Gietvloer

Datum: 23 augustus 2023
Leestijd: 5 minuten
Auteur: Uipkes Houten Vloeren

Cast floors are a modern and versatile alternative to traditional floor coverings such as tiles, wood and carpet. They are popular for their sleek appearance, durability and relatively easy maintenance. This comprehensive guide aims to provide project developers, consumers and architects with in-depth information on all aspects of cast floors.

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Types of Cast Floors

Epoxy floors

  • Very durable and resistant to chemicals.
  • Ideal for industrial applications.

Polyurethane floors

  • More flexible and water resistant than epoxy.
  • Suitable for residential and commercial spaces.

Cement-bound cast floors

  • Made of cement and resin.
  • Gives a natural, concrete-like finish

Acrylic cast floors

  • Quick-drying and suitable for outdoor areas.

Epoxy floors

Technical specifications: 

  • Density: 1.2 to 1.5 g/cm³
  • Tensile strength: 30-40 MPa
  • Elastic modulus: 2-4 GPa
  • Thermal conductivity: 0.2 W/m K

Composition of Materials

  • Resin: Epoxy resin is the primary binder.
  • Hardener: Usually a polyamine.
  • Fillers: Sand, quartz, or other minerals for extra strength.
  • Pigments:* For color and aesthetics.

Applications

  • Industrial floors
  • Garages
  • Laboratories

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Advantages: High mechanical strength, chemical resistance.
  • Disadvantages: Less flexible, sensitive to UV discoloration.

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Polyurethane floors (PU)

Technical specifications: 

  • Density: 1.05 to 1.2 g/cm³
  • Tensile strength: 20-30 MPa
  • Elastic modulus: 1-2 GPa
  • Thermal conductivity: 0.03 to 0.05 W/m K

Composition of Materials

  • Resin: Polyurethane resins as base.
  • Hardener: Isocyanate compounds.
  • Fillers: Calcium carbonate, silica.
  • Pigments: UV stable dyes.

Applications

  • Residential houses
  • Offices
  • Stores

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Benefits: Flexibility, water resistance, UV resistant.
  • Disadvantages: Higher cost, more susceptible to scratches.

Cement-bound cast floors

Technical specifications: 

  • Density: 2.0 to 2.5 g/cm³
  • Tensile strength: 3-5 MPa
  • Elastic modulus: 25-30 GPa
  • Thermal conductivity: 1.7 W/m K

Composition of Materials

  • Binder: Portland cement or alumina cement.
  • Fillers: Sand, quartz.
  • Additives: Superplasticizers, fibers for reinforcement.
  • Pigments: Inorganic dyes.

Applications

  • Lofts
  • Galleries
  • Minimalist interiors

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Advantages: Natural appearance, high compressive strength.
  • Disadvantages: Not flexible, prone to cracking.

Acrylic cast floors

Technical specifications: 

  • Density: 1.1 to 1.3 g/cm³
  • Tensile strength: 10-15 MPa
  • Elastic modulus: 0.5-1 GPa
  • Thermal conductivity: 0.2 W/m K

Composition of Materials

  • Resin: Acrylic resins.
  • Hardener: Peroxide compounds.
  • Fillers: Silica, sand.
  • Pigments: UV-resistant dyes.

Applications

  • Outdoor terraces
  • Swimming pools
  • Parking garages

Advantages and disadvantages

  • Benefits: Quick-drying, weather-resistant.
  • Disadvantages: Less wear-resistant, sensitive to UV discoloration

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Advantages and disadvantages of cast floors

  • Durability: They resist wear and tear and last a long time.
  • Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain.
  • Aesthetics: Modern, sleek look.

Cons

  • Costs: The initial costs can be high.
  • Installation: Requires careful surface preparation.
  • Temperature: May feel cold underfoot.

Application options

  • Residential homes: Mainly in kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms.
  • Commercial spaces: Offices, shops and showrooms.
  • Industrial applications: Factories and warehouses.

Installation process

  1. Preparation: The surface must be flat, dry and free of imperfections.
  2. Primer layer: To improve adhesion.
  3. Casting: The cast floor is applied layer by layer.
  4. Finish: A protective top layer is often applied.

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Sustainability And Environmental Impact

  • Longevity: Long-term use reduces the need for frequent replacement.
  • Materials: some cast floors can be made from recycled or sustainable materials.
  • Maintenance: lower cleaning costs and less use of cleaning products.

Underfloor heating and floor cooling

  • Underfloor heating: Very suitable because of its good heat conduction.
  • Underfloor cooling: Generally also suitable, but it is important to discuss this with the manufacturer.

Future developments

  • Sustainability: There is a growing demand for environmentally friendly options.
  • Technology: Innovations such as integrated LED lighting or heating elements are in development.

Conclusion

Cast floors offer a range of options suitable for various applications, from residential and commercial spaces to industrial environments. Although they may require a significant initial investment, they offer advantages in terms of durability, maintenance and aesthetics. Compatibility with underfloor heating and cooling makes them an even more attractive option. With continuous innovations and a growing focus on sustainability, cast floors are a future-proof choice for any space.

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