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 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.

What type of life should I expect from a SPF roof?
In 1996 and 2003, the National Roofing Foundation commissioned Dr. Rene Dupuis of Structural Research Inc. to conduct research on SPF roofing systems in six different climate zones in the United States. Based on surveys of over 300 SPF roofing systems, Dupuis concluded that SPF roofs have an effective service life of more than 30 years. The research also shows that the physical properties of the foam change very little with age. This indicates that the life expectancy of a SPF roof system depends primarily on the original application and long-term maintenance.

SPF roofing systems should be inspected semi-annually and after events that could cause mechanical damage, such as hail storms, tornados, and hurricanes. Small (less than 4-inch in diameter) cracks, gouges, or punctures can be repaired with an elastomeric sealant compatible with the SPF system. To repair more extensive damage, remove the damaged foam and reapply additional SPF and coating.

SPF roofing systems typically are recoated at regularly scheduled intervals to extend the life of the system. According to Dupuis’ research, SPF roofing systems currently average 15 years between recoating cycles.

Where is SPF used?
SPF roofing systems have good adhesion to a variety of substrates, including metal, wood, concrete, and built-up roofing (BUR). Since SPF adds little weight to existing roof coverings and can build slope to fill in low areas, these systems are used frequently as a recover roofing system. Caution should be used when specifying any recover roofing system. The existing roof covering and roof deck assembly should be thoroughly evaluated to verify that it can be a good substrate for SPF roofing systems.

Hail and wind-driven missiles (such as tree limbs, broken roof tile, metal flashing, etc.) can damage the SPF roofing system. However, this type of damage typically does not cause leaks and can be repaired later without compromising the long-term performance of the system. SPF roofing systems also excel when the following conditions exist:

• Additional insulation is required.
• There are severe temperatures.
• The roof substrate has numerous penetrations.
• The roof deck is an unusual configuration.
• The roof is in an area where high winds are likely to occur.
• Lightweight materials are required.
• Slope must be added to provide positive drainage.

Because of the energy-saving characteristics and low maintenance costs of SPF roof systems, these roofs are suited to companies or organizations that own their own buildings and must pay their own energy and maintenance costs

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