You've come across the acronyms "HFC" and "HFO" when working with spray foam roof adhesive and insulation, but do you know what they stand for? Though the two acronyms only share a slight, one-letter difference, they represent two very different environmental outcomes. 

HFCs contribute to global warming, and new regulations aim to limit their negative impact by replacing them with HFOs. Learn about the dangers of HFCs, new regulations, and how you can keep your roofing operations compliant.

HFC stands for hydrofluorocarbon, a manufactured combination of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. HFCs are found in blowing agents used in spray foam roof adhesive and insulation. Without HFCs, roofing insulation wouldn't "foam up," expand and deliver the tremendous thermal resistance (R-value) a building needs. HFCs are also found in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. 

There's a big problem with HFCs, though. HFC emissions cause increased warming in the stratosphere, reports NASA, speeding up the chemical reactions that destroy ozone molecules and decreasing ozone levels. 

In other words, HFCs trap heat in our atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Thus, they have high global warming potential (GWP) and are ultimately bad for the environment. How bad?

"Though HFCs currently represent around 1% of total greenhouse gas," explains the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, "their impact on global warming can be hundreds to thousands of times greater than that of carbon dioxide per unit of mass." 

Washington State Department of Ecology adds that "if their use isn't stopped, HFC emissions will increase to 7–19% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050."

Do HFCs in roofing materials really contribute all that much to the problem? Yes. Global HFC consumption in the building foams sector accounted for ~38 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2010, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Phasing out HFCs could do more than benefit the environment. It could also prompt improvements in the energy efficiency of air conditioners, refrigerators, and other equipment that rely on these chemicals, notes the Clean Air Coalition.

To remain at the forefront of sustainable building technology, Elevate uses HFOs instead of HFCs as the propellant in our urethane foam adhesive. Our quality formulation you know and trust hasn't changed, only the propellant! 

HFO stands for hydrofluoroolefin. The chemical is also made of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon. However, unlike HFCs, HFOs have zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and low GWP, making them a more environmentally-friendly option than HFCs. HFOs don't trap heat in our atmosphere and don't contribute to global warming.

Transitioning from HFC blowing agents to HFO blowing agents is an essential step in reducing the climate impact of the building and roofing industry. It's easy to do with a product like Elevate Twin Jet spray adhesive. Twin Jet ​​is a two-part, low-rise foam adhesive. It requires no special equipment, is easy-to-use, and can cover up to 35 squares/set when dispensed in bead application.

Learn more about Elevate’s commitment to sustainability and our ever-advancing quality roofing products, like Twin Jet. Our representatives can help you understand HFO vs. HFC, and meet your state's climate regulations and building codes with trusted solutions. Contact your local Elevate SA sales representative to learn more about green roofing materials, insulation, and adhesives.