Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Roofing
What Is Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing?
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) roofing is one of the most energy-efficient and versatile commercial roofing systems available today. Applied as a liquid that expands into a seamless layer of insulation and protection, SPF roofing creates a durable, watertight barrier that helps improve building performance while reducing long-term operating costs.
At Washington Roofing & Insulation, we specialize in professional polyurethane spray foam roofing systems for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and specialty structures throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Iowa. Our experienced team designs and installs customized SPF roofing solutions that provide long-lasting protection, superior insulation, and exceptional energy savings. Contact us today to get started.
Let The Roof Pay For Itself
- Flat roof design
- Sloped roof
- Metal buildings
- Tanks and steel structures
- Domes and geometric structures
- Hail damage and weather-related repair expertise
Take a Look at Some of the Benefits
Seamless
A sprayed polyurethane roof forms a seamless insulated roofing system. It has no joints or seams that often allow outside water and air to pass through the roofing system into the building structure. Regardless of the size of your roof, it will have no seams.
Eliminate Ponding Water
In re-roofing applications, ponding water may be eliminated by adding an increased thickness of polyurethane insulation in low areas. Building up the low areas and sloping the roof, so that it drains properly and eliminates the ponding water and additional load factor that is caused by water accumulation.
Eliminates Flashing Leaks
Because a sprayed polyurethane roof system conforms to the substrate and when installed is a seamless system, it is ideal for flashing parapet walls, roof penetrations, and roof-mounted equipment, including vents, pipes, stacks, HVAC equipment, skylights, and cooling towers. Many roof leaks are caused by faulty flashings. Sprayed polyurethane solves this problem.
Lightweight
The weight of polyurethane insulation is between 2 – 3 pounds per cubic foot. One inch of polyurethane insulation plus 30 mils of an elastomeric coating weighs approximately 60 pounds per 100 square feet, as compared to approximately 600 pounds per 100 square feet for a typical conventional four-ply built-up roofing system.
This makes a sprayed polyurethane roof system ideal for reroofing, as it is often possible to apply over an existing built-up roof without removing it.
Highest "R" Value
Sprayed polyurethane insulation has an “R” value of 6.7 per inch, enabling it to provide more thermal resistance with less material than any other insulation.
Chemically Stable
Polyurethane roof systems are chemically inert. They are odorless, resist attack by either mildew or fungi and have no nutritive value.
Rigidity
While sprayed polyurethane insulation is very lightweight. It is strong and will not pack down or sag.
Minimizes Thermal Shock
Because a polyurethane roof system is seamless, it has a high “R” value and uses a reflective elastomeric coating. It greatly reduces the thermal shock that a building is subjected to, by fluctuating outdoor temperatures.
Versatility
Polyurethane insulation can be used on both new and replacement roofs, whether flat, pitched, saw-toothed, domed or having unusual slopes or configurations. It is also ideal for application to tanks, freezers, coolers, piping, ductwork, and various aerospace projects.
Flexibility
It can withstand a structure’s normal expansion and contraction without affecting the ability to keep the structure protected from the outside elements.
Watertight
Polyurethane insulation is made of billions of minute, closed cells that resist the penetration of water and vapors. It must, however, be protected by an elastomeric coating suited for use in that particular environment. Elastomeric coatings are specifically engineered for this purpose.
Long-Lasting
The elastomeric coating system, which protects the polyurethane insulation, can be rejuvenated by the reapplication of an additional coating after the initial coating system has weathered many years of service.
Ease of Application
A polyurethane roof system can be applied in a relatively short period of time with little or no disruption of building operations by our experienced and qualified roofing crew.
Ease of Maintenance
Minor repairs or modifications to a polyurethane roof system can be made by our in-house maintenance personnel. All that is needed is a hand caulking gun and a tube of caulk.
TL;DR: Spray Foam Roofing Benefits
- Seamless, fully adhered roofing system
- Exceptional insulation and energy efficiency
- Helps reduce heating and cooling costs
- Suitable for flat and low-slope roofs
- Can be applied over many existing roofing systems
- Lightweight and versatile design
- Long-term waterproof protection
- Available with warranties up to 20 years
How Does Spray Foam Roofing Work?
SPF roofing is created by spraying a two-component polyurethane foam directly onto a prepared roof surface. As the material expands, it forms a seamless layer that conforms to the roof’s shape and fills gaps, cracks, and irregularities.
Once the foam has cured, a protective coating is applied to shield the system from UV exposure and weather conditions. The result is a highly durable roofing system that combines insulation and waterproofing into a single solution.
Because there are no seams, joints, or fasteners across large portions of the roof surface, SPF roofing helps minimize common leak points found in many traditional roofing systems.
Why Is Spray Foam Roofing So Energy Efficient?
