Frequently Asked Questions from Commercial Users
Closed-Cell Spray Polyurethane Foam (ccSPF) in commercial insulation and roofing applications.
These are common questions about ccSPF that we have compiled here.
Q: What is Honeywell Enovate?
What is Honeywell Enovate?
What is Honeywell Enovate?
A: What is Honeywell Enovate?
Enovate® is a new state-of-the-art insulating technology we developed for rigid foam plastic insulations. It is a non-flammable liquid/gas that greatly improves the physical properties and insulating characteristics of today’s insulation systems.
Enovate® is a new state-of-the-art insulating technology we developed for rigid foam plastic insulations. It is a non-flammable liquid/gas that greatly improves the physical properties and insulating characteristics of today’s insulation systems.
Q: Factory Mutual and Underwriters Laboratory
Are SPF spray polyurethane foam roofs FM Factory Mutual and UL Underwriters Laboratory listed and approved?
Are SPF spray polyurethane foam roofs FM Factory Mutual and UL Underwriters Laboratory listed and approved?
A: Factory Mutual and Underwriters Laboratory
They are listed at Underwriters Laboratory and have Factory Mutual approval.
They are listed at Underwriters Laboratory and have Factory Mutual approval.
Q: Climates
What are the climates and conditions where a sprayed polyurethane roof can not/should not be applied?
What are the climates and conditions where a sprayed polyurethane roof can not/should not be applied?
A: Climates
Spray foam roofs are just like all other roof systems; they need to be applied to a clean and dry substrate. Spray foam roofs can be installed in most regions of the world. When applying spray foam to roofs, it is recommended for best results that the ambient air temperatures range between (40 - 100 degrees F) and that wind conditions are less than 12 miles per hour (or 25 miles per hour when wind screens are being used). For best results, it is recommended to be applied when humidity levels at the point of application are below 80%. These general rules of thumb are true for most commercial roofing systems regardless of their type if you want to follow good, safe roofing practices.
Spray foam roofs are just like all other roof systems; they need to be applied to a clean and dry substrate. Spray foam roofs can be installed in most regions of the world. When applying spray foam to roofs, it is recommended for best results that the ambient air temperatures range between (40 - 100 degrees F) and that wind conditions are less than 12 miles per hour (or 25 miles per hour when wind screens are being used). For best results, it is recommended to be applied when humidity levels at the point of application are below 80%. These general rules of thumb are true for most commercial roofing systems regardless of their type if you want to follow good, safe roofing practices.
Q: Moisture Barrier
Is spray polyurethane foam considered a moisture or air barrier?
Is spray polyurethane foam considered a moisture or air barrier?
A: Moisture Barrier
Actual closed-cell spray polyurethane foam performs all of the following junctions and is considered a thermal, moisture, air and vapor barrier all in one product.
Actual closed-cell spray polyurethane foam performs all of the following junctions and is considered a thermal, moisture, air and vapor barrier all in one product.
Q: Key Benefits
What application features are key benefits of spray polyurethane foam systems?
What application features are key benefits of spray polyurethane foam systems?
A: Key Benefits
It is quick and easy to apply to a wide variety of substrates and conforms to uniquely shaped structures and difficult-to-flash penetrations.
It is quick and easy to apply to a wide variety of substrates and conforms to uniquely shaped structures and difficult-to-flash penetrations.
Q: Cost Competitive System
Are spray polyurethane roof systems more expensive than other roof systems?
Are spray polyurethane roof systems more expensive than other roof systems?
A: Cost Competitive System
In many instances it can be less expensive, and reduce both installation time and cost for the building owner. Closed-cell spray foam both insulates and waterproofs at the same time, using the most advanced building insulation technology. Since it is spray applied it can be tailored for draining water and creating slope on a flat roof.
In many instances it can be less expensive, and reduce both installation time and cost for the building owner. Closed-cell spray foam both insulates and waterproofs at the same time, using the most advanced building insulation technology. Since it is spray applied it can be tailored for draining water and creating slope on a flat roof.
Q: Green Product
how do spray foam roof and wall systems help preserve the environment?
how do spray foam roof and wall systems help preserve the environment?
A: Green Product
SPF roofs help reduce dependency on oil, they conserve energy natural resources, and they reduce total energy consumption. They also have no ozone-depleting effects or Volatile Organic Compounds. They are totally sustainable because they never need to be replaced if properly maintained. As a result, the roofs never need to be removed or end up in a landfill.
SPF roofs help reduce dependency on oil, they conserve energy natural resources, and they reduce total energy consumption. They also have no ozone-depleting effects or Volatile Organic Compounds. They are totally sustainable because they never need to be replaced if properly maintained. As a result, the roofs never need to be removed or end up in a landfill.
