Finished spray foam roof over metal panels at Tubular Steel facility

Tubular Steel – Spray Foam Roofing over Metal Panels

Greg PalyaProject Profiles

Introduction

In 2024, West Roofing Systems tackled a 3,712 sq ft roof restoration project at Tubular Steel in Lorain, Ohio. The existing trapezoid metal panel roof presented challenges in aesthetic leveling and insulation. Our solution: strategic substrate installation and spray foam application to deliver a seamless, cost-effective, high-performance roof.

Tubular Steel roof before spray foam, showing deep metal panel trapezoids

Project Challenges

  • The metal roof had deep trapezoidal panels, requiring extra foam to level
  • Installing 3″ of foam across the board would have been very expensive
  • Desired solution needed to balance aesthetics, cost, and structural safety
  • Preventing water infiltration under panel ends and panel gaps

Our Solution

Substrate Preparation & Metal Attachment

  • Fastened ¾″ plywood strips (30″ wide) in between each metal panel to serve as a leveling substrate
  • This approach reduced the required foam thickness from 3″ down to 1.5″, saving on material and cost
Plywood installed in-between metal panels.

Spray Foam + Coatings

  • Applied 1.5″ of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) over the newly prepared surface
  • Specified manufacturer: Carlisle for SPF
  • Coating manufacturer: Progressive Materials
  • Installed a flanged-back gutter system to prevent water backup under panels and sealed panel ends to stop wildlife infiltration.

Project Details

  • Project Year: 2024
  • Location: Lorain, Ohio
  • Size: 3,712 sq ft
  • Completion Time: 7 days
spray foam roofing installed over plywood and metal roof

Warranty & Protection

  • 20-Year Full System, No Dollar Limit, Non-pro-rated Warranty

Project Results & Benefits

  • A visually level, uniform roof surface over formerly deep trapezoid panels
  • Lowered foam thickness while retaining performance, yielding cost savings
  • Added drainage and prevention of water entry beneath panels
  • A robust commercial roofing system over an existing metal substrate

Want to learn more and see before, in-progress, and finished photos?

📄 View the Tubular Steel Full Project Profile (PDF)

Need a quote?

Looking to restore or level a metal roof cost-effectively? Contact West Roofing Systems today — we’ll design a custom spray foam roofing solution that balances performance, aesthetics, and budget.

About the Author

Greg Palya

Greg Palya is the Digital Content Manager of West Roofing Systems, Inc. He has a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Akron and an MBA in Marketing from Walsh University. When he's not trying to teach others about spray foam roofing and silicone roof coatings, you can find him on the basketball court or golf course.