Polymers Used for Construction Materials

Capabilities

• Paints & Coatings

  Exponent provides testing services, failure analysis, and expertise for decisions regarding paints, coatings, and thin films formulation and development — including application, adhesion, and durability — for diverse industries and applications.

  Learn more

  

• Building Envelope

  Exponent consults in full-project lifecycle decisions to assist construction clients with product selection, application, and failure analysis. From roofing materials and installations, cladding, and decking to human factors — we consider and test it all. We have determined the root causes of water leakage problems in thousands of buildings of all types. Our multidisciplinary teams research, test, and consult on construction methods, and evaluate the behavior of construction components, material science, and structural engineering. We conduct failure analysis, strength tests, flammability, and fractography testing in our state-of-the-art laboratories located across the U.S., EU, and Asia.

• Fractography

  When polymer products crack, expand, break, shatter, or fail to perform as expected, stakeholders within the multiple disciplines of the construction industry turn to Exponent for insight. Our multidisciplinary approach to polymer science, materials chemistry, materials & corrosion engineering, mechanical engineering, and statistical & data sciences provides strategic evaluation and analysis of polymer fractography, as well as degradation and stability.

• Adhesives and Sealants

  Different construction applications call for a variety of adhesives and sealants. When clients seek to test or develop a new adhesive material or analyze the failure of an existing product, they turn to Exponent. Our consultants work in a multidisciplinary fashion to research, test, and evaluate adhesives and sealants used in a broad range of applications and industries, including paints and adhesives, spray-applied fireproofing, adhesive bonding failures, and more. We conduct assessments in our state-of-the-art laboratories to evaluate the human and occupational risks associated with these materials throughout the entire manufacturing and application lifecycle. When product failures occur or legal disputes arise, Exponent conducts thorough investigations and can provide expert testimony in litigation cases.

• Weathering and Exposure

  Extreme weather and prolonged exposure to natural elements advances the stages of aging and deterioration in most products and structures. Exponent's multidisciplinary teams help clients assess weather and exposure risks and develop proactive plans to mitigate hazards. We use cutting-edge tools and technology to combine climate modeling with probabilistic risk assessments to enhance facility resilience and offer a clear path forward for companies with a desire to understand and quantify their exposure to extreme weather-related risk. We are often called to provide conduct research and expert witness testimony in legal disputes and accident investigations involving weather and exposure-related cases.

• Sustainability & Recyclability

  Construction project management and environmental safety teams face significant responsibility for creating sustainability throughout every step of the business and project lifecycle. From construction equipment to building components to job site practices, stakeholders must meet the high standards of the EPA, OSHA, regional building inspection codes, and other regulatory bodies. Exponent guides our clients through the development of compliant stewardship management initiatives including sustainability and recyclability strategies for every stage of the business lifecycle, including design, manufacturing, distribution, and end-of-life recycling and reuse.

• Pipes

  Pipelines and process piping are the safest, most energy-efficient means by which to transport fluids and gas and are used throughout a wide variety of construction applications. Although extremely durable, plastic and polymer pipe failures do occur, sometimes causing extensive damage to property or resulting in costly downtime. In worst-case scenarios, pipe damage can lead to unintended injury or trigger a catastrophic accident. Exponent leverages our broad range of skill sets and experience to investigate pipeline and process piping failures, consult on new pipeline projects, and analyze pipe corrosion or adhesive failures throughout a wide variety of construction projects.

• Flooring

  Flooring products come in a wide range of materials and require different application and installation methods. Exponent leverages our 50+ years of investigating building and construction failures to help construction and consumer product manufacturers develop safe, resilient, and environmentally conscious flooring products. From films, fibers, foams and laminates to adhesives, inks, coatings, elastomers, paints, molding compounds, and resins, our multidisciplinary teams can provide design support, failure analysis, and strength testing, and we can assist in product stewardship initiatives throughout the entire product lifecycle.

• Insulation and Roofing

  Different insulation materials and applications are used throughout the construction industry. Whether developing a new insulation product or evaluating the flammability, resiliency, or effectiveness of an existing insulation product, Exponent can help. We analyze the nature and composition of traditional fiberglass insulation, spray insulation, foam core, fiberglass-reinforced plastic panels, and other materials used to provide insulation in a wide variety of construction applications. We also conduct full-scale burn tests to investigate the mechanism of fire growth and spread and determine the optimal materials and applications for minimizing the risk of fire damage.