One of the biggest advantages of SPF roofing is its insulating value. The foam creates a continuous thermal barrier that helps reduce heat transfer through the roof assembly.
This added insulation can help lower heating and cooling demands throughout the year, making SPF roofing particularly attractive for commercial property owners seeking to reduce energy consumption and operating expenses.
Many building owners find that the energy savings generated by an SPF roofing system help offset a significant portion of the roofing investment over time.
Seamless SPF Roofing Solutions for Long-Lasting Protection
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing offers a durable, energy-efficient solution that can often be installed over existing roofing systems, helping reduce tear-off costs and minimize business disruption. Ideal for flat and low-slope roofs, SPF creates a seamless, waterproof barrier that helps prevent leaks, improve drainage, and extend roof life. Suitable for a wide range of commercial and industrial buildings, SPF roofing also provides an effective restoration option for storm or hail-damaged roofs, often eliminating the need for full replacement.
Can SPF Roofing Be Installed Over an Existing Roof?
One of the reasons SPF roofing is so popular is its ability to be installed over certain existing roofing systems, reducing tear-off costs and minimizing disruption to building operations.
Every roof is different, however. Our team performs detailed inspections to determine whether an existing roof is a suitable candidate for restoration with spray polyurethane foam.
What Types of Buildings Benefit From SPF Roofing?
Common applications include:
- Commercial buildings
- Industrial facilities
- Warehouses
- Manufacturing plants
- Agricultural buildings
- Schools
- Office buildings
- Retail centers
- Flat and low-slope roofs
Serving Commercial Properties Throughout the Midwest
Washington Roofing & Insulation proudly provides spray polyurethane foam roofing services throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Iowa. Whether you’re looking to improve energy efficiency, extend the life of an existing roof, or install a new commercial roofing system, our team is ready to help. Contact us today to get started.
Why Choose Washington Roofing & Insulation?
Since 1979, Washington Roofing & Insulation has been helping commercial property owners protect their investments with high-performance roofing solutions. As a family-owned company, we are committed to delivering quality workmanship, professional service, and long-term value.
We work closely with property owners, facility managers, architects, and consultants to develop customized roofing solutions designed to maximize performance and longevity.
Our team offers comprehensive roofing services including:
- Free roof inspections
- Infrared moisture detection
- Drone roof inspections
- Roof consultations
- Specification writing
- Roof restoration services
- Commercial roof repairs
- SPF roofing installation
Frequently Asked Questions
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) roofing is becoming an increasingly popular solution for both commercial and residential properties due to its energy efficiency, versatility, and long-lasting performance. At Washington Roofing & Insulation Inc., we specialize in the installation of SPF roofing systems that provide superior insulation, moisture resistance, and durability. Here are some common questions customers have about SPF roofing and how it can benefit their property.
Spray polyurethane foam roofing, commonly called SPF roofing, is a seamless roofing system created by spraying liquid foam directly onto a roof surface. Once applied, the foam expands into a waterproof and highly insulated layer. SPF roofing is often recommended for flat and low-slope commercial roofs when building owners want improved insulation, leak prevention, and long-term energy savings.
SPF roofing enhances energy efficiency by providing a continuous thermal barrier that prevents heat transfer. This means your building will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. The foam’s high R-value helps reduce energy costs by minimizing the need for air conditioning and heating, which can lead to significant long-term savings.
Yes, Spray Polyurethane Foam roofing is highly versatile and can be applied to virtually any type of roof. Whether you have a flat roof, a sloped roof, or even a metal building, SPF roofing can provide a custom solution tailored to your specific needs. It’s especially effective for applications on complex structures like tanks, steel buildings, and domes, ensuring a seamless and durable protective layer for a variety of surfaces.
The cost of spray foam roofing projects is typically affected by roof size, existing roof condition, foam thickness, coating type, accessibility, drainage issues, repair requirements, and overall project complexity. Warranty requirements and energy-efficiency goals may also influence pricing.
SPF roofing creates a continuous insulated barrier that helps reduce heat transfer through the roof system. This can help stabilize indoor temperatures, reduce strain on HVAC systems, and improve overall energy efficiency throughout the building.
With proper maintenance and periodic recoating, SPF roofing systems can provide decades of reliable performance. Many systems are eligible for warranties of up to 20 years, and regular inspections can help maximize lifespan.
Yes. SPF roofing provides exceptional insulation value that helps reduce heat transfer through the roof. Many building owners experience lower heating and cooling costs after installing an SPF roofing system.
Absolutely. SPF roofing is commonly installed on metal buildings because it helps improve insulation, seal leaks, and protect the structure from weather-related deterioration while creating a seamless roofing surface.
Yes. One of the advantages of SPF roofing is that localized damage can often be repaired without replacing the entire roofing system. Regular inspections and timely repairs can help extend the life of the roof and maintain its performance.
