Water, despite being the source of life, can pose significant threats to structures over time. Water infiltrating exposed areas such as roofs, terraces, and foundations can lead to structural damages and high repair costs. Therefore, waterproofing is not merely a construction detail but a critical necessity for long-lasting and secure structures.
With the advent of next-generation materials, polyurethane has emerged prominently in waterproofing. Preferred in the construction industry due to advantages such as insulation, durability, and lightweight properties, polyurethane is a versatile polymer that can be produced in various forms ranging from rigid to flexible and from foam to compact forms.
Why is Polyurethane Used in Waterproofing?
Polyurethane is particularly favored for waterproofing applications because, when applied as a liquid, it penetrates deeply into surfaces, forming a seamless, flexible protective layer upon drying. This layer adapts perfectly to surface temperature variations and expansion movements, thus preventing cracks and leaks. The jointless structure of polyurethane ensures that water cannot infiltrate between insulation layers, providing long-term protection against water penetration. Due to these characteristics, polyurethane stands out in the construction sector for its superior resistance to water-related damages.
Advantages of Polyurethane Waterproofing
Seamless and Holistic Coverage: When applied in liquid form, polyurethane cures to form a seamless, uniform coating. This eliminates potential gaps or joints where water could penetrate.
High Adhesion Strength: Polyurethane strongly adheres to various surfaces such as concrete, metal, and wood, preventing delamination or blistering over time.
Flexibility and Crack-Bridging Capability: Polyurethane systems accommodate structural movements and micro-cracks that may appear on surfaces. This flexibility prevents material cracking and ensures long-term waterproofing performance.
Resistance to Chemical and Atmospheric Influences: Polyurethane is resistant to external factors such as sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations. It also withstands certain chemicals, making it suitable for industrial applications.
Easy and Rapid Application: Polyurethane can be applied by roller, brush, or spray, offering significant time savings and facilitating adherence to construction schedules on site.
Applicability to Vertical and Horizontal Surfaces: Adaptable to diverse architectural details ranging from flat roofs to vertical walls, polyurethane requires no specialized shaping or modifications.
Superior Performance Compared to Traditional Materials: Unlike thermoplastic bitumen coatings, polyurethane systems do not exhibit joint or seam issues. They also provide higher waterproofing efficiency and greater crack-covering ability compared to acrylic-based materials.
Long Lifespan and Low Maintenance: When correctly applied, polyurethane maintains durability for years with minimal maintenance, reducing overall operational costs.
Application Areas of Polyurethane Waterproofing
Polyurethane waterproofing systems have a wide range of applications suitable for various types of structures and surface conditions:
Terraces and Roof Surfaces: Provides a seamless waterproofing layer for both flat and sloped roofs, effectively preventing water infiltration from ponding. Its resistance to sunlight and temperature fluctuations ensures a long-lasting solution.
Foundations and Retaining Walls: Prevents groundwater infiltration in areas in direct contact with soil. Polyurethane’s strong adhesion to surfaces and seamless application creates a reliable barrier in these critical areas.
Wet Areas (Bathrooms, Sinks, Balconies): Offers effective waterproofing beneath tiles in indoor spaces frequently exposed to water. Its ability to be applied as a thin layer provides a solution without altering architectural details.
Industrial Buildings and Parking Garages: Used in factory floors, parking garage ceilings, and ramps for both waterproofing and chemical resistance. Additionally, it provides a durable, abrasion-resistant protective coating.
Complex Details and Joints: Thanks to its liquid application, polyurethane integrates seamlessly into challenging areas such as chimney bases, parapet edges, and joint gaps, forming a continuous protective layer.
Renovation and Maintenance Projects: Offers a rapid and effective solution for repairing damages in existing waterproofing systems, as it can be directly applied onto existing surfaces.
To ensure high performance and long-lasting protection across all the application areas mentioned above, our company develops specially formulated polyurethane waterproofing systems tailored to various requirements.
Application of Polyurethane in Sealing
Polyurethane is a widely preferred material for sealing applications due to its flexible structure and superior adhesion properties. It easily adapts to various surfaces, providing high resistance against air, water, dust, and chemicals.
KIMcase® Injection System
KIMcase® Injection System is a polyurethane-based injection foam developed specifically for sealing cracks in structural surfaces where water infiltration may occur. Upon contact with water, it rapidly expands, filling cracks and ensuring strong sealing performance. Our system offers reliable waterproofing solutions for tunnels, underground structures, dams, and cold joints, standing out with its solvent-free formulation and high hydrolysis resistance.
KIMcase® Coating Systems
These coating systems, based on polyurea, polyurethane, and epoxy, are applied to protect surfaces against corrosion and abrasion and enhance their final surface appearance.
Applicable on various substrates such as metal, concrete, marble, composite, or wood, our coating systems consist of pure hot spray polyurea, brushable polyurea, hybrid polyurea systems, polyurethane membranes, and epoxy primers.
Our coating systems are designed by establishing a balance between desired performance characteristics, cost considerations, and specific customer requirements.
1. Pure Polyurea Systems
Pure polyurea systems are two-component, spray-applied coating and waterproofing materials offering protection against abrasion, rust, and corrosion. They have up to 400% elongation capacity and contain no volatile organic compounds (VOC).
2. Hybrid Polyurea System
Hybrid polyurea systems are two-component, spray-applied coating and waterproofing materials providing protection against abrasion, rust, and corrosion, formulated without volatile organic compounds (VOC).
3. Polyurethane Membrane
Polyurethane membrane is a single-component coating and waterproofing material that provides excellent elasticity and durability against expansion in both hot and cold joints.
For detailed information about our polyurea systems, please click to review our brochures: KIMcase® Sealing Materials and KIMcase® Coating Systems.
