrease downtime even in cool temperatures and the one-step application also allows for quick turnaround. “Ultra-Tread’s fast-set properties minimize downtime on the job,” Schmit explained. “This is often important to manufacturing and processing facilities and restaurants where time is money. And since Ultra-Tread has a low-odor, the product is suitable for use near occupied spaces.”Ultra-Tread has been used in several commercial and industrial facilities including Dale-T-Smith Foods, Salt Lake City, Utah; Dominion Foods, Ontario, Canada; Ralston Foods, Lancaster, Ohio and Golden County Foods, Plover, Wis.; restaurants including several Fuddruckers in Texas and Oklahoma; and Rosetti’s Pizza in Kansas City, Mo.