Q: Water Resistant
How quickly does a SPF spray polyurethane foam roof become watertight and able to withstand foot traffic?
How quickly does a SPF spray polyurethane foam roof become watertight and able to withstand foot traffic?
A: Water Resistant
SPF roofs and walls are watertight within 10 Seconds of being applied to a dry clean surface. They are able to bear foot traffic with 30 seconds of being applied.
SPF roofs and walls are watertight within 10 Seconds of being applied to a dry clean surface. They are able to bear foot traffic with 30 seconds of being applied.
Q: Insulation Cost
How much on average does a typical R-15 spray foam wall application cost?
How much on average does a typical R-15 spray foam wall application cost?
A: Insulation Cost
A typical spray foam new construction application typically costs around $1.80 to $2.25 a square foot depending on local wage rates, contractor’s insurance coverage, job site conditions and local market conditions.
A typical spray foam new construction application typically costs around $1.80 to $2.25 a square foot depending on local wage rates, contractor’s insurance coverage, job site conditions and local market conditions.
Q: Roofing System Cost
How much on average on a typical spray foam re-roofing project cost?
How much on average on a typical spray foam re-roofing project cost?
A: Roofing System Cost
Normally depending on your roofs' condition and job site conditions (i.e. penetrations tear-off, etc.) usually around $4-6 a sq. ft. which is very competitive against other type commercial roofing systems. Pricing normally depends on your roofs' condition and job site conditions (i.e. penetrations tear-off, etc.)
Normally depending on your roofs' condition and job site conditions (i.e. penetrations tear-off, etc.) usually around $4-6 a sq. ft. which is very competitive against other type commercial roofing systems. Pricing normally depends on your roofs' condition and job site conditions (i.e. penetrations tear-off, etc.)
Q: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Is it true that Honeywell Enovate has been commended by the Environmental Protection Agency?
Is it true that Honeywell Enovate has been commended by the Environmental Protection Agency?
A: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Yes it has. We’re proud of the fact that we received an EPA Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award in 2002.
Yes it has. We’re proud of the fact that we received an EPA Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award in 2002.
Q: Energy Cost Savings
How does the use of Honeywell Enovate help cut energy costs compared to alternative solutions?
How does the use of Honeywell Enovate help cut energy costs compared to alternative solutions?
A: Energy Cost Savings
A roof incorporating Honeywell Enovate can decrease energy expenses compared to alternative solutions because of its advanced state-of-the-art insulating properties and its ability to be combined with a wide variety of highly reflective white surfacing materials.
A roof incorporating Honeywell Enovate can decrease energy expenses compared to alternative solutions because of its advanced state-of-the-art insulating properties and its ability to be combined with a wide variety of highly reflective white surfacing materials.
Q: Unlimited Wind Warranty
What are the wind limitations regarding spray polyurethane roof systems?
What are the wind limitations regarding spray polyurethane roof systems?
A: Unlimited Wind Warranty
It is important to ask each manufacturer about their specific warranty language, however many offer “Unlimited Wind Warranties” to protect building owners in severe weather events.
It is important to ask each manufacturer about their specific warranty language, however many offer “Unlimited Wind Warranties” to protect building owners in severe weather events.
Q: Cost savings
What are the costing savings for a contractor installing spray polyurethane roof or wall systems?
What are the costing savings for a contractor installing spray polyurethane roof or wall systems?
A: Cost savings
SPF systems allow contractors to save money on both labor and insurance due to reduced crew size, increased production rate and ease of flashing. SPF roofs allow a contractor to finish a job under budget and ahead of schedule.
SPF systems allow contractors to save money on both labor and insurance due to reduced crew size, increased production rate and ease of flashing. SPF roofs allow a contractor to finish a job under budget and ahead of schedule.
Q: R-Value
How much R-value does a SPF spray polyurethane foam roofs and/or wall system offer?
How much R-value does a SPF spray polyurethane foam roofs and/or wall system offer?
A: R-Value
They offer the highest R-value per inch of any insulation. 3-lbs density roofing foams have and R-value of 6.7 per inch and 2-lbs wall foams have and R-value of 6.2 per inch.
They offer the highest R-value per inch of any insulation. 3-lbs density roofing foams have and R-value of 6.7 per inch and 2-lbs wall foams have and R-value of 6.2 per inch.
Q: Wind
What are the wind limitations regarding spray polyurethane roof system?
What are the wind limitations regarding spray polyurethane roof system?
A: Wind
It is important to ask each manufacturer about their specific warranty language, however many offer “Unlimited Wind Warranties” to protect building owners in severe weather events.
