What is Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing (SPF)?

SPF is a closed-cell roofing material formed by combining two liquid components. When these two materials meet in the mixing gun, they expand 20 to 30 times their volume immediately, forming rigid polyurethane foam (PUF). This foam is sprayed on the entire roof to the desired thickness, usually 1-2 inches, to form a seamless monolithic surface including flashing, penetrations and parapet walls. This eliminates seams and cold joints, the primary source of major leaks, and provides a durable waterproof covering that bonds tightly to nearly any properly prepared surface.

For more than 30 years Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF) has been used as a roofing and insulation material. SPF systems have been proven through comprehensive, independent studies to be dependable, long lasting, and very affordable. There are foam roofs today that have been in place for more than 30 years, and if properly maintained they should be able to last indefinitely.

SPF has an initial R-value of 7.14 per inch thickness. This provides more thermal resistance with less material than any other type of roofing insulation.

             

                                           Advantages of SPF roof systems:

• Seamless: Seams are one of the major sources of leaks in roof systems and SPF roofs are totally seamless. Polyurethane foam is applied as a liquid, creating a single monolithic membrane that covers the entire roof – no seams and no joints. The foam is easy to replace when stacks or other roof penetrations need to be moved or added.
• Flexible: The foam can be sprayed onto virtually any surface, even irregularly shaped roofs. Roof mounted units, penetrations, curbs and parapets can receive a seamless monolithic application because SPF is spray-applied. BUR and single-ply roofs require flashing material with sealants which frequently result in leaks.
• Lightweight: Foam roofing typically weighs around 50 lbs per square, versus 800 lbs for a built-up roof and 1000 lbs. for ballasted single-ply roofs. This reduces the structural dead load on your roof.
• Energy Efficient: SPF has the best insulating properties available for commercial construction today. The insulating foam keeps heat from penetrating in the summer or escaping in the winter, permanently lowering heating and air conditioning costs for most owners.
• Virtually Leak Proof: Eliminates the problem areas where most leaks start. Water does not travel laterally in SPF roofs as it can in built-up roofs (BUR) or single-ply roofs. A leak in the top membrane of a BUR or a single-ply roof will create the spreading of water, saturating the insulation and causing multiple interior leaks. With SPF, even if a hole is punched through the entire two-inch membrane, water movement will be restricted to the hole. In most cases, repairs can be made with a tube of caulk. To further discourage leaks, a subtle slope can be easily built into the foam system to prevent ponding.
• Saves Time and Money: For most installations, the old roof stays on, saving you $.25 to $.65/sq ft. in tear-off costs and speeding up the installation time, causing less disruption at your worksite. Cost savings can be even more substantial on new buildings, because polyurethane foam’s lightweight and superior insulating qualities can reduce costly structural requirements, as well as operational requirements of cooling and heating equipment. And unlike some systems, foam roofing recoats with ease, extending the life of the roof

  Why don’t other conventional roofers use Poly-Foam?
  The high tech equipment necessary to apply the Poly-Foam is very expensive, and requires applicators with at least 5 – 10 years of experience to insure correct installation. Most roofing companies do not have the financial ability or technical knowledge to engage in such a venture...