Sprayed polyurethane foam (also known as SPF or spray foam) is produced by a chemical reaction of isocyanate (A component) and polyol (B component). According to our experts, these two components are fed through a proportioner, which heats and then pumps the two separate components to the spray gun, where they are mixed and sprayed onto the substrate. The result is a rigid plastic that expands during the curing process and becomes a seamless layer of foam. SPF requires a clean surface for proper application. It must be dry, free of contaminants like oil, and properly fastened to the substrate in accordance with the proper building codes. Call our team today to learn more about spray foam roofing!

Yes! According to our team, foam has the approval of all four major building codes in the United States and the Canadian building code. In fact, it is one of the most extensively tested insulation products ever. The use of SPF insulation and roofing systems is permitted by the international model building codes published by the International Codes Council (ICC). According to the ICC, SPF is a type of foam plastic that is specifically addressed in the International Building Code (IBC) Section 2603 and in the International Residential Code (IRC) Section R316. These sections of the model building codes focus on fire protection requirements for the safe installation of these materials.

Our team reports that many SPF products have third-party code compliance evaluation reports that detail how specific products may be installed to meet the model building code requirements. Although the ICC provides model building codes, state and local jurisdictions accept different editions or may make changes to these codes before adoption. Always check with your local building department to confirm which version of the code is being used and specific requirements for the use of SPF.

To find copies of or more information about the model building codes, they may be available at your local public library, or you can visit www.iccsafe.org. To get started with a spray foam roofing project, contact us today!

Yes. Because of its rigid nature and ability to adhere to many materials, closed-cell SPF (ccSPF) can provide structural enhancement to framed buildings. According to our team, the racking strength of certain framed walls, as well as the uplift strength of framed roof decks, can be significantly increased with the addition of just 2-3 inches of SPF. For more information, please contact Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) to obtain detailed reports at www.sprayfoam.org. If you're interested in spray foam roofing for your home, we would love to assist you!

No. Closed-cell foams, by nature, are resistant to water absorption and are approved by FEMA as a flood-resistant material. Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam actually repels water. It does, however, have a low vapor transmission rate, which allows the roof to breathe and keeps moisture from forming under the foam surface. Call our team to enjoy the benefits of spray foam roofing for your home!

No, spray foam is not toxic. In our experience with spray foam roofing and other projects, within 24-48 hours of application and with proper ventilation, there are usually no hazardous fumes present in the building.

In our experience, spray foam, when applied to certain minimum thicknesses (about 1.5” for closed-cell foam and 3.5-5.5” for open-cell foam), will form an air-impermeable, air-barrier material. When properly installed in a well-designed building envelope, SPF plays a key part in creating air barrier assemblies and systems. For more information on air barriers, visit the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) at www.airbarrier.org. The ABAA provides a material specification for SPF under ABAA document 07263. Our team can help your home enjoy this type of barrier with spray foam roofing.

SPF, like many construction materials, is combustible and can ignite when subjected to heat or flame. For this reason, model building codes require that SPF materials (with some exceptions) must be separated from interior (occupied) spaces by a 15-minute thermal barrier, such as ½” gypsum board/drywall, in our experience. In limited access areas like crawlspaces and attics, an ignition barrier may be permitted in place of a thermal barrier.

Prescriptive thermal and ignition barriers are defined in the model building codes, and alternative coatings, coverings, and assemblies may be used. For more information on thermal and ignition barriers, please see SPFA guideline AY-126 from the Technical Documents section on www.sprayfoam.org. If you have more questions about spray foam roofing, we're here to assist you!

Spray foam is a great product when it's installed correctly. North Central Insulation has been spraying foam since 1969. Our spray foam crews have an average of 20 years’ experience in using foam industry products, mastering foam techniques, and foam industry training. North Central Insulation has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, is fully bonded and insured, has a high Dunn and Bradstreet rating, has a stellar safety record, and is a company of high integrity.

We work hard on customer satisfaction and will stand by our work. You know the saying, "You get what you pay for." What this means is the job will be done right the first time by a professional company and crew that has been doing quality work for decades. We're the go-to local choice for spray foam and commercial roofing services.

A spray polyurethane foam roofing system can be applied over a wide variety of substrates, including concrete, wood, metal, failed built-up, and single ply. After the roof deck is properly cleaned and prepared, a layer of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is applied. Sprayed as a liquid, a chemical reaction allows a solid closed-cell membrane to form in seconds, in our experience. The thickness can be varied for additional insulation, to create a positive slope, or to remove areas that pond water.

Because it is sprayed, there are no seams, which creates a fully adhered monolithic layer with no potential points of water entry. Other roofing systems not only have seams and joints, but they utilize fasteners for attachment. Seams, joints, and fasteners create “thermal shorts," which transfer valuable cooling and heating through the roof. According to our team, thermal shorts on roofs can reduce energy efficiency by up to 35%.

The SPF is protected by two coats of an elastomeric coating, forming a durable, weather-resistant membrane, according to our experts. Attractive granules are broadcast in the final coat. The roofing system is self-flashing, as it can be applied to vertical surfaces, forming a homogenous surface. Only highly skilled, qualified applicators can apply this system. Upon completion, an independent engineering laboratory inspects each and every application to validate the warranty, assuring you of the quality you expect.

According to our experts, the roofing systems we install are Energy Star approved, LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rated, Factory Mutual Research (FM) certified, Miami-Dade County approved, and meet California Title 24. To get started with a commercial insulation contractor you can count on for your roofing project, call us today!

According to our staff, North Central Insulation has been spraying foam since 1969 and is one of the first businesses in the nation to offer spray foam roofing to customers. Most of the roofs installed by North Central Insulation since that time are still in good condition and performing well when basic care is taken. Home Advisor reports that a foam roof will likely last for at least 20 years after installation and can last up to 50 years if properly maintained!