It is important to ask each manufacturer about their specific warranty language, however many offer “Unlimited Wind Warranties” to protect building owners in severe weather events.
Q: Warranty
What duration are warranties available on SPF Spray Polyurethane roofs?
What duration are warranties available on SPF Spray Polyurethane roofs?
A: Warranty
SPF Spray Polyurethane Foam roofs are backed by manufacturers "No Dollar Limit" warranties for up to 20 years and can be renewed and extended indefinitely if manufactures recommendations and extension procedures are followed.
SPF Spray Polyurethane Foam roofs are backed by manufacturers "No Dollar Limit" warranties for up to 20 years and can be renewed and extended indefinitely if manufactures recommendations and extension procedures are followed.
Q: Green
Do spray polyurethane foam roof systems inconvenience or disrupt on-going business processes during re-roof applications?
Do spray polyurethane foam roof systems inconvenience or disrupt on-going business processes during re-roof applications?
A: Green
Spray polyurethane Foam Roofs SPF roofs with white surfacing are highly reflective and provide exceptional emissivity properties that save building owners on energy associated with cooling the facility and reduce the heat island effect in urban areas in addition to being extremely energy efficient which reduces energy usage and environmental pollution.
Spray polyurethane Foam Roofs SPF roofs with white surfacing are highly reflective and provide exceptional emissivity properties that save building owners on energy associated with cooling the facility and reduce the heat island effect in urban areas in addition to being extremely energy efficient which reduces energy usage and environmental pollution.
Q: R-Value
What studies or research discuss spray polyurethane foam roof and wall insulation systems energy performance?
What studies or research discuss spray polyurethane foam roof and wall insulation systems energy performance?
A: R-Value
Studies at Oak Ridge National Labs (ORNL) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (BNL) document the energy and reflective performance and savings from spray foam roof systems.
Studies at Oak Ridge National Labs (ORNL) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (BNL) document the energy and reflective performance and savings from spray foam roof systems.
Q: ROI
My clients are comprised predominantly of building owners and facility executives in commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities. Because of this, they love to know about low-maintenance products with a high ROI. For the most part, spray polyurethane foam roofs seem to fit that bill. Tell me a bit more about regular maintenance that’s required, simple payback calculations, etc.?
My clients are comprised predominantly of building owners and facility executives in commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities. Because of this, they love to know about low-maintenance products with a high ROI. For the most part, spray polyurethane foam roofs seem to fit that bill. Tell me a bit more about regular maintenance that’s required, simple payback calculations, etc.?
A: ROI
Spray foam roof systems are backed by manufacturers' warranties for periods of 5, 10, 15, and 20 years in duration. Many of the spray foam manufacturers will also provide extended warranty beyond the initial warranties outlined above based on a re-inspection and provided that any alterations and deficiencies in the roof system are addressed to bring the roof back to a warrantable condition. Spray foam roofs are truly sustainable in that they are the easiest to maintain and repair, and when properly maintained and recoated per the manufacturer's recommendations, they should last as long as the structure. The US Energy Labs at Oak Ridge define sustainable roofs as having the following characteristics: they address energy efficiency; they have a low environmental impact; they are durable with less maintenance; and there is reduced waste generation through the design, construction, reuse and final disposal stage. No other roofing system does a better job of addressing these issues than a spray foam roof. In most instances, repairs and maintenance are made using simple caulks and a coating either by the owner or a contractor. If an owner is replacing an existing roof system that is scheduled and budgeted for replacement, the ROI begins the day the new spray foam roof is installed, due to the energy savings from reduced heating and cooling costs.
Spray foam roof systems are backed by manufacturers' warranties for periods of 5, 10, 15, and 20 years in duration. Many of the spray foam manufacturers will also provide extended warranty beyond the initial warranties outlined above based on a re-inspection and provided that any alterations and deficiencies in the roof system are addressed to bring the roof back to a warrantable condition. Spray foam roofs are truly sustainable in that they are the easiest to maintain and repair, and when properly maintained and recoated per the manufacturer's recommendations, they should last as long as the structure. The US Energy Labs at Oak Ridge define sustainable roofs as having the following characteristics: they address energy efficiency; they have a low environmental impact; they are durable with less maintenance; and there is reduced waste generation through the design, construction, reuse and final disposal stage. No other roofing system does a better job of addressing these issues than a spray foam roof. In most instances, repairs and maintenance are made using simple caulks and a coating either by the owner or a contractor. If an owner is replacing an existing roof system that is scheduled and budgeted for replacement, the ROI begins the day the new spray foam roof is installed, due to the energy savings from reduced heating and cooling costs.
