UPVC Spraying On The Rise As Homeowners Seek Affordable Facelifts
UPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) spraying has become an increasingly popular home improvement option in recent years. This spray-on coating provides a cost-effective way for homeowners to give their exterior walls a facelift without the expense of full replacement.
What Is UPVC Spraying?
UPVC spraying involves applying a thin, plastic-based covering directly onto existing brick, concrete, stucco or other masonry surfaces. The spray contains a specially formulated UPVC resin that cures to form a durable, weather-resistant coating. It is available in a wide range of colors and can mimic finishes like stone, wood grain, concrete and more.
Unlike paint, UPVC spray does not just coat the surface, it bonds to the substrate to become an integrated part of the wall. It is also thicker than paint and provides excellent protection against weathering. The end result is a seamless, revitalized look that appears fresh and new.
UPVC vs Other Popular Spray Coatings
UPVC spraying has some key advantages over other spray-on finishes:
- EIFS – Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) provide insulation and a decorative finish. But the multi-layer application is labor intensive and costs up to 5 times more than UPVC.
- Acrylic stucco – Acrylic-based synthetic stucco has good durability but does not have the same flexibility and longevity of UPVC. It is also twice the cost of UPVC spraying.
- Texture coating – High-build coatings like Loxon provide texture but minimal decorative effect. UPVC gives walls a completely new look for a similar price.
So for homeowners seeking maximum aesthetic impact at minimal cost, UPVC spraying often comes out on top.
The Rising Popularity of UPVC Spraying
The global UPVC spraying market size was valued at USD 9.37 billion in 2021.
There are a few key reasons driving this growth:
Cost Savings – The affordability of UPVC compared to other exterior finishes is attractive to homeowners.
Low Maintenance – Once applied, UPVC resists fading, peeling, cracking and mold growth. It requires no regular refinishing like paint.
Curb Appeal – UPVC comes in attractive textures and colors that can give homes a high-end designer look on a budget.
Weather Protection – The durable, seamless coverage protects against rain, wind and UV rays better than paints.
Eco-Friendliness – UPVC contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is more environmentally friendly than many other spray coatings.
Speed – Walls can be fully sprayed and back in service within a day, with minimal surface prep required.
As the technology improves and becomes more widely available from reputable applicators, UPVC spraying is projected to continue its upward growth trajectory.
Typical Applications of UPVC Spraying
UPVC can adhere to most standard building materials, making it widely versatile. Typical applications include:
- Concrete – Smooth, bare concrete is an ideal substrate for UPVC spraying. The coating adheres tightly and provides added protection against moisture intrusion.
- Stucco – UPVC works well over existing stucco surfaces to conceal cracks and refresh the look. It can also be applied over new stucco as a decorative topcoat.
- Brick – Worn or dated brick is quickly modernized with a UPVC coating. The spray unifies the look and can mimic finishes from painted brick to natural stone.
- CMU block – Decorative coatings help disguise the drab look of standard concrete masonry unit (CMU) blocks used in many commercial buildings.
- Siding – UPVC adheres to vinyl, wood, fiber cement and composite sidings to hide flaws or change the look.
- EIFS – Applying UPVC over existing exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) allows quick color changes without removing the underlying EIFS.
Proper Prep is Key
While suitable for most substrates, proper surface prep is critical for successful UPVC application and longevity. Pressure washing, repairing cracks, removing loose paint and priming with appropriate bonding agents helps ensure optimal spray adhesion. Hiring experienced professionals is advised.
Applicators should also follow temperature and humidity guidelines to avoid surface defects. But overall, UPVC spraying is less finicky than many other coating applications.
The Future of UPVC in Home Improvement
From cost savings to low maintenance to custom finishes, UPVC spraying offers homeowners an appealing new option for exterior upgrades. As technology improves to provide even stronger bonding, wider color palettes and special effects, UPVC is poised to become a go-to choice for home facelifts and new construction alike. And the creation of eco-friendly, VOC-free formulations will also help UPVC appeal to green builders and environmentally-conscious homeowners.
For anyone considering ways to refresh their home’s exterior or update dated cladding, UPVC spraying is worth exploring. This once niche solution is entering the mainstream as a budget-friendly path to stunning curb appeal and durable protection all in one.