March 28, 2008

Spray polyurethane foam, commonly referred to as SPF, is a spray-applied insulating foam plastic that is installed as a liquid and then expands many times its original volume. SPF formulas can be tweaked to have many different physical properties depending on the use desired. For example, the same basic raw materials can make an insulation foam that is semi-rigid and soft to the touch, also create a high density roofing foam that is resistant to foot traffic and water.

Specialized equipment is used to apply the SPF and proper technical training is important in order to get the best results.

SPF is the king of building material multi-tasking. In insulation, it can provide high levels of R-value, while providing air barriers and assistance in moisture control in buildings.

In roofing, it insulates and eliminates thermal bridging through fasteners or gaps in decking, while providing a long-lasting roofing system that has a life that can be extended by re-coating an average of 15 years.

As a result SPF is used in a wide variety of applications including (but not limited to):

roofing, air barriers, commercial and residential insulation in walls, ceilings, attics and basements, industrial insulation such as pipes and tanks, cold storage facilities, freezers, walk-in coolers, climate controlled buildings such as mushroom farms or produce storage, clean rooms, flotation for boats, ships, barges, floating docks, etc. and much more. Higher density SPF systems have even been used to increase the structural strength of wings in airplanes.

So what is SPF? SPF is a remarkably versatile material that provides proven solutions to a great range of challenges in the construction and manufacturing industries.