Frequently Asked Questions​​

Polyurea is a high-performance, spray-applied elastomeric coating known for its exceptional durability, waterproofing, and rapid curing properties. It is commonly used as a seamless membrane for flat and low-slope roofs, decks, and other surfaces that require long-lasting protection. Unlike traditional roofing materials, polyurea forms a monolithic, flexible barrier that resists water infiltration, mechanical damage, and extreme weather conditions. For a more in-depth explanation, see this blog post

Polyurea stands out from other roofing membranes due to its: Seamless application – No joints or seams that can fail over time. Rapid curing – Fully sets within seconds to minutes, allowing for fast installation. Superior flexibility – Expands and contracts with building movement, preventing cracks or failures. High durability – Resistant to impact, abrasion, UV exposure, and chemicals. Exceptional waterproofing – Provides a monolithic, leak-proof barrier even in challenging conditions. Versatility – Can be applied over various substrates, including metal, concrete, wood, and existing roofing materials.

When properly installed and maintained, a polyurea roofing system can last 30-50 years or more. Its resistance to UV degradation, thermal cycling, and harsh environmental conditions ensures long-term performance without cracking, peeling, or excessive wear. Routine inspections, minor maintenance, and topcoat reapplication can further extend its lifespan well beyond this as well.

The initial price of Polyurea is generally cost-competitive with traditional roofing membranes like EPDM, TPO, or modified bitumen. On top of that, when you factor in polyurea's long lifespan, minimal maintenance needs, and superior durability it becomes the most cost-effective choice over time by far. With fewer repairs and a longer service life, proves to be the best long-term investment for flat and low-slope roofs.

Polyurea is applied using a hot spray process that requires specialized reactor equipment to proportion and apply the material at high pressure. A resin component and an isocyanate component are heated to around 70° C and delivered to the spray gun at about 2000 PSI. The materials combine together as the spray exits the gun and react over a few seconds to become the polyurea membrane.

Like all roofing systems, application time depends on the scope, size and complexity of the roof. For example, when we are just spraying polyurea over large area of pre-sloped and prepared sheathing, a single applicator and helper can cover 3,000 to 6,000 square feet in one day. If we are doing a full standard low-slope roofing package (consisting of vapour barrier, a custom sloped foam package, sheathing, polyurea membrane, a polyurethane topcoat, and installing parapet capping, we can usually complete a 2500-3500 square foot roofing system start to finish within a week. That being said, there are many factors that affect the timeline of each project. As roofing geometries become more complex, it does take longer to prep and apply the membrane, but these complex roofs are where polyurea really outshines the competition.

Yes! Polyurea can be applied first to the flat sections and part way up onto the sloped sections. This ensures the lower flat roof sections are fully waterproof, and provides a waterproof barrier under the first few courses of shingles to prevent water from backing up underneath the shingles and causing damage. For example. We sprayed installed a membrane system consisting of polyurea and a white solar-reflective polyurethane topcoat to the low slope areas of this roof. The bare OSB part and the white part down to the red dashed line is a 4:12 pitch that will be fully shingled.

Absolutely! Polyurea is spray-applied, which means it can seamlessly coat roofs with multiple penetrations, curves, and complex shapes without the need for cutting, seams, or additional detailing. This makes it ideal for roofs with drains, skylights, vents, and other unique applications that no other membrane could accommodate.

Polyurea can be applied to just about every type of substrate, new or old. It all comes down to using the correct primer with the correct preparation steps. We work with Nukote Industries, one of the world's largest and most knowledgeable manufacturers of polyurea and coating systems. Together, their industry-leading products and expertise, combined with our hands-on knowledge and experience, ensure we have the best solutions and the capability to tackle any job. Examples of substrates we have coated include: Wood ( including plywood and OSB) Metal (steel, aluminum, etc.) Concrete Fiberglass Ceramic Tile EPDM roofing TPO roofing Modified bitumen / torch-on roofing PVC roofing Tar (after the gravel has been removed from built- up roofs)

Polyurea is exceptionally resistant to thermal cycling, meaning it can expand and contract with temperature fluctuations without cracking, peeling, or losing adhesion. Unlike traditional roofing materials that can become brittle in cold weather or soften in extreme heat, polyurea remains flexible and stable across a wide temperature range. This flexibility is crucial for flat and low-slope roofs, where constant expansion and contraction due to weather changes can cause other membranes to degrade over time. Because polyurea forms a seamless one-piece membrane, it eliminates weak points like seams or joints that are prone to failure under thermal stress. When exposed to Alberta's freezing winters, scorching summers, and the inevitable flip-flop back and forth between both multiple times the same day, polyurea maintains long-term waterproofing performance without compromising durability.

