What is Polyurethane and What are Its Architectural Benefits?
Traditional materials such as wood, concrete, and steel come to mind when we think about architecture, construction & fiberglass columns. However, newer innovations in science had led to a wide variety of new materials being created for use in architecture and other applications. One material that is rapidly gaining popularity is polyurethane. This amazing plastic polymer is notable for its amazing properties, offering a combination of high durability, versatility, and strength that few other materials can match. In this article, we will be educating you on what is polyurethane and what are its architectural benefits.
What is Polyurethane?
From adhesives to wall insulation to large rigid structures to even the wheels of your skateboard, the applications of polyurethane are numerous. This is because of the nature of how the material is created.
Polyurethane is a form of a plastic polymer, made by reacting a polyol (a form of alcohol) with a special chemical compound called isocyanate in the presence of a catalyst and other additives. Different variety of polyol and isocyanates can be used to create a wide range of polyurethane forms, each for specific application needs.
Polyurethane Benefits in Architecture
The use of polyurethane has revolutionized architectural design. Structures, form, and functions in architecture that we used to be impossible or highly expensive can now be created easily with the help of this extraordinary material. Below are just some of the primary benefits that make it so useful.
Durable
One of the main polyurethane benefits is high durability. Because of it, polyurethane is often employed as a surface coating for other building materials, helping better protect them from the elements and greatly extend their lifespan. In addition, its durable nature also makes itself the perfect candidate for pairing it with outdoor cornice.
Depending on the use, polyurethane boasts resistance to tears, cuts, abrasion, harsh temperature extremes and UV rays, wind erosion and corrosive effect of moisture and air pollution. Furthermore, because of its synthetic nature, polyurethane constructions are safe from attack and infestation of mold, algae, mildew, and fungus. You can expect a structure made from polyurethane elastomers to last for years without showing any effect of aging.
Flexible
Depending on how it is engineered, polyurethane can be just as elastic and flexible as rubbers. The flexible property of the material even helps when it is used to create more rigid structures as it grants the structure elastic memory. This means that even if the structure becomes deformed from an impact, it will slowly revert back to its original shape.
Versatile
Polyurethane is an extremely versatile material. Depending on the architectural application, the physical properties of polyurethane can be custom-engineered to best fit the specified need.
Polyurethane is also highly moldable, being able to be transfigured into complex shapes and designs for architectural usage. Such simply won’t be practical with traditional building materials such as wood, steel, and concrete either because of their weight, cost associated with it or simply being too brittle.
Not only that but high-quality polyurethane products can also give a similar look and feel as that of other, more expensive materials.
High Strength
Polyurethane features the right combination of strength and lightweight that few other building materials can hope to rival. Compared to most other building materials, pound per pound they pack in more strength. This is why polyurethane elastomers are increasingly being used to make walls, balustrades, ceilings and other architectural components that place such qualities at a premium.
Thermal Resistance
Polyurethane has one of the best insulation properties of any construction material. This property combined with its lightweight and versatility, makes it an ideal material to use for home insulation; helping keep the temperature uniform within the interior. It’s thermal-resistance quality also benefits in outdoor applications as any structure made out of it will always be soft to the touch regardless of how hot it is outside.
Cost-Savings
There are many ways in which polyurethane helps cuts cost. Polyurethane is far more affordable than most other building materials. In addition, because the structures created from it come fully completed right out of the factory, there is no associated on-site labor cost apart from just the installation.
Because of how light it is, the transport cost is also minimized. Furthermore, its above before mentioned thermal resistance quality helps lower your monthly utility bill should the structure also serve as a form of insulation.
Noise Reduction
Noise pollution, especially prevalent in the city, can not only be a source of annoyance but can actually be detrimental to your long-term health, causing you stress, difficulty sleeping and leading to migraines. Polyurethane is also an excellent noise-dampener. Walls, insulations, balustrades and other structures made from it can absorb noise and allow for a more peaceful and tranquil indoor environment.
Royal Corinthian provides polyurethane cornices and balustrades for your homes and offices. To gain more information on the products we provide or for any other queries, feel free to call us on our toll-free number 888 265 8661 or alternatively email us at [email protected].
