Abstract
PUF (now referred to as spay polyurethane foam [SPF]) roof systems have been successfully applied to virtually every type of roof deck and substrate in all climates. Their worldwide use includes areas subject to hail; over buildings housing coolers or freezers; over laundries (high humidity); and in tropical, subtropical and desert areas with intense solar radiation and/or high humidity. Admittedly, application of PUF in such varied conditions has not been trouble-free, a fact attested by many horror stories. Durable sprayed PUF roof systems can be achieved, however, through proper material selection, substrate preparation and application. Sprayed PUF roof systems, properly designed, applied and maintained, with recoating after eight to 12 years, should provide at least 20-year service lives. They offer the following advantages: light weight; relatively strong, high-quality insulation; excellent adhesion to all types of roof decks; complete filling and sealing as expanding PUF reaction is completed; self flashing; adaptability for taper to slope; adaptability to irregular roof surfaces; easy maintenance and repair; and elimination of joints by its monolithic, seamless nature. The need for proper material selection, substrate preparation and application has been demonstrated by extensive investigations performed by the Naval Civil Engineering Lab (NCEL). Other laboratories have also conducted studies of these materials. This paper accordingly presents the pros and cons of specifying sprayed PUF roof systems. As noted previously, poor PUF roof system performance can usually be attributed to improper materials or improper application. The following discussion analyzes the requirements for good foam materials and proper application procedures for these versatile roof sytems.
PUF (now referred to as spay polyurethane foam [SPF]) roof systems have been successfully applied to virtually every type of roof deck and substrate in all climates. Their worldwide use includes areas subject to hail; over buildings housing coolers or freezers; over laundries (high humidity); and in tropical, subtropical and desert areas with intense solar radiation and/or high humidity. Admittedly, application of PUF in such varied conditions has not been trouble-free, a fact attested by many horror stories. Durable sprayed PUF roof systems can be achieved, however, through proper material selection, substrate preparation and application. Sprayed PUF roof systems, properly designed, applied and maintained, with recoating after eight to 12 years, should provide at least 20-year service lives. They offer the following advantages: light weight; relatively strong, high-quality insulation; excellent adhesion to all types of roof decks; complete filling and sealing as expanding PUF reaction is completed; self flashing; adaptability for taper to slope; adaptability to irregular roof surfaces; easy maintenance and repair; and elimination of joints by its monolithic, seamless nature. The need for proper material selection, substrate preparation and application has been demonstrated by extensive investigations performed by the Naval Civil Engineering Lab (NCEL). Other laboratories have also conducted studies of these materials. This paper accordingly presents the pros and cons of specifying sprayed PUF roof systems. As noted previously, poor PUF roof system performance can usually be attributed to improper materials or improper application. The following discussion analyzes the requirements for good foam materials and proper application procedures for these versatile roof sytems.
Date
0/1983
0/1983
Author(s)
Robert Alumbaugh; Spencer Conklin
Robert Alumbaugh; Spencer Conklin
Page(s)
35-40
35-40
Keyword(s)
polyurethane foam; PUF; sprayed in place; foam requirement;
polyurethane foam; PUF; sprayed in place; foam requirement;