DURABLE TRAILER FLOOR
Quebec’s Prolam Inc. has introduced a new hot-melt polyurethane reactive coating for the underside of laminated trailer floors that’s said to eliminate the challenges of traditional water-based paint coatings. The undercoating, called PuR, has superior moisture resistance and outperforms traditional water-based coatings, the maker says. In extreme weather, water-based paint systems currently used to protect the underside of trailer floors can break down when subjected to intense water spray and road debris, according to Prolam. Specific areas, like trailer wheel locations, are more prone to this degradation. Once water-based paint breaks down, the wood absorbs moisture, causing warping, swelling and deterioration of glue bonds. The PuR coating, on the other hand, provides a superior moisture barrier to increase durability and reduce floor maintenance costs. PuR is said to surpass water-based coatings in industry standardized tests for elongation, abrasion, adhesion, and water absorption, and can be applied to the underside of laminated trailer floors in several possible configurations. Prolam’s been making trailer floors since 1997, using its unique ‘zig-zag’ joint technology.