Posted on October 2, 2024 by Brent Phillips

Safeguarding municipal water infrastructures is of the utmost importance for municipal water managers—who are often the unknown heroes in charge. In an effort to achieve this goal, they turn to polyurea, a protective coating of choice.

In today’s blog, we examine why polyurea stands out as a clear winner and how it meets the unique demands of municipal water managers’ goals for:

• Unmatched Durability
• Superior Waterproofing
• Chemical Resistance
• Seamless application to Rapid Curing
• Flexible and heat-resistant

Unmatched Durability

The most compelling reason for choosing polyurea is its unmatched durability. Unlike other protective coatings that degrade over time, polyurea can maintain its structural integrity within harsh environmental conditions.

Extreme environmental conditions can vary from coast to coast. Even in middle America, weather patterns swing wildly from thunderstorms with hail and tornadoes to extreme drought conditions daily. Polyurea can stand up against the exposure of these extreme weather events, providing long-lasting protection for municipal water systems and instilling confidence in its reliability.

Superior Waterproofing

Waterproofing is a crucial element of any water asset system. Without this protection, water assets are left vulnerable to corrosion.

But luckily, polyurea excels in this area. Its seamless application forms an impermeable barrier that prevents leaks, water damage, and corrosion from forming. The hydrophobic properties of polyurea make it the perfect protective waterproofing for water asset structures like tanks and towers.

Seamless Application to Rapid Curing

As mentioned above, polyurea’s seamless application happens because the coating gets sprayed under immense pressure of 2700 pounds per square inch in a heated state of 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius). That kind of heated, high-pressure application means polyurea dries within 3 to 4 seconds upon adhesion, forming a strong, protective bond with the substrate.

There’s no time to waste, and neither should municipal projects. Polyurea’s rapid cure time gives it a significant advantage over other protective coatings that may take days to set.

In addition to its rapid curing, polyurea allows for a quick turnaround with minimal downtime that won’t impact your municipality. That efficiency ensures that your projects stay on track, meet deadlines, and save on valuable resources and downtime.

Chemical Resistance

Municipal water systems often get exposed to an assortment of chemicals, both naturally occurring and manufactured forms. Polyurea’s chemical resistance makes for a robust shield against corrosive substances.

That ensures the safety of the water stored inside a vessel and protects the groundwater supply. In addition, polyurea’s resistance to chemical interactions significantly reduces the frequency of maintenance and repairs, offering a long-term, cost-effective solution that provides peace of mind.

Flexible and Heat-Resistant

Polyurea’s flexibility allows it to adapt to the natural movements and expansions of a water structure, which can slow the effects of environmental weathering that can cause cracks and damage. Furthermore, its heat resistance ensures it remains stable and effective even within high-temperature environments. These properties make polyurea a versatile and dependable choice for diverse municipal applications, instilling confidence in its ability to withstand environmental swings in weather and exposure to corrosive agents.

Choosing Polyurea

Polyurea is the protective coating of choice for municipal water asset managers due to its numerous strengths and benefits:

• Durable Protection
• Repel Water
• Resist Chemical Reaction
• Apply with Ease
• Short Downtimes

By choosing polyurea, municipal water asset managers can ensure the longevity and reliability of their water systems, ultimately safeguarding their community’s most precious resource—water! Contact the coating experts at Cunningham Inc. at (620) 848-3030 to schedule a consultation and determine if polyurea is a good choice for your municipality’s water asset applications.