Polyurethane is considered the most common polymer in the world. It finds a number of applications related to everyday life - in cars, in households, in industry, and in recent years, thanks to its good physical properties, it has also found implementation in various stages of construction.
Thanks to its good thermal characteristics and closed micropore structure, polyurethane is successfully used for thermal and waterproofing. It is also used as a material for chemically resistant coatings and anti-corrosion protection thanks to its chemical and biological resistance. The ease and economy of its processing make it a preferred material for the manufacture of decorative facade and interior elements.
TYPES OF POLYURETHANE
Polyurethane is produced from a chemical mixture of the polymer materials liquid diisocyanate and liquid polyol resin. The reaction proceeds completely, without secondary residual products, and various stabilizers, flame retardant components, elasticity additives, fillers and catalysts can be added. During the reaction, closed pores are formed in the volume of the material and the starting liquids are converted into a solid product.
The main groups of polyurethanes are expanded rigid (PUR), expanded semi-rigid, expanded flexible (foam) and elastomeric polyurethanes. In construction, rigid PUR, as well as its various varieties, is most widely used.
POLYURETHANE IS A VERY GOOD THERMAL INSULATOR
Like other lightweight polymers with a cellular structure, polyurethane has very good thermal insulation properties. Its nominal thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.0028W/(mK), which ranks it among the most effective materials for thermal protection. The thermal insulation characteristics of polyurethane foam are influenced by the homogeneity of the structure, density, air temperature and humidity, therefore the thermal conductivity coefficient must be determined in the laboratory according to the requirements of regulatory documents.
HOW CAN POLYURETHANE AGING BE PREVENTED?
Polyurethane has good compression resistance and dimensional stability, can be cut and is generally easy to process. Its main disadvantages as a building material are aging and uneven surface finish.
Aging is caused by the partial diffusion of air into the interior of the material. It can be prevented by applying diffusion-impermeable coatings. An example of such a solution are insulating sandwich panels, in which the polyurethane foam is protected from air penetration on both sides by a metal coating.
POLYURETHANE HAS EXCELLENT ADHESION
The important indicator for thermal insulation properties, water impermeability, in polyurethane foam increases with increasing density. In terms of sound insulation capabilities, polyurethane is not among the most effective materials, but its acoustic characteristics allow an acceptable level of comfort in the premises. It absorbs sound waves in the medium and high frequency range, and this property is used in the construction of floating floor structures.
Polyurethane foam is widely used in thermal insulation of roofs with complex geometry, for tanks, pipelines and reservoirs. The material has excellent adhesion to most surfaces, the only requirement for them is that they be dry and free of oil stains. In addition to spraying, it can also be applied by casting, which makes working with it as technologically flexible as possible. It is possible to apply it to walls, with the uneven surface subsequently corrected with cladding or suspended facade elements.
POLYURETHANE COATINGS ARE SUITABLE FOR FLAT ROOFS
Sprayed polyurethane foam roofing offers many advantages for roofs with a smaller slope (flat roofs). First of all, it should be noted the high resistance to high temperatures and thermal insulation capacity, which increases in proportion to the thickness. The material is particularly light in weight, which makes it very suitable for roof reconstruction operations on existing buildings, because it does not place additional stress on the supporting structure. The laying method is seamless, which guarantees uniformity and continuity of the coating. Thus, with little maintenance, a long service life can be ensured without the appearance of leaks and other undesirable phenomena.
WHAT DOES THE DURABILITY OF POLYURETHANE DEPEND ON?
The durability of a polyurethane roofing system largely depends on the topcoat. It is a mandatory element of the system because sprayed polyurethane is not resistant to ultraviolet rays, which leads to a change in many of its properties over time. In addition to ultraviolet protection, the topcoat provides better resistance to traffic and snow loads. Typical elastomeric materials used for the coating are urethane, acrylics and silicones. The main requirements for the coating are to have all the qualities that are less represented in the polyurethane material - tensile strength, tear resistance, abrasion resistance and last but not least - excellent resistance to aging under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
POLYURETHANE IS INSTALLED EASILY AND QUICKLY
The polyurethane is usually applied by injection, seamlessly, which prevents the possibility of thermal bridges, regardless of the degree of complexity of the base. The mixing of the starting materials can be done directly on site, which leads to an accurate calculation of the material used without overspending. The finished coating dries in seconds and the site can be put into operation immediately.
The short installation time of the polyurethane roofing system is particularly appreciated by investors because it means less labor costs and compliance with the set deadlines. Sprayed polyurethane foam can be applied to a variety of surfaces and often does not even have to be removed from the existing coating. When sprayed directly onto the concrete slab or leveling screed, the foam penetrates the cracks in the material and seals them hermetically.
POLYURETHANE IS WORTHY FOR DECORATION PRODUCTION
Many experts believe that among modern materials, one of the most worthy for the production of architectural and interior decoration is polyurethane. Thanks to its dense structure and special primer coating applied in factory conditions, it very accurately imitates gypsum ornaments. However, unlike gypsum, this polymer is lighter, very durable and does not break, is not damaged by moisture, does not change its color over time and has economical processing. In addition, polyurethane elements are much easier and more technological to install - the finished details are just glued. The products can be installed in an elastic form, which significantly simplifies finishing work, since they do not require absolute leveling of the wall, as is the case with gypsum. The surface of polyurethane decors can be laminated or primed. The second option is more expensive, but more durable and allows painting with any type of paint. Due to its water resistance, polyurethane decoration can be washed and used in bathrooms and other damp rooms in the home.
Polyurethane does not put any barriers to the designer's imagination. For example, one of the finishing touches in interior design can be a mirror frame decorated with semi-polyurethane elements. On the walls it is possible to place panels reproducing antique, mythological or fantastic plots.
As it became clear, polyurethane is a material with unlimited possibilities for application in modern construction, as long as it is used correctly. Therefore, it is always advisable to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them strictly. The correct use of the product is just as important for the final effect of the work as the quality of the material.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
With us you will find a variety of polyurethane sealants designed for interior and exterior use. The specific areas of application of polyurethane are indicated in the technical data sheets of the items. There are also differences in the color range.
The products are from the brands SIKA, CERESIT, SOUDAL, WURTH.
Our prices are very affordable.
