47 Years in SPF and a Lot of Wisdom to Share

Aaron Long, Owner of Urethane Foam Specialists, LTD., in Newcomerstown, Ohio, has devoted 47 years of his life to the SPF industry. Aaron, a second-generation SPF company-owner and applicator, has gained a wealth of experience over the years. When the SPF roofing trend comes back in full swing, we will need people like Aaron Long to guide new contractors. Those with many years of SPF roofing experience are becoming scarce. Aaron Long has so much to offer the SPF industry, and that knowledge should be handed down before it becomes lost. Aaron’s father, also named Aaron Long, started him in SPF at a young age. “I was 15 years old when my father took me to work and put me to work. He handed me a spray gun, gave me about 15 minutes of instruction, and I was on my own. I was forced to figure things out for myself. So, I developed a keen awareness of my work environment and used my reasoning skills to the fullest to solve problems.” It was stressful at first, so I focused hard on the tasks and learned quickly,” explained Aaron.

Roofs Can be Very Deceptive

There can be many unforeseen hazards that are not obvious when walking on a roof. Roofs covered with gravel can make assessing them for condition and hazards difficult. Before you venture on to any roof, you should gather information about the history of the building and the roof. Sky lights are a perfect example. As sky lights age, the color changes from bright green to dull green, and sometimes white, due to weathering. The fiberglass sections can break down over time as well. The faded colors, and accumulation of dirt over the years, can make sky lights nearly invisible. Sky lights on metal roofs are sometimes painted over, so that they become completely disguised. Another big concern is that roofs can become fragile from acids used in processes performed inside of the building. The chemicals used can literally eat the roof away from the underside, making walking on the roof extremely hazardous. Pickling Plants or steel processing plants are a good example. Understanding what goes on inside the building and the chemical used can save your life and the lives of your crew members. When you examine the roof, it is safer to walk on the Z-bars or where the roof is bolted to the beams. “There have been too many people falling through sky lights who just didn’t see them,” explained Aaron.

“Every Project is an Adventure and a Challenge,” Says Aaron.

Working on Roofs in Hot Weather

Aaron grew up with a strong work ethic. “I was raised to work hard, so I didn’t know any other way. It was my normal to work 12 to 16-hour days in the heat. Hot weather on roof tops is a lot different than hot weather on the ground. I got used to it at a young age and learned how to prepare to work in hot weather. To this day, I can still work rings around people half my age. It’s hard to find young people these days who can tolerate the long working days and who are willing to do what it takes to acclimate to the hot temperatures. You have to make hay while the sun shines. It’s important to stay covered up. Keep a shirt on, wear a hat and drink plenty of water. It helps to consume some carbohydrates. Energy drinks and sweet sodas can work against you because they can increase your heart rate, and the energy they give is short-term which means you can experience a crash in energy later. Pushing yourself when you’re tired can lead to inattention, accidents and/or heatstroke. Drinking ice water can put an overheated body into shock, so it’s best to drink water that’s warmer. If you stop sweating, or start to feel nauseous, stop and get off the roof immediately. Eating a heavy lunch can be counterproductive. It can make you sleepy and sluggish. Eat smaller portions and a few snacks throughout the day when you can. Never drink alcohol the night before or during lunch break. It will dehydrate you faster. Remember, when you’re working up high, your environment becomes 360 degrees. It’s easier than people think to become disoriented on a roof, especially when you’re bending over and moving backwards all day. No one wants to step backwards through a sky light or off the edge of a roof. Some roofs have steep slopes, so staying alert and oriented is critical. Understanding how to check your safety gear, on a regular basis, is extremely important. I always examine my safety gear for any wear and tear before I venture onto a roof. You have to stay alert and pay close attention to what is going on. Your life, and the lives of your crew members, depends on everyone staying alert. Feeling overconfident can be a dangerous attitude. New workers need to listen and learn from those who have been doing roofing for a long while”, explained Aaron.

Wall Foam Versus Roof Foam

In the early days, SPF was applied to a lot of roofs. As people gained confidence in SPF, there was a shift to applying it to interior walls. Now, SPF roofing is making a come-back. “I think what has happened is that people have seen how long a lot of these early foamed roofs have lasted and have realized the dramatic increase in energy-savings. Therefore, SPF roofing is becoming a popular choice for roofs once again. Spraying foam on walls and spraying foam on roofs are two different words. The products applied are different and the application process is different. Roofs need to have smooth seams and look esthetically pleasing, so it is more of an art to get it right. Every roof has its own unique set of conditions and circumstances, so you have to be adaptable, able to solve new problems and open to learning something new every day. I’ve had several experiences where the building owner didn’t inform me about something else going on that affected our job performance, so it’s important to be able to deal with the unexpected, especially for things that could affect your time-line. Having clear communication with all involved before the project begins can help alleviate unforeseen problems. Dealing with the unexpected also includes quick changes in the weather. If you lose a day, it can be hard to make up the lost time. Understanding SPF chemistry is critical for success. You have to understand how SPF will adhere to different substrates and which blend of products are best suited for each job. There’s no substitute for good application and safety training. The better prepared you are, the faster you’ll realize a substantial profit. Don’t try to grow your company overnight. Maintain your integrity through controlled company growth. Once people gain confidence in you, they’ll recommend you to others and your business will take off,” explained Aaron.

“I Still Love Foaming!” says Aaron

Aaron’s hard work and passion for the SPF industry has helped him become highly successful. He never imagines himself retiring. “SPF is a part of who I am. I’ll always be involved in the industry in one way or another”, he says. Aaron has installed almost every type of roof, but his mainstay has been SPF. “I’ve done all kinds of roofs such as hospitals, schools, commercial buildings, steel plants, all kinds of steel tanks, methane digesters and dust collectors. It’s hard to remember everything I’ve done over the years, but the lessons have stayed with me. I enjoy the satisfaction of doing a job well. Some words of advice: Always be open to learning something new. If you aren’t sure how to solve a problem, consult an expert. Doing the job right is more important than taking a risk and losing everything you’ve invested,” says Aaron. In addition to a long history with SPF projects, Aaron has an SPF and roofing consulting business. Aaron Long can be contacted at alongfoamer@gmail.com or at 330-204-1112.