By Texas A & M Laboratories
For over five decades, sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing has continued to demonstrate unparalleled durability, energy efficiency, and cost savings—outperforming traditional roofing systems in both new construction and remedial applications. Texas A&M Laboratories’ extensive studies and long-term monitoring of SPF roofs have validated their reliability, proving that this seamless, high-performance roofing solution offers unmatched protection against leaks, weathering, and energy loss.
The Evolution of Roofing at Texas A&M: A Case Study in Excellence
Cross Section of SPF roofing system
In 1974, the Physical Plant Department at Texas A&M University sought an alternative to traditional tar and gravel built-up roofing (BUR) systems, which were failing at an alarming rate. BUR roofs were plagued with leaks, and their multi-layered construction made leak detection nearly impossible. After evaluating various roofing technologies, the university recognized that sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing provided an innovative, long-lasting solution that addressed these critical issues.
Eliminating Weak Points of Traditional Roofing
One of the most significant advantages of SPF is its monolithic, seamless application. Unlike BUR and EPDM roofing systems, which rely on seams and fasteners that become failure points over time, SPF forms a continuous, self-adhering membrane. This means:
✔ No lateral water movement—Leaks in traditional roofing systems allow water to spread unseen beneath the insulation, leading to widespread damage. SPF prevents this by keeping water confined to the affected area.
✔ Quick and easy repairs—In most cases, a puncture in an SPF roof can be sealed with a simple application of exterior caulk, eliminating the need for costly repairs.
✔ Superior adhesion—SPF bonds directly to a variety of substrates, including concrete, metal, and asphalt, creating a fully integrated roofing solution.
Minimal Disruption & Maximum Efficiency
Another key advantage of SPF roofing is its ability to be applied without the need for extensive roof tear-offs. Unlike traditional roofing replacements that involve noisy, disruptive demolition, SPF can be sprayed directly over an existing roof, saving:
✔ Time – Installation is faster and more efficient than conventional roofing systems.
✔ Money – No need for expensive removal and disposal of old roofing materials.
✔ Operations – SPF application is far less intrusive, ensuring minimal disruption to building occupants.
A Proven Track Record: Decades of Leak-Free Performance
Texas A&M’s earliest SPF roofing installation, the Davis-Gary Dormitory, has remained virtually maintenance-free for over 17 years, with no reported leaks. The University’s continued research and monitoring of SPF roofs have confirmed:
✔ Traditional BUR roofs were lasting less than five years before experiencing leaks.
✔ SPF roofs, installed as early as 1974, have remained intact for decades with only minor upkeep.
✔ The superior longevity and performance of SPF prompted the University to mandate SPF for all new roof installations since 1977.
A Roofing System That Pays for Itself
By 1985, Texas A&M discovered another remarkable benefit of SPF roofing: unmatched energy savings. After analyzing 27 buildings with SPF roofs installed between 1980 and 1984, the university found that:
✔ Energy cost savings completely offset the cost of the roofing system within just 4.5 years.
✔ The reflective properties of SPF roofing significantly reduced heat absorption, lowering cooling demands and extending HVAC system lifespans.
✔ Overall building efficiency improved, leading to substantial operational savings.
The Renewable Advantage: A Roofing System Built for the Future
Unlike BUR and EPDM, which require full removal and replacement at the end of their lifespan, SPF roofing is a fully renewable system. Instead of tearing off and replacing an aging SPF roof, a simple re-coating process restores its performance, effectively extending its life indefinitely.
✔ Long-term cost efficiency – No costly removal or reconstruction required.
✔ Sustainability – Less waste, reduced landfill impact, and a lower environmental footprint.
✔ Continued waterproofing and insulation benefits – Ongoing energy savings with every re-coat.
The Undeniable Conclusion: The Future is SPF Roofing
For over seven million square feet of Texas A&M’s campus, SPF roofing has provided an unmatched combination of leak protection, energy efficiency, durability, and long-term savings. The results are indisputable—no other roofing system has demonstrated the same level of reliability, ease of maintenance, and cost-effectiveness.
Today, SPF remains the gold standard for commercial and institutional roofing, with Texas A&M and countless other facilities across North America reaping the benefits of its superior performance.
If you’re looking for a roofing solution that offers proven long-term performance, cost savings, and sustainability, sprayed polyurethane foam is the answer. Contact Northern Spray Solutions to discover how SPF roofing can transform your commercial or industrial facility.