Honeywell's Enovate Blowing Agent Helps Restore Permanent Roof For Louisiana Superdome

Closed-cell spray foam roof to help landmark withstand future hurricanes

Morris Township, NJ - Honeywell announced that rigid closed-cell insulating spray foam using Honeywell Enovate zero ozone-depleting blowing agent will help restore the permanent roof of the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

The 9.7 acre-roof of the high-profile sports venue was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. The closed-cell spray foam will form a seamless seal that grips the roof surface, including any irregular shapes or penetrations.

Traditional roofing materials often guarantee resistance to gale force winds, or sustained winds of roughly 40 mph. The new spray foam roof on the Superdome is guaranteed by the spray foam manufacturer to resist hurricane force winds. Historically, approximately 75 percent of the U.S. mainland experiences winds of 40 mph or greater, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Organization.

Ken Gayer, business director for Honeywell foam insulation blowing agents, said that closed-cell polyurethane has proven structural advantages under the most extreme weather conditions. "From Hurricanes Andrew to Hugo to Frances, commercial and residential buildings sprayed with polyurethane foam have performed exceptionally well in terms of resisting short- and long-term damage from the effects of wind and flood," he said.

Honeywell Enovate is a hydrofluorocarbon that allows closed-cell insulation to be sprayed on and provides the majority of the foam's insulation properties.

SOURCE: Honeywell