Now, there is a new material option available that addresses the concerns contractors and consumers have expressed about traditional siding materials (vinyl, wood and fiber cement board) and addresses the rigorous performance demands: polyurethane/glass composite utilizing Baydur® polyurethanes from Covestro LLC. CPG Building Products, a subsidiary of CPG International LLC, with support from Covestro LLC, has developed what is believed to be the first application of reinforced polymer composite siding for the residential market.
Advancements in the Long Fiber Technology (LFT) process and Baydur® polyurethane chemistry, coupled with enhanced tooling and manufacturing techniques have made it possible to mass produce high-performance composite cladding that is attractive, lightweight, strong, and highly durable during and after installation.
"It's these properties – strength, durability, light weight and good aesthetics –that have made composites an attractive alternative to steel, aluminum and other polymers in a number of markets, from agricultural equipment and truck cabs to spas and hot tubs," said Paul Platte, polyurethane systems, Covestro LLC. "And now these same properties are making composites a very appealing material option for residential siding contractors and homeowners, alike."
During the LFT process, long glass fibers are cut and dispensed along with polyurethane resin in a one-step process. At the end of the pour, the mold is closed, and the part is formed.
The robotically dispensed liquid pour of the LFT process allows the composite to replicate intricate details in the mold, providing a high-quality, fine graining finish that is valued in the industry and nearly indistinguishable from real wood. LFT allows for a designed geometrical overlap at each end of the siding panel. This forms a sealed end joint that eliminates the need for caulking during or after installation, improves longevity and reduces maintenance costs.
Should water enter the wall system, a water management system that is directly molded into the back face of the siding directs any water flow down and away from the wall system. These integrated engineered standoffs are a definite advantage to other systems that require additional clips or separate water management systems.
The cladding's polyurethane/glass make-up is extremely resistant to moisture, rot and decay. The combination of high strength and light weight enhances ease of installation, as it can be lifted and installed by one person without significant risk of damage, unlike heavier fiber cement board. This is an important benefit for contractors who seek to reduce labor and scrap costs. Installation is further eased by an overlap "scarf" design that allows the product to be installed simply by resting and interlocking each course of siding on the previously installed course for support while nailing.
"The new siding material offers a number of installation benefits for contractors," explained Toby Bostwick, director of new business development, CPG Building Products. "There is also good news for homeowners, who can now choose a residential siding material that offers the combination of aesthetics, longevity and ease of maintenance they've been looking for."
The advantages and processing of polyurethane composite cladding will be discussed in detail at CAMX during "Polyurethane-based Long Fiber Technology for Building Envelope Cladding." This technical session, led by James Kotar, technical specialist, Covestro LLC and Erik Karni, siding sales Midwest, CPG Building Products, will take place at 8:30 a.m., on Thursday, Oct. 29. Additionally, samples of the polyurethane composite siding will be on display at the Covestro booth, #Q100.
About Covestro LLC:
Covestro LLC is one of the leading producers of high-performance polymers in North America and is part of the global Covestro business. Covestro manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and sports and leisure industries. The Covestro group has 30 production sites around the globe and employed approximately 14,200 people at the end of 2014.
Find more information at www.plastics.covestro.com.
About CPG Building Products:
CPG Building Products, which sells product under its AZEK® and TimberTech® brands, leads the market by continually reinventing product lines and redefining entire product categories. Synonymous with high quality and innovation, the AZEK and TimberTech product lines span across decking, railing, porch, trim, moulding and pavers.
For more information, visit www.cpgbp.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro's and Bayer's public reports which are available on the Covestro website at www.covestro.com as well as on Bayer AG's website at www.bayer.com. Covestro assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
CPG Building Products, a subsidiary of CPG International LLC, with support from Covestro LLC, has developed what is believed to be the first application of reinforced polymer composite siding for the residential market. The high-performance composite cladding is attractive, lightweight, strong, and highly durable.
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Editor's Note: Follow news from Covestro on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CovestroGroup
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SOURCE Covestro LLC
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