Polyurea is a one-way street.
The architect, builder or client who has tried the product, does not go back
Javier Butula
You have a great knowledge of construction solutions and materials, having applied them in many projects and as a chemist, what do you think about the evolution of Tecnopol's construction materials?
Tecnopol is a very innovative company, they are constantly launching new products, and clearly what they are looking for with them, is to meet the needs of applicators and end customers. It is evident in every new product, that the aim was to listen to the customer, meet their requirements and facilitate the application tasks.
Which of the projects in which you have collaborated would you highlight for their architectural value or for the solutions applied?
We have been supplying Tecnopol materials to the construction industry in Uruguay since 2014. We have been a part of many, many projects, but to mention a few: The Forum Building, British Hospital Parking Structure, Catholic University Parking Structure, More Echevarriarza Construction Project, Aguada Park, Crystal View Solanas, Araucaria, Nostrum 18, Nostrum Tower and Campiglia Pilay Towers.
Do you have any anecdotes about any projects that you’ve been a part of, which may be of special interest to the readers of Tecno Magazine?
Our main markets are insulation and waterproofing of slabs and parking structures. But we have been part of a few unconventional projects, which is the coating of fuel tanks for service stations. The work consists of coating them with polyurea but without the coating adhering to the tank. The idea is to form a chamber between the tank and the polyurea, thereby creating a vacuum meaning we are able to check that the pressure is maintained. This way, if there is any leakage in the tank, the pressure varies and the leakage is quickly detected.
Good waterproofing and proper insulation are key to good maintenance, do you collaborate with other industry opinion leaders in this regard?
Absolutely. Our involvement in the specification of products and work to be carried out is growing continuously. In doing so, the project can be optimized, making the best use of the products and plans, and saving on high construction costs.
The evolution of national and international regulations, material and work system certifications and finally the application of sustainability from the project phase due to climate change force us to continuously improve, do you think that the sector is conscious of the continuous effort on the part of the industry?
More and more so. Customers increasingly value sustainable products and prioritise their use on construction sites. Today, many customers are opting for sustainable products (such as our water-based polyurethane foams or HFOs) out of choice, even though this is not yet required by the regulations in force here.
Working directly with designers in the field and in the laboratory allows you to create new solutions and improve on existing ones. How would you assess the evolution of materials such as polyurea?
Polyurea is a one-way street. An architect, builder or customer who has tried the product will never go back to a more basic system. Polyurea is a safe and durable solution, and the initial investment required is quickly earned back over time.
How do you see the future of construction in Uruguay?
Construction in Uruguay is not going to stop growing and evolving. Increasingly, customers value and demand technological solutions that provide return on their investments and that minimise maintenance over time. And to this end, Tecnopol has developed many solutions over the years to meet the needs of the task at hand.
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JAVIER BUTULASales Manager since October 2007, which fills him with "pride and great responsibility". Although he says he has not yet finished his studies in chemical engineering, he says he knows the company almost like the back of his hand, since he joined the company in 1997 as a quality control inspector for the material. |
