Spray foam roofs significantly decrease the amount of natural gas and electricity used to heat and cool buildings. Compared to conventional commercial roofs, spray foam systems conserve 40 percent on natural gas bills, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST also notes a 25 percent reduction on total electrical consumption.

In 1985, Gerald Scott, P.E., then in charge of roofing and energy conservation within the Physical Plant Department at Texas A&M University , announced another benefit the university had been receiving from the SPF roofs: energy savings.

Scott monitored energy savings on 27 different buildings on the campus that had received an SPF roof from 1980 to 1984. The results showed the university was able to cover the complete cost of the roof application through energy savings in an average of 4.5 years.

Energy control acts across all methods of heat transfer. Conduction loss is mitigated by the high insulation R-value of closed cell spray foam, which can be double that of traditional materials. The white, elastomeric coating of a spray foam roof is also far more reflective than a conventional roof. High reflective roofs are not only beneficial, they are also mandated in some areas of the country. In addition, they have been proven to lower heat-island effects in large cities.

Buildings can gain or lose significant amounts of heat through air leaks. Polyurethane spray foam roofing provides one solid roofing structure. It creates a seamless, monolithic surface and unsurpassed air barrier. It can even out the surface so there are no dips for water can collect. A self-flashing and seamless polyurethane spray foam roof is impervious to leaks and is highly resistant to chemical damage. It adds additional protection against moisture and air infiltration around HVAC curbs, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations, traditionally the high problem areas on roofs.

Although Urethane USA takes great care and pays attention to detail when applying our polyurethane spray foam roofs, the process is still relatively quick and simple. There is usually minimal disruption to the facilities. The process is efficient because:

• Polyurethane spray foam roofs require fewer people to apply
• Unlike conventional systems, there is no need for multiple levels of roofing.
• It can be used in roofs of different shapes and types – including asphalt, shingles, built-up roofs, clay tile, concrete, metal and wood.

Polyurethane spray foam is low in the emission of volatile organic compounds and is CFC free. It has superior energy efficiency and also reduces the need for roof tear-offs and landfill use.

The properties of polyurethane spray foam can vary depending on the application. It can be softer or more rigid depending on whether it needs to sustain the pressure of heavy weather, heavy equipment on a roof or human traffic.

Polyurethane spray foam provides roofs with strong adhesion and wind uplift resistance. Correctly applied, they can last indefinitely and hold their insulation value for longer than other roofing materials. Our roofing systems have longer life cycles, compared to other traditional roofing methods, and do not have issues with delamination or alligatoring.

In extreme weather conditions, polyurethane spray foam is a great choice to protect your property. For example, the material was selected to cover the Louisiana Superdome.