Q: Green Product
Tell me more about how SPF spray polyurethane foam roofing is a “green” roofing and wall system solution?
Tell me more about how SPF spray polyurethane foam roofing is a “green” roofing and wall system solution?
A: Green Product
From an environmental standpoint, Honeywell's Enovate® is the most energy-efficient insulation product available today for commercial building. Closed-cell spray foam insulation formulated with Enovate provides superior thermal properties. Spray foam is 26-32% more energy efficient than a comparable boardstock insulation with an equal R-value when you consider spray foam's improved low temperature R-values and reduced energy loss at insulation joints and fasteners, which significantly lowers your heating and cooling costs. Spray foam's increased energy efficiency, along with a Zero Ozone Depletion Potential, makes spray foam with Enovate as valuable to the environment as it is to reducing the building owner's operating cost. Enovate is also not considered a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) and is non-flammable. In recognition of Enovate’s beneficial environmental properties, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Honeywell its Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award in 2002. Spray foam roofs are an excellent choice for those seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System Certification. A spray foam roof with a highly reflective white surface provides superior reflectively and emissivity properties. These features save the building owner considerably on energy usage associated with heating and cooling the facility, abate urban heat islands, and helps slow the formation of smog-forming pollutants. Spray foam roof manufacturers are listed in the Energy Star Roof Products program. Studies at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) document the energy and reflective performance savings from spray foam roof systems.
From an environmental standpoint, Honeywell's Enovate® is the most energy-efficient insulation product available today for commercial building. Closed-cell spray foam insulation formulated with Enovate provides superior thermal properties. Spray foam is 26-32% more energy efficient than a comparable boardstock insulation with an equal R-value when you consider spray foam's improved low temperature R-values and reduced energy loss at insulation joints and fasteners, which significantly lowers your heating and cooling costs. Spray foam's increased energy efficiency, along with a Zero Ozone Depletion Potential, makes spray foam with Enovate as valuable to the environment as it is to reducing the building owner's operating cost. Enovate is also not considered a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) and is non-flammable. In recognition of Enovate’s beneficial environmental properties, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Honeywell its Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award in 2002. Spray foam roofs are an excellent choice for those seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System Certification. A spray foam roof with a highly reflective white surface provides superior reflectively and emissivity properties. These features save the building owner considerably on energy usage associated with heating and cooling the facility, abate urban heat islands, and helps slow the formation of smog-forming pollutants. Spray foam roof manufacturers are listed in the Energy Star Roof Products program. Studies at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) document the energy and reflective performance savings from spray foam roof systems.
Q: Green Product
Do you anticipate an increase in green projects in the future using spray polyurethane foam roofing and wall insulation systems?
Do you anticipate an increase in green projects in the future using spray polyurethane foam roofing and wall insulation systems?
A: Green Product
As people become aware of the environmental benefits of products like these, we can definitely expect to see an increase in green projects specifying closed-cell spray polyurethane foam insulation.
As people become aware of the environmental benefits of products like these, we can definitely expect to see an increase in green projects specifying closed-cell spray polyurethane foam insulation.
Q: Extreme Weather
How do SPF spray polyurethane foam roofs and walls perform in hurricanes, tornados and other high wind events?
How do SPF spray polyurethane foam roofs and walls perform in hurricanes, tornados and other high wind events?
A: Extreme Weather
Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam roofs and walls are also recognized for their excellent severe wind performance capabilities in the US Government National Institute of Standards and Technology agency report after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. I wall racking strength test closed-cell polyurethane spray foam increased strength approx. 200 to 300% depending on construction methods.
Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam roofs and walls are also recognized for their excellent severe wind performance capabilities in the US Government National Institute of Standards and Technology agency report after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. I wall racking strength test closed-cell polyurethane spray foam increased strength approx. 200 to 300% depending on construction methods.
Q: Energy Efficient Technology
How can spray polyurethane foam it save the building owner time and money?
How can spray polyurethane foam it save the building owner time and money?
A: Energy Efficient Technology
SPF (spray polyurethane foam) can save the building owner time and money because it is applied quietly and efficiently without any disruption or downtime for the building owner. It also is extremely energy efficient which saves on heating and cooling costs.
SPF (spray polyurethane foam) can save the building owner time and money because it is applied quietly and efficiently without any disruption or downtime for the building owner. It also is extremely energy efficient which saves on heating and cooling costs.
Q: Energy Star, LEED, FM & UL
What are some of the affiliations and ratings of these spray polyurethane foam roofing systems?
What are some of the affiliations and ratings of these spray polyurethane foam roofing systems?
