Is All Synthetic Teak Created Equal? The Hidden Differences Between PU and PVC.
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Many yacht owners assume that all synthetic teak decks are created equal. But why does one deck still look pristine after five years, while another becomes stained or starts to peel? In this article, we dive deep into the engineering behind it.

When choosing a new deck, you will frequently encounter the term 'synthetic teak.' While the aesthetic appearance may seem similar, there is a world of difference in material science under the hood. While most traditional alternatives are based on PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), Novalideck® has been developed using a high-end, liquid-poured PU (Polyurethane).

The Differences:

1. Thermosets vs. Thermoplastics (Stability)

PVC is a thermoplastic. This means the material reacts to temperature: it softens in the heat and hardens in the cold. Consequently, the material is constantly in motion (shrinking and expanding). Novalideck® is a thermoset. After the liquid application, a chemical reaction occurs that forms an indestructible, stable structure. Once cured, the material is completely unaffected by temperature fluctuations. Your deck remains perfectly tight, whether you are cruising the tropics or the Arctic.

2. Molecular Fusion vs. Welded Seams (Density)

Traditional PVC decks consist of individual strips welded together using hot air. Regardless of the weld quality, it remains a mechanical connection—a weak point subject to stress as the material "works." Novalideck® forms a seamless molecular fusion. Because the material is applied as a liquid, it creates a single, homogeneous unit. There are no seams, no adhesive joints between strips, and therefore no places where moisture or dirt can penetrate.

3. Intrinsic Flexibility vs. Plasticizers (Lifespan)

To make PVC (naturally a hard plastic) flexible, plasticizers are essential. Even the most modern "3G" materials use additives that sit "loosely" between the PVC molecules. Under the influence of UV radiation and heat, these substances can slowly migrate (leach) or evaporate, causing the deck to lose its suppleness or become prone to staining over time. Novalideck® is inherently elastic. Polyurethane requires no additives to remain flexible; it is an intrinsic property of the material. Nothing can "leak" out, ensuring that grip, color, and quality remain constant for decades.

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Bekijk de volledige technische vergelijking tussen PU en PVC.View the full technical comparison between PU and PVC.
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