How does the spray foam expansion process work?
When business owners think about spray foam, it’s hard to see how foam could be used to fit and fill any crack or crevice on a roofing system. How does spray foam work? First, spray foam is created from two chemicals in liquid form: isocyanate and polyol fiber. The two liquid chemicals are often delivered to the job site in massive drums to protect against leakage and ensure secure delivery.
Our R&A Contracting team uses a spray applicator gun to precisely apply the dual compound into place. The ‘gun’ is connected to two tubes, each tube separately drawing from the two drums. When the installation team confirms the new application is clear of debris, the installer activates the system and starts spraying the foam into place.
How does spray foam expand?
When the two chemicals come into contact with each other, it initiates an immediate expansion process. The spray foam also has a ‘stickiness’ to it that helps the spray foam adhere to any substrate it contacts during the expansion process. Spray foam can expand up to thirty times its liquid density. This helps the spray foam fill and seal off even large cracks and openings.
What makes spray foam ‘foam’?
So, if the liquid spray foam is expanding, what makes the ‘foam’ part of spray foam? During the expansion process, which is sometimes called “foaming,” microscopic gas bubbles are trapped inside the material as it closes in on the cells. Spray foam that contains gas bubbles is called ‘closed-cell spray foam’. If spray foam only captures air bubbles, it’s called ‘open-cell spray foam,” which is not as strong as closed-cell SPF.
Why use spray foam?
Spray Polyurethane Foam, or SPF as it’s more commonly known, gives unparalleled flexibility for installation. Most commercial roofing solutions are panel-based or fixed-size pieces that require flashing, fasteners, and seals, among other hardware. Spray foam can be applied on any roofing substrate. It also does not require any form of flashing, fasteners, or any other hardware.
There’s a reason why SPF roofing is the most effective roofing solution available today. Don’t believe us? Schedule your complimentary on-site inspection to start a conversation about SPF roofing.