The History of Spray Polyurethane Foam
“Spray Polyurethane Foam, isn’t that a new technology?”
Many people see SPF as the latest in commercial roofing solutions, but the truth is that SPF technology has been around for over 75 years! A German scientist named Dr. Otto Bayer discovered a chemical reaction compound in 1937 that he later patented under the name of “polyurethane”. The military originally used polyurethane as part of aircraft manufacturing in the 1940s and the construction industry quickly saw its value.
Spray Polyurethane Foam usage in the 1960s
Spray polyurethane was mostly used as commercial insulation in the 1960s. SPF was used in the manufacturing of everyday devices and household appliances, such as refrigerators. The problem was the SPF application was a strictly in-plant process. Fortunately, commerce evolved the SPF process into a mobile application unit with reliable proportioning and compression equipment for on-site application.
Spray Polyurethane Foam usage in the 1970s-2000s
The energy crisis of the 1970s increased demand for energy-efficient solutions, including the introduction of SPF for commercial roofing application. Open-cell spray foam made its entrance in the 1980s, further lowering the cost of spray foam insulation. Demand skyrocketed more in the mid-1990s into the 2000s with the boom in U.S. construction. Its popularity as a commercial roofing solution just started gaining mainstream attention over the past five to ten years.
Spray Polyurethane Foam in everyday devices
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is featured in countless consumer, residential, and commercial materials. You interact with SPF on a daily basis, even though you may not realize it. From the insulation inside your house’s walls to the armrests in your office chair, SPF helps us aim towards an even more energy-efficient tomorrow.
Of course, our favorite use of SPF is as a commercial roofing solution. You might even say we’re the spray foam specialists of St. Louis. If your commercial roof needs protection, our R&A Contracting team is here to help.