Prevent Polyurethane Cracking in Cold Weather

That familiar winter chill is creeping into your gaming room. You settle in for a session, lean back in your trusty gaming chair, and hear it… a faint, heartbreaking crrrackle. Polyurethane (PU) leather, the popular choice for its sleek look and feel, has one major enemy: the dry, cold South African winter. But don't stress. With a bit of know-how, you can easily prevent polyurethane cracking in cold weather and keep your throne in pristine condition.

Why Your Gaming Chair Hates the Cold 🥶

Before we dive into the fixes, let’s quickly understand the problem. Polyurethane is a synthetic polymer layered over a fabric base. When the temperature drops, two things happen:

1. It Loses Moisture: The plasticisers that keep PU soft and flexible evaporate faster in dry, cold air, making the material brittle.
2. It Contracts: The cold causes the material to shrink and tighten.

This combination of brittleness and tension is what leads to those unsightly surface cracks and peeling. Your body heat and movement then stress these weak points, making it worse.

Gamdias Zelus E3 Weave Gaming Chair - Black/Grey / Fully Adjustable Headrest / Resilient Foam Filling / Adaptive Jointed Armrest / Gas Lift Base / ZELUS-E3-Weave-L-GB

R2199.00In Stock

Enova EZY Office Chair - Light Grey/Silver / Free Lifting, Lumbar Support / 6D Armrests / Double Backrest Design / Adjustable Seat Depth / Large Tilting Angle / 3D Dual-Axis Adjustable Headrest / Foot rest included (<span style="color:#ff0000; font-size: 20px; ">Not Covered in Warranty</span>) / EZY-008A-1-Light-GreySilver

R5299.00In Stock

Gamdias Zelus M3 Gaming Chair - Black/Orange / Adjustable Headrest / Resilient Foam Filling / Full Backrest Recline / 5 Star Steel Base / 2D Adjustable Armrests / ZELUS M3 L BO

R3199.00In Stock

noblechairs HERO Series Real Leather Gaming Chair - Black / Premium Design / Finest Design / Solid Steel Frame / Plenty of Adjustment / Easy Assembly / Max Load 150kg / NBL-HRO-RL-BLA

R11999.00In Stock

[BLACK/WHITE] Vertagear Racing Series S-Line SL5800 Gaming Chairs / 113KG Weight Limit / Easy Assembly / Adjustable Seat Height / VG-SL5800SE_WT

R6999.00In Stock

Fractal Design Refine Mesh Light Gaming Chair - Ergonomic Office Desk Chair Functionality with 4D Adjustable Armrests, High-Back Support, Lumbar Cushion, and Breathable Mesh / FD-CH-RE1M-02

R9599.00In Stock

Simple Ways to Prevent Polyurethane Cracking

The best defence is a good offence. Being proactive is far easier than trying to repair a flaking chair. Here’s how you can protect your investment.

1. Mind Your Placement

Where you park your chair matters. Avoid placing it directly in front of a window where it’s exposed to cold drafts overnight. Similarly, blasting it with a heater might feel good for you, but the intense, dry heat will suck the life out of the PU. Find a stable, temperate spot in your room. This simple step is crucial for the longevity of all gaming chairs in South Africa, regardless of their price point.

2. Clean and Condition Regularly

Sweat, dust, and snack crumbs… they all degrade the PU surface over time. A consistent cleaning routine is non-negotiable for stopping polyurethane from cracking.

• Cleaning: Once a week, wipe the chair down with a microfibre cloth dampened with water. For tougher spots, use a pH-neutral soap. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners at all costs.
• Conditioning: Every 1-2 months, apply a dedicated PU protector or conditioner. This replenishes the oils that keep the material supple.

[BLACK/WHITE] Vertagear Racing Series S-Line SL5800 Gaming Chairs / 113KG Weight Limit / Easy Assembly / Adjustable Seat Height / VG-SL5800SE_WT

R6999.00In Stock

Arozzi Avanti Soft Upholstery Fabric Ergonomic Office and Gaming Chair with Cold Curred Molded Foam Reclining Tilting Seat Mechanism Steel Frame Headrest Pillow - Dark Grey / AVANTI-SFB-DG

R3399.00In Stock

[BLACK/CARBON] Vertagear Racing Series S-Line SL5800 Gaming Chairs / 113KG Weight Limit / Easy Assembly / Adjustable Seat Height / VG-SL5800SE_CB

R6899.00In Stock

Gamdias Zelus M3 Weave Gaming Chair - Black/Grey / Adjustable Headrest / Full Backrest Recline / Resilient Foam Filling / 2D Adjustable Armrests / Class 4 Gas Lift / ZELUS M3 Weave L GB

R2799.00In Stock

Fractal Design Refine Alcantara Dark Gaming Chair - Ergonomic Office Desk Chair Functionality with 4D Adjustable Armrests, High-Back Support, Lumbar Cushion, and Premium Fabric / FD-CH-RE1A-01

R15199.00In Stock

noblechairs EPIC Series Gaming Chair - Black/Blue / Premium Design / Finest Design / Solid Steel Frame / Plenty of Adjustment / Easy Assembly / Max Load 120kg / NBL-PU-BLU-002

R5999.00In Stock

3. When to Upgrade, Not Repair

Sometimes, the damage is already done. While repair kits exist, they're often a temporary fix. If your chair is peeling badly, it might be a sign that the original material quality wasn't built for the long haul. While many excellent gaming chairs under R4000 offer fantastic value, investing a bit more can pay off. Premium models often use thicker, more durable grades of PU or next-gen fabrics designed to withstand temperature fluctuations, making them a wise choice for serious gamers looking for gear that lasts. Exploring the range of gaming chairs above R4000 often reveals advanced materials and superior build quality. ✨