What is Polyurethane?

Commercial building owners and managers often ask: What is polyurethane spray foam and what advantages does it offer? Not everyone has heard of the material, or associates it with roofs. However, it is an efficient, long-lasting product that can save commercial business owners money and extend the life of their roof.


What is Polyurethane Spray Foam Roofing?
It is a lightweight, seamless product that can be sprayed over an existing commercial building roofing system to extend its lifespan, and repair existing problems, giving it new life. Because it is lightweight, it does not exceed the structural load capacity and because it is seamless, water cannot penetrate the surface. It has many advantages. It is easy to care for, low-maintenance and cost effective, which explains why it is becoming a popular option for more and more commercial building owners and facility managers.

What Is Polyurethane and When Can It Be Used?

• Repairs. The spray foam can be used to make minor, major, emergency, temporary or permanent repairs. It can fix blown off or broken shingles, metal panels, or flat roofing to keep water from coming into the building.
• Extending lifespan. Every type of material has a limited lifespan. If your roofing is nearing the end of its performance life, and you worry about future problems, this product can be used to ensure no sudden or unexpected problems develop.
• In lieu of a complete replacement. If your system has reached the end of its projected performance life, this product can be applied to coax years more useful life.

What is Polyurethane and What are the Advantages?

• Long lifespan. The product has a lifespan of 20 years or more, depending on the weather conditions.
• Energy efficient. The spray foam helps insulate the building, keeping heated and cooled air “in”, which decreases your energy bills. In a reflective color, it repels UV rays and heat transference into a building.
• Waterproofing properties. Thanks to its seamlessness, water rolls directly off of it, rather than seeping through cracks that may be present in the materials. This product ensures you will not have a leaking ceiling.
• Cheap to install. Re-roofing a surface is expensive. It is very labor intensive, resulting in high labor costs, high product costs and haul away and disposal costs. However, since coatings can be simply sprayed onto your existing material, labor costs are lowered, there is no haul away and product costs are reasonable.
• The install process does not disrupt your operations. It can be difficult for a business to carry on as usual while the building is being re-roofed. It is loud, noisy and there is debris. However, this isn’t the case with spray foam. The process is completed quickly and quietly, so it is business as usual inside of the building.

The Installation Process
As you ask, “What is polyurethane?” make certain to ask about application. You may think about having your facilities maintenance staff apply it. It sounds like a simple process, however, it is more difficult than it sounds and is best left to a roof contractor to complete.

The first step in the project is to inspect the structure. All sheathing and trusses must be in good condition, with no rot or damage present. If there is damage, it must be repaired or replaced prior to spraying. Once it is determined that there is no damage, the spraying process can begin. The polyurethane foam must be sprayed in even strokes; otherwise the surface will be uneven, which can result in water pooling or forming puddles on the roof. It takes a lot of experience and knowledge to create a smooth and even surface, which is why this process is best left to professionals. Call us now.


AOS Inc. Superior Roofing provides services to businesses and home owners in San Diego County. We also provide services in Imperial County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, & Los Angeles County.