Arabian Eram, a Saudi-based supplier and applier of insulation and waterproofing materials, claims that sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation technology - which has been used in the region for more than 25 years - offers effective insulation to buildings and installations, while at the same time saving on cost.

Claims a spokesman for the company: 'SPF insulation can be used to effectively insulate structures against excessive heat, water leakages and sound. The versatility of the material allows its application for roof slabs, walls, air-conditioning ducting and other devices that require temperature consistency to be maintained.
The technology that is provided in the kingdom by Arabian Eram, promises energy savings of around 45 per cent, and can be applied both internally and externally whatever the shape or the size of the surface.
Established in 2002, the company has already completed several projects in the kingdom.
Arabian Eram explains that the highly efficient, cost-effective polyurethane foam that is produced on site by nozzle mixing of two components - isocynate and polyol - can be used on a host of residential/industrial and agricultural applications including: building roofs and walls; steel work of air-conditioning ducts; water tanks; oil tanks/chemical plant; curing cold chambers; refrigerated vehicles; anchor plate and bolts; cold storage; animal houses and greenhouses.
Says the spokesman: 'In comparison to other insulation materials, polyurethane foams are much superior and since they can be spray applied, they are economical and effective as well. In addition, the sprayed polyurethane foam does not require cutting or filling of gaps and cracks and helps in effective sealing of the applied surface, thus significantly reducing heat loss.
'Polyurethane foam is the most efficient form of thermal insulation available, and the systems usually pay for themselves in energy savings, says the spokesman. It is the lightest insulation material that is commercially available and has the lowest thermal conductivity (0.020 W/M K at 25deg C).
'The foam is versatile in nature and can be applied to surfaces with irregular shapes and penetrations. It adheres to any applied surface allowing applications in depths ranging from 12 mm to 300 mm. It can be used on both new and replacement roofs, whether flat, pitched, saw-toothed, domed or having unusual slopes or configurations. It is also ideal for the spray applications to tanks, freezers, coolers piping, ductwork and various aerospace projects. SPF eliminates the need for costly tear-off of the old roof.
'Sprayed polyurethane foam forms a seamless insulated roofing system. It has no joints or seams that often allow water and air to penetrate through the roofing system into the building structure. Whether a roof is 100 sq m or 100,000 sq m or larger in size, it will have no seams. Being seamless and fully adhered to the substrate - horizontal or vertical - it can withstand high wind stresses.'
'In addition, its ultra lightweight nature allows the foam to be applied on a host of surfaces adding virtually no weight to the structure,' he continues. 'Complete polyurethane foam systems are typically many times lighter than tar and gravel roof systems. When applied to an existing roof, the loose ballast removed usually weighs more than the replacement foam system. This results in the new roof being lighter than the original.'
'Although the surface treatments come with a 10-year guarantee, applied polyurethane foam system usually requires no maintenance. If damaged, caulking is sufficient for repair in most cases,' says the spokesman.
SPF systems have been applied successfully for more than 30 years all over the world and is approved by numerous Saudi ministries, Saudi Aramco, Sabic (Saudi Basic Industries Company), among others.