UV Exposure
Protective Coating Layer Shields Foam from UV Rays
Rigid polyurethane foam is an expanded plastic. Under a microscope, polyurethane foam's closed cell structure becomes apparent. Microscopic thin walled cells stack tightly on top of one anther in such a way that water cannot travel between the cells. Polyurethane foam's closed cell structure allows it to insulate and waterproof at the same time. If exposed to UV rays, these cells will gradually degrade layer by layer. For this reason, the Dura-Foam roofs include two layers of specialized acrylic based coating to protect the polyurethane foam from UV exposure. This coating is engineered to endure heavy foot traffic as well as exposure to dirt, wind rain, and UV.When a foam roof is neglected and the protective coating layer is allowed to wear out, UV rays will begin to degrade the underlying polyurethane foam. When exposed to direct sunlight, foam typically degrades at a rate of about 3/32" per year. This type of damage usually results in pitting; small pits in the foam start to form in spots where the coating has totally worn out. It would take many years of neglect and exposure for the foam to wear away enough cells for the roof to leak because the foam is a minimum of 1" thick.
Can a Dura-Foam roof be protected from UV rays and last for more than 40 years? Yes! Please continue to find out how roof durability is increased.
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