Within the roofing industry, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) has long been considered a retrofit solution. But increased interest from architects and specifiers has led to a growth in opportunities for SPF in new construction. According to most roof industry studies, SPF's market share is still quite low compared to that of single-ply or built-up roofing, but its retrofit vs. new construction ratio is in the area of 60/40, consistent with the retro/new split across the entire commercial roofing industry. So is it really unusual to see SPF specified for new construction?
"The word ‘unusual' does not work," says Jack Moore, a civil engineer in charge of technical sales for West Roofing Systems of Ohio. "SPF is possibly ‘less common' in new construction vs. some of the other systems. One of the main reasons SPF excels in the reroofing market is the ability to prepare the existing substrate and install the SPF directly with no tear-off required, giving SPF an economic advantage. SPF is competitive in new construction costs, although there are significantly fewer applicators of SPF vs. single-ply and built-up roofs. We often see a ballasted single-ply specified in new construction due to its very low cost. Owners tend to opt for the 10-year lower cost roof warranty and use the difference available in aesthetic amenities. The lifecycle costs are typically overlooked."