What are the disadvantages of polyurea?

Polyurea has clear advantages, but an honest picture also includes the drawbacks. The main ones: polyurea is not cheap to buy, application is specialist work and a good result requires proper substrate preparation, which takes time.

The first drawback is the price. Polyurea costs more to buy than paint or a liner. In return, a properly applied system lasts a long time: we provide a 10-year guarantee on the waterproofing of the system, and the expected lifespan is 25 years or more. That expectation is not a guarantee, but over its lifetime polyurea is therefore often cheaper than solutions that need replacing sooner.

The second drawback: polyurea is not a DIY job. The two components are mixed under high pressure and sprayed with professional equipment. The result depends entirely on correct application by professionals. Anyone who tries this themselves, or has it done without the right equipment, is almost certain to run into problems with adhesion and waterproofing.

Preparation also takes time. The substrate must be dry, clean and stable, and receives a suitable primer. That preparatory work often takes longer than the spraying itself. Skip that step and you pay for it later with a coating that comes loose.

Standard polyurea also needs a UV-stable top layer to keep its colour attractive. Without that finishing layer the colour at the surface can shift under the intense sun. Strength and waterproofing do not suffer, but for the appearance the top layer is a fixed step in our system.

Finally, there is the matter of taste. Polyurea gives a sleek, seamless look. If you love the classic appearance of gresite or tiles, you may find that too modern. There is an honest solution for that too: polyurea can be applied as a waterproof layer underneath new tiles. That way you combine the classic tiled look with a seamlessly waterproof base. Feel free to ask what suits your situation.