A: Energy Star, LEED, FM & UL
They are listed in the ENERGY STAR roof products program, they contribute to USGBC LEED green building rating system certification points, and they are noted for their excellent severe wind performance capabilities in the U.S. Government National Institute of Standards and Technology agency report after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. They are listed at Underwriter’s Laboratory and have Factory Mutual approval.
They are listed in the ENERGY STAR roof products program, they contribute to USGBC LEED green building rating system certification points, and they are noted for their excellent severe wind performance capabilities in the U.S. Government National Institute of Standards and Technology agency report after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. They are listed at Underwriter’s Laboratory and have Factory Mutual approval.
Q: Energy Star Approved
Are spray polyurethane roof systems considered Energy Star approved?
Are spray polyurethane roof systems considered Energy Star approved?
A: Energy Star Approved
Spray foam roofs are listed in the Energy Star roof products program.
Spray foam roofs are listed in the Energy Star roof products program.
Q: Hail
Are spray polyurethane foam commercial roof system warranted against leaks caused by hail storms?
Are spray polyurethane foam commercial roof system warranted against leaks caused by hail storms?
A: Hail
“Hail Leak” warranties are available with SPF roofs it is important to contact the manufacturer to get their hail protection specifications and specific warranty language.
“Hail Leak” warranties are available with SPF roofs it is important to contact the manufacturer to get their hail protection specifications and specific warranty language.
Q: Structural Load
How much weight does applying spray polyurethane foam roofing to my existing deck/roof system?
How much weight does applying spray polyurethane foam roofing to my existing deck/roof system?
A: Structural Load
The weight of a spray polyurethane foam roof is determined by its thickness. Typically one (1”) inch weighs less than ½ pound per square foot installed.
The weight of a spray polyurethane foam roof is determined by its thickness. Typically one (1”) inch weighs less than ½ pound per square foot installed.
Q: Attachment
How are spray foam roofs attached to the roof deck?
How are spray foam roofs attached to the roof deck?
A: Attachment
SPF roofs are fully adhered with no penetrating fasteners, therefore attaching easily to all types of decks and substrates.
SPF roofs are fully adhered with no penetrating fasteners, therefore attaching easily to all types of decks and substrates.
Q: Climates
Are there studies and research that document spray polyurethane foams' performance in hurricanes?
Are there studies and research that document spray polyurethane foams' performance in hurricanes?
A: Climates
The U.S. government National Standards and Technology (NIST) agency documents spray foam roof systems as having excellent performance compared to other roof systems after hurricane Katrina and Rita.
The U.S. government National Standards and Technology (NIST) agency documents spray foam roof systems as having excellent performance compared to other roof systems after hurricane Katrina and Rita.
Q: Roofing
Why did the State of Louisiana choose spray polyurethane foam as the roof system for their roof replacement of the roof that blew-off during hurricane Katrina?
Why did the State of Louisiana choose spray polyurethane foam as the roof system for their roof replacement of the roof that blew-off during hurricane Katrina?
A: Roofing
When the Louisiana Superdome’s roof was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005, it was replaced with a spray polyurethane foam or (SPF) roof. The system, which utilizes the new Enovate insulating technology from Honeywell International, played an integral part in the quick turnaround. After Katrina, the state wanted a roof they knew would not blow off. Having used spray polyurethane roofs on other state projects they knew it would remain leak free -- regardless of weather conditions. And only spray polyurethane foam roofing manufacturers would guarantee their roofs will not blow off at any wind-speed. Added to the significant energy savings and sustainable nature, it was an easy decision.
When the Louisiana Superdome’s roof was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005, it was replaced with a spray polyurethane foam or (SPF) roof. The system, which utilizes the new Enovate insulating technology from Honeywell International, played an integral part in the quick turnaround. After Katrina, the state wanted a roof they knew would not blow off. Having used spray polyurethane roofs on other state projects they knew it would remain leak free -- regardless of weather conditions. And only spray polyurethane foam roofing manufacturers would guarantee their roofs will not blow off at any wind-speed. Added to the significant energy savings and sustainable nature, it was an easy decision.
Q: Green Product
What is meant by sustainable?
What is meant by sustainable?
A: Green Product
The US Energy Labs at Oak Ridge define sustainable roofs as addressing energy efficiency, low environmental impact, and durability with less maintenance, reduced waste generation through the design, construction, reuse and final disposal stage. No other roofing or wall system does a better job of addressing these issues.
The US Energy Labs at Oak Ridge define sustainable roofs as addressing energy efficiency, low environmental impact, and durability with less maintenance, reduced waste generation through the design, construction, reuse and final disposal stage. No other roofing or wall system does a better job of addressing these issues.