A Pragmatic Shift: The Economic Case for Polyurea Coatings

In today's construction landscape, industry professionals are facing a two-fold dilemma: a striking rise in labor shortages and climbing project costs. Because of these challenges, the spotlight is increasingly falling on polyurea coatings as a robust and reliable alternative to the traditional coatings frequently utilized in wide variety of construction and renovation projects.

Addressing Cost Concerns

At first glance, polyurea coatings seem a counterintuitive option. It is undeniable that adopting polyurea over traditional coatings might mean an estimated 20-30% increase in initial costs due to high-quality materials and specialized application equipment.

Past President of the Polyurea Development Association (PDA), Kyle Flanagan, is a coatings and polyurea chemist and entrepreneur based in California. He says that while polyurea systems require some maintenance, the polyurea layer itself is virtually maintenance free.

“This is because polyurea is usually applied at two to three times greater film thickness compared to other waterproofing membrane chemistries. That’s really the cost difference. It’s not that the chemistry itself is more expensive; it’s just that by application method, you put more of it down.”

Additionally, the expertise needed to correctly apply polyurea coatings can also contribute to the higher initial costs. However, it's important to note that despite the higher upfront costs, polyurea tends to be more cost-effective in the long run due. Here’s how.

Fewer repairs

One of polyurea's standout features is its remarkable ability to retain its structural and aesthetic properties over an extended period. Unlike epoxy surfaces that tend to deteriorate and discolor with time, polyurea resists these common issues. This not only underscores its cost-effectiveness but also translates to significant savings in maintenance, repairs, and replacements, a huge benefit to property owners aiming for sustainable asset management.

An answer to labor shortages and project delays

It’s no secret that labor shortages are a pressing issue in the construction industry. Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reports the construction industry will need to attract an estimated 546,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring to meet the demand for labor in 2023. Many regions are reporting a labor deficit of around 20-30% and experts say the shortage will not disappear in the near future. Consequently, these shortages have caused a spike in project costs, prolonged timelines, and a demand for innovative solutions.

This is where polyurea coatings can provide an answer. Their application process – easier and quicker compared to the time-consuming multi-step procedure required for other coatings—facilitates a smoother project flow. The quick curing times associated with polyurea coatings mean a reduction in labor hours, cutting potential delays brought about by labor shortages.

In addition, the adaptable nature of polyurea coatings – demonstrated by their ability to bond well with a range of substrates – paves the way for minimized downtime during the project phase. This proves to be a vital asset in the present industry scenario, where the emphasis on efficient time management is closely linked to cost-efficiency.

In short, even though starting a polyurea project requires more money at first, looking at the big picture shows that it's a smart choice given the current challenges of finding enough workers and the growing emphasis on efficient, long-lasting products.

Learn More

Henry, A Carlisle Company, has a 25+ years history manufacturing polyurea coatings systems that include Prodeq™ and Pumadeq™. Go here to read about various product success stories.

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