Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a very versatile product. There is a lot to learn about the chemical makeup of polyurethane foam (and we have included that in the product data sheets below!) but first, it is good to note the differences between Roofing Foam and Insulation Foam and their basic properties/uses.
Spray foam for roofing is a thick (typically 1.5″ thick) closed-cell polyurethane waterproofing barrier that seals the roof against leaks. It is applied to the roof’s surface in liquid form, but will rise 1.5-2 inches and completely harden within 10-15 seconds. Roof Foam must be covered by an elastomeric silicone or acrylic coating to perform properly. Continue reading to learn more about our Coating Products.
For more technical information, please review these Product Data Sheets for a few of our Roof Foam products.
Insulation Foam can be closed-cell or open-cell. Closed-cell foam is much denser than open-cell and offers an airtight seal, moisture prevention, and R-value of around 7. Because it’s cells are not as thick, open-cell foam is easier to spray in nooks and crannies and is spongy to the touch. It has a unique sound-dampening effect and is often more affordable than closed cell.
To learn the differences between closed-cell and open-cell foam, please take a look at this video:
To learn more about our Spray Foam Insulation services, please visit this page.
SPF can easily be applied to new or existing buildings! It’s key benefits are the same whether you apply it as a Roof System or as Wall/Ceiling Insulation. A few of those benefits are:
As much as 40% of a building’s energy is lost due to air infiltration. Gaps, holes, and air leaks can make energy bills unnecessarily high and let valuable resources go to waste. Closed cell, insulating foam forms an airtight, waterproof bond that seals out drafts, moisture, and pests. On the roof, a coated foam system can reduce air conditioning needs and help protect the roof, potentially extending its life.
Spray foam acts as both insulation and an air sealant (or air barrier), filling those areas that let air escape and saving money on monthly energy bills. The energy savings building owner’s experience with Spray Foam is enough to pay for the application within a few years time. Check out this video to learn more about how Spray Foam saves Energy!
Spray foam has the highest R-value of any product on the market. Depending on its applied thickness, Spray Foam can have an R-Value of 6.2-7! No other insulation can offer this R-value at the same price point.
Although Spray Foam can initially be more expensive than other insulation products, the lifecycle cost is considerably lower. Where fiberglass insulation or single ply roofing products are prone to leakage (requiring tear out and replacement!), Spray Foam will last the life of the building.
Because it is spray-applied, a seamless blanket of insulation seals cracks and holes while insulating the roof deck or wall cavities. This reduces the possibility of air/vapor infiltration.
Again, a spray application means no special adhesives or mechanical fasteners are required.
Spray-applied polyurethane foam is self-flashing around stacks, vents, ducts, etc. This offers a competitive advantage over other Roofing Systems – reducing the potential for leaks and extending the life of the roof.
By insulating the roof deck (and applying an elastomeric topcoat), damage due to thermal expansion and contraction is eliminated. When the foam and coating is applied, it bonds to the structure. It remains flexible, moving with the structure underneath and helping enhance the structure’s strength.
Elastomeric coating is an above-grade exterior wall or roof coating that is approximately 10 times thicker than paint. It forms an incredibly thick yet flexible coating that helps waterproof the exterior of a structure. Unlike other types of coatings, it can bridge hairline cracks to complete an airtight, waterproof seal.
When the elastomeric coating is applied it is in liquid form. It completely dries, hardens, and bonds to the structure, remaining flexible…moving and flexing as the structure underneath moves over time.
That structure can be any substrate or roof type -spray foam, built up, single ply, tar, rubber, or metal. It is a great solution for renewing all roof types, because, in addition to providing a waterproof protective coating to the roof, it also helps enhance the structure’s strength and protect it from further damage.
It offers long-term durability and is a cost-effective solution when compared to many restorative alternatives. While elastomeric coating is applied in a similar fashion to paint, it is not a job for a novice or DIY-er. Elastomeric coatings requires expertise, knowledge and safety precautions, and should only be applied by an experienced professional.
For more technical information, please review these Product Data Sheets for a few of our Silicone Coating products.
