Polyurea offers significant real-world advantages over conventional waterproofing products. This liquid coating stands up to abrasion and harsh chemicals in commercial and industrial flooring applications.
Traditional roofing products are heat welded or glued together, creating seams that can weaken from natural expansion and contraction over time. The fluid-applied polyurea eliminates this problem and creates a seamless membrane.
Seamless Installation
Unlike other roof coating systems, which require extended periods of time to cure, roofing systems are sprayed on as a liquid and quickly become touch-ready after just seconds. This allows the facility to be put back into service immediately following the project, reducing downtime
This type of system can also be applied over existing surfaces, which eliminates the need for costly surface preparation methods like sanding and blasting, a step that is typically required in the case of other liquid membrane systems. This helps reduce upfront costs and installation risks.
Once sprayed on, the material forms into an incredibly dense membrane with high tensile strength and tear resistance to resist impact damage and abrasion. It is also vapor-permeable to prevent moisture accumulation.
In addition, this membrane can be mixed with other characteristics to improve its physical properties, including slip-resistant additives and UV stability colors. It can also be formulated as either an isocyanate or an aliphatic system, with each option offering unique benefits for specific applications.
Isocyanate-based polyurea has a higher level of elasticity and can better accommodate substrate movement while remaining durable in temperature fluctuations, while the aliphatic formula offers superior color stability and a glossy appearance. This flexibility also gives polyurea the ability to resist cracking, a common problem that can occur with epoxy coatings when subjected to heavy mechanical or chemical wear.
UV Resistance
The durable membrane of polyurea roof coating guards structures against the harmful effects of sun exposure. UV rays can quickly deteriorate other coatings, but the resilient barrier of polyurea resists these damages and maintains its strength and integrity for longer than other waterproofing sprays.
This resistance to environmental wear and tear also helps protect the roofing system against debris, abrasions, and chemical wear. Metal roofs in particular can benefit from the corrosion protection offered by Bullet Liner Polyurea Spray, which allows them to last longer and withstand greater damage from storms or unforeseen weather conditions
Another aspect of durability that sets polyurea apart from other waterproofing coatings is its ability to withstand permanent standing water, which can be a challenge for many traditional solutions. Polyurea is also highly resistant to petroleum-based chemicals and caustic materials, which makes it ideal for containment ponds liners as well as roof top coatings that must be impervious to leaks.
Unlike epoxy and silicone, polyurea is not prone to developing blow holes, making it much easier for contractors to work with on the job site. However, if you do notice blow holes in the coating during installation, it is important to stop and fill them as soon as possible to prevent larger problems in the future.
In addition to its innate physical properties, the versatility of polyurea coatings can be further enhanced with the inclusion of slip-resistant additives or other surface textures. Additionally, polyurea can be formulated in a variety of UV-stable colors and other unique characteristics to meet specific project requirements.
High Tensile Strength
There are many factors that can damage a roof coating over time, from falling debris to chemical wear. With its high tensile strength and elasticity, polyurea is the ideal choice to withstand these and more.
This advanced elastomer can be formulated with additives for specific physical characteristics. For example, you can add slip-resistant additives or surface textures to make the coating better suited for your project’s unique needs. Additionally, it can be infused with UV stability colors to give you more protection against UV radiation.
Another feature that sets polyurea apart from other roof coatings is its ability to withstand abrasions and impacts, making it an excellent option for facilities with heavy foot traffic. It can also be formulated to have exceptional chemical resistance, protecting the roof against corrosive chemicals from nearby buildings.
Unlike other coatings, polyurea can be applied without the need for primer and adheres to concrete, metals, wood, spray foam, and more — all in a wide range of temperatures and humidity environments. This versatility can save your facility a lot of money in terms of construction costs, as it reduces the labour needed for installation and speeds up project completion times.
In addition, the elasticity of polyurea allows it to expand and contract with your building materials during extreme weather changes. This can prevent any cracks or gaps from forming, which will protect your roof against leaks.
Weather Resistance
Weather is one of the most damaging factors to a roof over time. Rain tries to wash it in like a cavern, wind can cause erosion and the sun’s UV radiation can bleach its surface. While conventional roof coatings become permeable in this area after just a few years, polyurea stays tight, closing existing microcracks and resisting mechanical abrasion that could damage the surface beneath.
Despite being extremely durable, polyurea is also lightweight. This makes it a great choice for flat roofs that have to withstand the weight of vehicles or machinery. It also prevents the buildup of water that could erode the substrate underneath, reducing maintenance needs.
A highly versatile material, polyurea is sprayed on in thick layers that can be tailored to any shape. When used for waterproofing, it provides the durability that is crucial to extend the life of any roof.
However, it’s important to hire an experienced roofing contractor when applying this product to your facility. The two main ingredients in polyurea — isocyanate and polyol — are hazardous to breathe, so workers need to be aware of these hazards and have an appropriate exposure control system in place for the installation process. This will reduce the risk of accidents and help keep your staff safe. Additionally, it will ensure your polyurea application is completed correctly.