Rigid polyurethane foams are used as insulation in buildings, on roofs, water heaters, refrigerated transport, and commercial and residential refrigeration where their insulation value, high strength, moisture resistance and durability are required. Polyurethane foams are also used for flotation, packaging, furniture, adhesives, architectural design, and cavity filling.

Polyurethane foams can be sprayed, poured, or injected into molds using special equipment. Polyurethane foams can also be mixed by hand and poured into cavities. This page will focus primarily on Sprayed Polyurethane Foam, better known as the acronym SPF, and its many applications and markets.

The major application for SPF is in the construction industry as a commercial roofing system and perimeter wall insulation material. Use of SPF for wall insulation in the residential housing sector is a rapidly growing market, due to the many advantages over traditional fiberglass and cellulose insulation systems.

SPF is produced by a chemical reaction when two liquid components are combined, an isocyanate, known as the "A" component, and a polyol resin, known as the "B" component. When the two liquids are mixed together (typically at a one-to-one ratio), a chemical reaction occurs creating rigid closed cell foam. The mixed liquid starts to react in seconds, expanding 20 to 30 times its liquid state. Once cured it solidifies and becomes polyurethane foam.

Studies have shown that as much as 40% of a building’s energy loss is due to heat loss, or gain, through walls, roofs and windows. SPF is an incredible material for roofing systems and thermal insulation with its excellent water resistance and ability to air-seal your home or building with R-values ranging to 6.5 to 7.0 per inch. This efficiency contributes to significant energy savings throughout the life of a building and benefits the owner allowing the use of smaller capacity cooling and heating equipment. SPF is so efficient and lightweight as an insulating material; NASA even uses it to insulate the main rocket booster on the Space Shuttle.