Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is a versatile material capable of enveloping a building. It can be applied to the roofing systems and walls, ceilings, and floors. There are many benefits SPF offers and has grown in popularity due to the rate of adoption from building contractors.
Similar to many other products, the proper SPF installation can only be done by professionals with a substantial amount of technical knowledge and techniques.
Basing Roof Performance Under Many Factors
A single factor shouldn’t measure the performance of a roof. Instead, a roof’s success is a combination of different elements, such as moisture control, health, safety, durability, air movement, energy efficiency, and comfort. SPF scores are high in all these factors.
The spray foam material is made on the spot during the installation process. As a result, there are specific methods and guidelines to follow to benefit from the installation of SPF roofing. Here are four techniques to ensure that the spray foam is installed correctly:
1. Equipment Care
The quality of an SPF roofing installation depends on the equipment used in the process. As a result, the tools used in the installation of spray foam should be regularly inspected, cleaned, repaired and stored correctly. All of these steps contribute to making sure that the equipment will perform as expected.
Contractors should also have sufficient spare parts to reduce downtime, in the case of an equipment break-down during the installation process.
2. Proper Storage
Proper storage of spray foam chemicals within the manufacturer’s specifications is essential to maintain its shelf life and allow ease of application when used. When installing, the substances must be kept in the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and temperature to produce the best SPF results.
3. Safety Precautions and Attire
SPF is formed on-site mixing two chemicals commonly referred to as “A-side” and “B-side.” The A-side contains pMDI, polymeric isocyanates. The B-side includes a blend of fire retardants, catalysts, blowing agents, and polyols.
During the application, fumes are produced, and protective equipment must be worn to minimize its exposure to the skin and eye. Proper ventilation, safety training, use of protective gear, and a medical surveillance program are required to make sure that the workers kept safe and secure.
To address over-spraying, windscreens must be installed to stop the foam from coming into contact with any other surfaces that aren’t intended to be covered. If winds become too strong, the project can be stopped until the weather conditions improve. Any helpers holding up windscreens and hoses should also wear protective gear.
4. Surface Evaluation
SPF is excellent at sticking to many different types of surfaces, such as concrete, clay, wood, metal, and shingles. However, the surface must first be dry, free from oil and dirt that could prevent proper adhesion.
Because of the lightweight nature of the spray foam, it is an excellent material to re-cover current roofing systems and is even recognized by the NRCA Waterproofing Guidelines for its watertight attribute.
If you’re on the lookout for a commercial spray foam roofing contractor for proper SPF installation of your roofing system, make sure that you hire professionals.
Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!