The short answer is no, most polyureas themselves are not inherently UV stable and will discolour over time if left exposed to UV. That is why we generally finish off our different roofing systems with some form of a UV resistant topcoat, unless the membrane will not be exposed at all. Looking for the nerdy answer instead? There are 2 main chemistries of polyureas: Aromatic Polyureas are not inherently UV stable. They do, however, offer some of the best performance in other characteristics though (flexibility, elongation, hardness, chemical resistance, temperature resistance, or other desired traits that can be tweaked with their chemistry). Aromatic polyureas have been in use in exterior and roofing applications completely unprotected in Europe for over 30 years now, where it is still somewhat standard practice to not apply a UV protective topcoat. Those polyureas have turned a yellowish colour, and in some cases have started to degrade on the surface and form micro cracks, but in most cases they are still maintaining their function extremely well. Aliphatic Polyureas are naturally UV resistant in their chemical structure, meaning they retain their color and durability even under prolonged direct sun exposure. Some formulations even include reflective additives like aluminum powder in them to aid in reflecting UV rays. The trade-offs, however, are generally reductions in some of the above mentioned physical properties, as well as a fairly substantial increase in cost. Those two drawback are why we use aromatic polyureas in most cases.

Polyurea is extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for roofs that experience regular foot traffic or mechanical abrasion. Our topcoats, likewise, are incredibly resistant to wear. They chemically bond to the polyurea, so the only way for them to break down is through direct physical erosion, which in most cases takes decades to occur. For high-traffic areas, we also have high abrasion resistant topcoats and can even include anti-slip topcoats for to make roof access safer.

Polyurea is fully waterproof and completely unaffected by standing water. In fact, it is widely used to coat pools, fountains, and water parks, and water handling infrastructure! Other products can't say the same, though. Some traditional flat roof membranes can degrade or lose adhesion when exposed to prolonged moisture, which is why insurance policies can even have clauses about how long water can remain on a roof after a rain event.

No, polyurea remains flexible and impact-resistant throughout its lifespan. It does not crack, peel, or become brittle even in extreme weather conditions. Its ability to expand and contract with temperature changes as well as minor structural movement means it will maintain its full structural integrity over time.

Even though polyurea is used as blast mitigation and bomb proofing, polyurea can still be damaged. Luckily, polyurea roofs can be easily repaired if damage does occur. Damaged areas can be cleaned, chemically reactivated, and recoated with additional polyurea to restore full waterproofing performance. Unlike traditional membranes, properly performed polyurea repairs are quick and can restore your membrane back to a truly seamless state.

Unlike most other coating systems, polyurea roofing systems require minimal maintenance compared to other flat roofing systems. In fact, the required maintenance is more about maintaining the function of and protecting the systems that work with your flat roof. Recommended maintenance includes: Periodic inspections to check for debris, damage, or wear. Be sure to check for buildup of debris in scuppers or roof drain screens that can stop flow of rainwater. Making sure all capping and flashing remains watertight. Cleaning with mild soap and water to remove dirt and contaminants that build up over time. Recoating or touch-ups of topcoats in high-traffic areas, if eventually needed.

Yes! Polyurea can contribute to energy efficiency in several ways: Reflective coatings can reduce heat absorption and lower cooling costs. Seamless waterproofing improves insulation performance by preventing leaks and moisture buildup. Longevity and durability reduce the need for replacements, making polyurea a more sustainable option.

No, polyurea is low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and does not off-gas harmful fumes once it has cured. It is considered an environmentally friendly roofing solution compared to traditional solvent-based or bitumen-based membranes.