SPF Roofing Tomorrow's Roof Today What is SPF? SPF is Sprayed Polyurethane Foam, a closed cell roofing and insulation material that is rapidly gaining market share in today's construction industry. What are the advantages of SPF? SPF has the highest R value of any insulation material.  Because it is spray applied, it forms a seamless, monolithic barrier that prevents air and water infiltration.  SPF systems are referred to as "self-flashing" because they can be applied to vertical surfaces such as parapet walls and roof penetrations in a contiguous manner, thus eliminating seams and cold joints, the main source of roof leaks.  SPF roofing systems can be applied quickly and safely, without disruption to teh facilities.  In most reroofing applications there is no need to tear off existing membranes, offereing cost and logistic advantages. What are the disadvantages of SPF? Though SPF roofs exist today that were applied almost 30 years ago, to many SPF is considered new technology.  As such, there are may misunderstandings concerning proper utilization of this product.  As with any roofing system it requires skilled craftsmen and the proper materials to assure a quality application.  Improper material selection, design or application has created roof failures as severe as those found with conventional roofing systems. Where can additional information be found? The Sprayed Polyurethane Foam Division of The Society of the Plastics Industry has amassed a tremendous library of information on SPF systems.  The SPFD provides training courses which can lead to accreditation.  For information, including application guidelines and technical bulletins, call (800) 523-6154.  The National Roofing Contractors Association has an extensive section of SPF roofing in the current NRCA Roofing and Waterproofing Manual.  To order copies call (800) 323-9545.  The National Roofing Foundation is conducting an exhaustive survey of SPF roofing systems.  This NRF report will be available Spring 1997. Mason Knowles, Assistant Director of The Spray Polyurethane Foam Division/ Society of The Plastics Industry delivered a paper on the use of roofing and insulation at the University of Florida's Conference on Green Building Materials. SPF which has been used as a roofing and insulation material for over 30 years, has exhibited many characteristics that identify it as a "green" or "sustainable" building material. Mr. Knowles' program highlighted the following SPF characteristics: The application of SPF will provide better climate control within a building envelope. Better climate control reduces the consumption of fossil fuels, thereby reducing greenhouse gases released into the air. SPF provides a continuous air barrier, preventing moisture infiltration through air leakage, minimizing dew point problems and condensation within the building envelope, avoiding thermal bridging, resisting heat movement in all directions and providing reliable performance under varying conditions. By controlling moisture infiltration, SPF also provides greater durability to buildings. The number one cause of building deterioration is moisture within the building envelope. SPF's climate control ability enables a downsizing of the heating and cooling equipment of a building, further reducing energy usage. There are no known end of service life figures for SPF. Generally, SPF shows little sign of deterioration or change in physical properties even after 30 years. SPF used as commercial or residential insulation typically requires no long term maintenance. SPF can add structural integrity to a building's envelope. The National Association of Home Builders Research Center concluded after testing SPF in stud wall construction, that a structure braced with SPF filled walls will have less damage and permanent deformation of wall elements during a hurricane. SPF roofing systems can be applied directly over BUR, modified bitumen, concrete, wood, asphalt shingles, clay tile and metal. Since it adds very little weight, SPF is used as a recover system over existing roofs without the need for tear-off. This reduces the amount of construction debris in landfills. SPF roofs are renewable. With simple recoats the life of an SPF roof can be renewed indefinitely. JC Penney "You can take 'roof leak' out of your vocabulary with a property installed SPF roof. I know, We have well over a million square feet of SPF throughout our company." Al Fisco Manager of Corporate Construction American Greetings Corperation Virginia Convention Center Pavilion Reroofed in 1997; this quarter-million square foot SPF application continues to provide all-weather protection. OMC Waukegan SPF is equally well suited for metal roofs. SPF can be applied directly to the metal surface, whether bare galvanized or pre-coated panels. Cover Photo: Honeywell