In many areas, SPF is the buzzword for premier roofing systems. Strong, durable, and incredibly insulating a SPF roofing system lasts longer, performs better and is more cost-effective than just about any commercial roofing system.
What is SPF?
SPF stands for Spray Polyurethane Foam. This foam has two components to it, isocyanate and poly that form the base that becomes SPF. These components begin as liquids. As they are mixed, an exothermic reaction occurs creating foam that expands to more than 20% of the original volume. This foam seeps into all defects, cracks and crevices, sealing and protecting the entire roof structure.
As a liquid-applied system, there are no seams. This seamless nature is the secret behind the strength and protection of a SPF roofing system.
A protective coat is then applied on top of the SPF to add as an additional barrier against the elements.
Benefits of SPF Systems
SPF offers a tremendous number of benefits to your commercial building. Here are a few of those benefits.
Monolithic. Monolithic is a fancy term for one piece. SPF is sprayed as a liquid then turns into a foam. As it continues to dry it becomes fully solid, leaving no seams. Seams are the single largest cause of roof leaks. No seams eliminate that issue.
No tear-off. In most cases, the SPF is sprayed directly onto the existing roofing structure. There will still be some prep work, but this eliminates the cost of tear-off, as well as the reduction of time and addition of waste to the landfill. It also allows your business to stay open during the work.
Insulation. Spray polyurethane foam is fully formed in 3 minutes, depending on weather variables. Offering an R-value of 6.5 per square inch, a 2-inch application would result in an R-value of 13. The increase is due to the density of the foam compared to the traditional air-filled insulation.
Energy Efficient. The increased insulation results in lower heating and cooling costs for you. Depending on your commercial building’s location, it could reduce utility costs up to 30%.
Light Weight. SPF is super lightweight at 28 lbs per 100 sf. This additional weight is negligible on your commercial buildings structure, meaning it will not cause loss of structural integrity or damage.
Sound Killer. SPF is also known for its ability to lower sounds outside of the building. This works by reducing air movement, which reduces sound transmission.
The Process
Typically, the process for SPF is straightforward, quick, and easy. Because of these features there may be no down time for your commercial building.
Repair. If there are any areas that are in obvious need of repair, this will be addressed before we move forward.
Prep. The roof needs to be prepared for the SPF to be applied. This includes the removal of dirt, debris, and any other contaminants. We do this by pressure washing, vacuuming, or sweeping the entire roof. It is imperative that prep work is done before the installation to eliminate the risk of installation failure.
Installation. The two chemicals that are in SPF mix during the spraying process. This liquid is sprayed directly onto the roof’s surface. The foam then expands 20 times the original size getting into every nook, cranny, and crevice.
Drying. As the expansion is completed the first layer of foam is one to one and a half inches thick. This layer takes only 3 minutes to dry.
Topcoat. A topcoat of acrylic or silicone may be applied on top of the SPF. This helps to increase the durability, reflectivity, and longevity of your new commercial roof.
Call Today
Would you like more information on SPF? Call Skyline Roofing at (701) 989-5037. We look forward to helping you soon.