top of page

Polyurethane Foam Roofing

Q: How does roofing foam work?
A: Roofing foam is closed cell, monolithic polyurethane foam. As roofing foam is sprayed into place, the foam bonds to the substrate and becomes part of the structure. Forming a thick, seamless barrier, roofing foam seals penetrations, voids and junctions.

14 Advantages of a Foam Roof

Seamless – Sprayed polyurethane foam forms a seamless insulated roofing system. It has no joints or seams that allow outside water and air to pass through the roofing system into the building structure.

Eliminates Flashing Leaks – Because spray polyurethane foam conforms to the substrate, and when installed in a seamless system, it is ideal for flashing parapet walls, roof penetrations and roof mounted equipment, including vents, pipes, stacks, HVAC equipment, skylights and cooling towers. Many roof leaks are caused by faulty flashing. Sprayed polyurethane foam solves this problem.

Elimination of Troublesome Ponding Water – In re-roofing applications, ponding water may be eliminated by adding an increased thickness of polyurethane foam in low areas.

Lightweight – The weight of polyurethane foam is between 2-3 pounds per cubic foot. One inch of polyurethane foam roofing weighs approximately 60 pounds per 100 square feet, as compared to approximately 600 pounds per 100 square feet for a typical conventional four-ply built-up roofing system. This makes a sprayed polyurethane foam system ideal for re-roofing as it is often possible to apply over an existing built-up roof without removing it.

Highest “R” Value – Sprayed polyurethane foam has an aged “R’ value of 7.14, enabling it to provide more thermal resistance with less material than any other insulation. In most cases, a polyurethane roof will pay for itself in just a few years in few savings.

Chemically Stable – Sprayed polyurethane foam, although inert, must be protected from sunlight by a U.V. resistant elastomeric coating. It is odorless, resists attack by either mildew or fungi and has no nutritive value. Our foam roof product has passed “spread of flame” testing per UL-790 (ASTM-E-108).

Minimizes Thermal Shock – Because a polyurethane foam roofing system is seamless, has a high “R” value and is covered by a reflective elastomeric coating, it greatly reduces the thermal shock to which a building is subjected because of fluctuating outdoor temperatures.

Versatility – It can be used on both new and replacement roofs, whether flat, pitched, domed or having unusual slopes or configurations. It is also ideal for spray application to tanks, freezers, coolers, piping, ductwork and various aerospace projects.

Rigidity – While sprayed polyurethane foam is lightweight, it is strong and will not pack down or sag.

Flexibility – It has the ability to withstand a structure’s normal expansion and contraction without affecting the ability to keep the structure protected from outside elements.

Watertight – Polyurethane foam is made of billions of minute closed cells which resist the penetration of water and vapors. It must however, be protected by an elastomeric coating suited for use in that particular environment.

Long Lasting – The elastomeric coating system which protects the polyurethane foam can be rejuvenated by the re-application of additional coatings when the initial coatings system has weathered after many years of service.

Ease of Application – A sprayed polyurethane system can be applied in a relatively short period of time with little or no disruption of building operations by an experienced, qualified polyurethane foam contractor.

Ease of Maintenance – Minor repairs or modifications to a polyurethane system can be made by in-house maintenance personnel at minimal cost. All that is needed is a hand caulking gun and a tube of caulking.

© 2019 by Energy Roofers

bottom of page