Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF or spray foam) is produced by a chemical reaction of isocyanate (A-component) and polyol (B-component). 

The components are fed through a proportioner which heats, then pumps the separate components to the spray gun, where they are mixed and sprayed onto the substrate. 

It results in a rigid plastic that expands during the curing process and becomes a seamless foam layer.  

SPF needs a clean surface for correct application. It must be dry, free of contaminants like oil, and properly fastened to the substrate in accordance with the building codes.

Foam is approved by all 4 major building codes in the United States and the Canadian building code. 

It is one of the most extensively tested insulation products. SPF insulation and roofing systems are permitted by the international model building codes published by the International Codes Council (ICC). 

SPF is a type of foam plastic which is specifically addressed in the International Building Code (IBC) Section 2603, and in the International Residential Code (IRC) Section R316. 

These sections of the model building codes focus on fire protection requirements for the safe installation of these materials. 

Many SPF products have third-party code compliance evaluation reports that detail how specific products may be installed to meet the model building code requirements. 

Although ICC provides model building codes, states and local jurisdictions accept different editions or may make changes to these codes before adoption 

Always check with your local building department to confirm which version of the code is being used and for specific requirements of SPF. 

For copies of or more information about the model building codes, they may be available at your local public library or visit www.iccsafe.org

Yes. Because of its rigid nature and ability to adhere to many materials, closed-cell SPF (ccSPF) can provide structural enhancement to framed buildings. 

The racking strength of certain framed walls, as well as the uplift strength of framed roof decks, can be significantly increased with the addition of just 2-3 inches of SPF. 

For more information, please contact Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) to obtain detailed reports at www.sprayfoam.org.

No. Closed-cell foams, by nature, are resistant to water absorption, and are approved by FEMA as a flood-resistant material. 

The closed-cell spray polyurethane foam actually repels water. It has a low vapor transmission rate which allows the roof to breathe and keep moisture from forming under the foam surface.

Spray foam is NOT toxic. Usually within 1-2 days of application and with proper ventilation, there are no hazardous fumes present in the building

When applied to certain minimum thicknesses (about 1.5” for closed-cell foam and 3.5-5.5” for open-cell foam), spray foam will form an air-impermeable, air-barrier material. 

When properly installed in a well-designed building envelope, SPF plays a key part in creating air barrier assemblies and systems. 

For more information on air barriers, visit the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) at www.airbarrier.org. 

ABAA provides a material specification for SPF under ABAA document 07263.

SPF, like many construction materials, is combustible and can ignite when subjected to heat or flame. 

For this reason, model building codes require that SPF materials (with some exceptions) must be separated from interior (occupied) spaces by a 15-minute thermal barrier, such as ½” gypsum board/drywall. 

In limited access areas like attics and crawlspaces an ignition barrier may be permitted instead of a thermal barrier. 

Prescriptive thermal and ignition barriers are defined in the model building codes, and alternative coatings, coverings, and assemblies may be used. 

For more information on thermal and ignition barriers, please see SPFA guideline AY-126 from the Technical Documents section on www.sprayfoam.org.

Spray foam is a great product – when it is installed correctly. North Central Insulation has been spraying foam since 1969. 

Our spray foam crews have an average of 20 years of experience using foam industry products, mastering foam techniques, and foam-industry training. 

North Central Insulation is fully bonded and Insured, has a high Dun and Bradstreet rating,  stellar safety record, and is a company of high integrity. 

We work hard on customer satisfaction and will stand by our work. 

You know the saying – ‘"You get what you pay for?" 

This means the job will be done right the first time by a professional company that has been doing quality work for decades.

The spray polyurethane foam roofing system can be applied over many substrates, including concrete, wood, metal, failed built-up, and single ply. 

After the roof deck is cleaned and prepared, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is applied. 

Sprayed as a liquid, a chemical reaction allows a solid closed-cell membrane to form in seconds. 

The thickness varies for additional insulation, to create a positive slope, or to remove areas that pond water.

Because it is sprayed, there are no seams which creates a fully adhered monolithic layer with no potential points of water entry. 

Other roofing systems not only have seams and joints, but they use fasteners for attachment. 

Seams, joints, and fasteners create “thermal shorts,” which transfer valuable cooling and heating through the roof. 

Thermal shorts on roofs can reduce energy efficiency by up to 35%.

The SPF is protected by 2 coats of an elastomeric coating, forming a durable weather-resistant membrane. 

Attractive granules are broadcast in the final coat. The roofing system is “self-flashing," as it can be applied to vertical surfaces forming a homogenous surface.

Only highly skilled qualified applicators can apply this system. Upon completion, an independent engineering laboratory inspects the applications to validate the warranty, assuring you of the quality you expect.

The Roofing Systems we install are:

• Energy Star Approved
• LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified
• Underwriters Laboratories - UL-rated
• Factory Mutual Research -FM-certified
• Miami-Dade county-approved and meets California Title 24

North Central Insulation has been spraying foam since 1969 and is one of the first businesses in the country to offer spray foam roofing. 

Since then, most of the roofs installed by North Central Insulation are in good condition and performing well with basic care.