Putting a spotlight on the state of spray foam roofing

By Jesse Sanchez. 

General Coatings and NRCA dive into what makes spray foam roofing a practical solution for contractors. 

This episode of Coffee Conversations® took a close look at spray foam roofing’s role in modern roof systems and why it has been under-examined despite decades of proven performance. Sponsored by General Coatings, the program brought together General Coatings President Will Lorenz and National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Vice President of Technical Services Mark Graham to outline the technical, performance and application considerations many contractors overlook.  

The technical foundation of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) was one of the first points the guests covered. Will explained that SPF is applied as a plural-component system that rises and cures into a fully adhered, monolithic surface. That structure eliminates seams and creates a continuous layer that handles transitions, penetrations and irregular shapes differently than board stock or sheet goods. Mark noted that “spray foam has actually been a section of the NRCA Roofing Manual since 1996,” reflecting NRCA’s recognition of the system’s advantages in energy performance, insulation continuity and adaptability to real-world roof conditions. Together, they expressed that SPF’s technical makeup is both its strength and the reason it needs the right training. 

Performance was another major focus. Will highlighted high-profile projects that demonstrate how SPF handles shapes and challenges other materials cannot easily accommodate. He talked about a spherical entertainment venue where installers applied “5 inches of foam and acrylic roof coatings and granules” across a curved surface that would have been difficult or impossible to execute with traditional assemblies. According to Will, these results come down to trained applicators, because spray foam “does it well if you have good contractors who are well-trained.” The system’s performance is tied directly to the skill of its installation, making education and experience essential for long-term success. 

Application is where SPF’s advantages become clearest for contractors looking to expand their offerings. Will explained why SPF continues to be selected for schools, warehouses and commercial buildings. Will Noted that spray foam “is a fully adhered, seamless system” where applicators can “build up crickets, you can build up taper” to address field conditions directly on the roof. These capabilities allow contractors to correct ponding, address irregular deck conditions and customize thickness for insulation goals without the limitations of board joints. Spray foam can do what rigid insulation cannot — fill depressions, create slope and maintain continuous R-value across the entire roof. That makes it especially useful on aging roofs where tear-offs are costly and on buildings with complex layouts that require tailored solutions. 

Spray foam roofing is a practical option that’s continuing to gain momentum as codes tighten and building owners pursue durable, energy-efficient systems. With leaders like General Coatings and NRCA pushing for stronger training, clearer standards and a broader understanding of SPF’s technical and performance benefits, spray foam is positioned to play a larger role in roof design and restoration. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about spray foam roofing and how General Coatings is helping advance its use across the industry!