What Is a Polyurethane Facade? System, Products and Technical Data
Definition of the polyurethane facade system, its product groups, verified technical data and selection logic.
A polyurethane facade is the system of decorative architectural elements — window surrounds, columns, cornices, sills, brackets and crowns — produced from rigid polyurethane and applied to a building’s elevation. The elements are moulded, surface-mounted onto render and require no intervention in the structural system. This page explains what the system is, which product groups it consists of and the technical values it works with, using verified data.
Which product groups make up a polyurethane facade system?
The range falls into seven groups. Each group answers a different role on the facade; the choice follows the size of the opening and the viewing distance.
| Product group | Role on the facade | Selection criterion |
|---|---|---|
| Window/door surround | Frames the opening | Profile width proportioned to window width |
| Column / pilaster | Vertical accent; focus at entrance and balconies | Full round (free-standing) or half round (against wall) |
| Cornice / eaves profile | Upper horizontal line and shadow line | Section depth by height and viewing distance |
| Sill | Below the window, throws water clear | Drip-edge section is mandatory |
| Bracket / console | Load-bearing look under bays and balconies | Axis spacing and projection depth |
| Crown / arch | Focal point at entrance and balconies | Radius of the opening; custom if not in catalogue |
| Panel | Surface texture (stone, wood pattern) | Area calculation; pieces by panel size |
What are the verified technical values?
The values below are production and application data for the rigid polyurethane raw material. They are not marketing claims but the basis for selection and installation.
| Property | Value | What it means on site |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 150-220 kg/m³ | Mechanical strength close to timber; not punctured by severe hail as EPS is |
| Water absorption | below 1% (closed cell) | No rot, swelling, mould or insects in rain, snow and frost |
| Service temperature | -20 °C / +70 °C | Dimensionally stable through freeze-thaw cycles |
| Fire class | B2 (DIN 4102-1) | Phosphorus-based retardants; has fire class B2 (DIN 4102-1) |
| Surface | White industrial 1K acrylic primer | A technical base for adhesion — NOT a finish coat |
| Column diameters | 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 60 / 80 cm | For cladding, inner diameter must exceed the widest point of the element |
| Shaft length (column) | 240 cm standard | Cross-screwed at top, middle and bottom |
| Abrasive | 180-220 grit | Removes release-agent residue and improves paint adhesion |
How does polyurethane differ from EPS foam and plaster?
The difference starts with density: rigid polyurethane is produced in the 150-220 kg/m³ range while EPS is far lighter. In severe hail, EPS surfaces are punctured and cratered whereas polyurethane keeps its structural integrity. Plaster-based elements absorb water and carry frost risk outdoors; polyurethane absorbs less than 1%. Stone raises both weight and labour cost and often requires structural strengthening. Because polyurethane is light it adds no static load and can be installed by a single craftsman.
How is the paint and primer system built up?
The white acrylic primer applied at the factory is a technical base for adhesion; without a topcoat the surface yellows under UV. Before painting, the whole surface is lightly matted with 180-220 grit and cleaned, because release-agent residue from moulding can make paint peel. One rule is critical for warranty: the primer must be the system primer of the same brand as the topcoat, otherwise paint manufacturers decline responsibility for blistering and peeling. Outdoors, highly elastic UV-resistant facade ranges (for example the premium exterior products of Jotun or Filli Boya) are preferred.
How are load and diameter decided for columns?
A polyurethane column is hollow and decorative: it cannot be expected to carry marble, concrete or roof loads. Where a load exists, a steel frame is run inside and carries it; filling the column with concrete is not recommended. When cladding an existing pier, the widest point of the element is measured and the inner diameter of the column must exceed it, otherwise the two half shells will not close at the vertical joints. In steel construction, thermal expansion joints must be absorbed with elastic mastic so metal movement does not appear as hairline cracks on the facade.
What is the logic of measurement, quantity and price?
Profile products are calculated by linear metre and panels by square metre. The number of openings is multiplied by the perimeter of one opening, roughly 10% waste is added for cutting and mitres, and the total is divided by the bar length to get the piece count. For columns the piece count follows the 240 cm standard shaft; capital and base are separate items. Price depends on section, quantity, model detail and production method; non-catalogue models can be produced with 3D scanning and CNC. 3D design and on-site surveys are chargeable services. Prices cover the product only and goods are ex-works.
On which building types is it applied?
On villa elevations the trio of surrounds, columns and cornices sets the character. On wide commercial fronts such as wedding halls and hotels, crowns, arches and rows of columns provide legibility from a distance. In apartment and housing projects, repeating window surrounds allow a lightweight facade renovation. The projects in our archive were built in varied climates, including Tokat (2024, 27 photographs), Gebze (2023), Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a polyurethane facade?
It is the system of decorative architectural elements — surrounds, columns, cornices, sills and crowns — produced from rigid polyurethane and applied to a building’s elevation. The elements are surface-mounted onto render and need no structural intervention.
Do polyurethane facade elements deteriorate in frost and rain?
No. The closed-cell structure absorbs less than 1% water, so there is no rot, swelling or mould; with dimensional stability tested between -20 °C and +70 °C, no cracking occurs through freeze-thaw cycles.
What is the density and does it resist hail impact?
The production range is 150-220 kg/m³. This density means the surface is not punctured and cratered by severe hail as EPS is.
How does it behave in fire?
The fire class is B2 (DIN 4102-1). Thanks to phosphorus-based flame retardants in the raw material, the element has fire class B2 (DIN 4102-1).
Can it be left unpainted, and which paint is required?
It must not be left unpainted outdoors: the factory primer is a technical base and gives no UV protection. A highly elastic, UV-resistant facade paint with the system primer of the same brand is required.
Does it add load to the building?
No. The elements are light and add no static load. Polyurethane columns are decorative and not load-bearing; where a load exists an internal steel frame carries it.
Can it be applied to an existing building later?
Yes. The elements are surface-mounted onto existing render; there is no demolition or rubble, so the structural system is untouched.
Are non-catalogue sizes and motifs produced?
Yes. An existing motif can be digitised by 3D scanning and produced by CNC or moulding. 3D design and on-site surveys are chargeable services.
How is the linear-metre quantity calculated?
Number of openings × perimeter of one opening gives the total length; waste of 10% for plain profiles and 15% for patterned profiles is added for cutting and mitres, and the total is divided by the bar length. The quantity calculator on the site performs this.
What does the price cover?
The price covers the product only; shipping and installation are separate items and goods are ex-works. Preparing a quotation is free and it is valid for 7 days.