In 1939, German industrial chemist Otto Bayer mixed two chemicals together and created the first polyurethane foam. With this event, Dr. Bayer essentially led the research team that discovered polyurethanes. In the decades that followed, military began to experiment with the new material ultimately utilizing polyurethane foam as a flotation material for boats, and polyurethane foam debuted in roofing with its first application on a rail car to fix a leaky roof.  With these uses, chemists and developers began to realize the true potential of the material in building applications, but also recognized a need for better installation technology. In 1963, Fred Gusmer and Fred Werner pushed the industry forward when they created the first reliable machine to spray foam. Known as the FF, it was the first dedicated foam machine on the market. Gusmer also developed the model-C gun, which in turn became the model-D gun and dual heated hose assemblies that could be adjusted via thermostat.

These new equipment developments forever changed the industry. Spray application of polyurethane foam made the marketplace ripe for the utilization of the material on retrofit, aged roofing systems. Spray polyurethane foam had also been used in insulation applications since the 1960’s and use of it in the envelope has steadily grown over time. However, spray polyurethane foam insulation has experienced exponential growth during the past decade.