There are many roofing coats you can get for your commercial building today, but not all of them will provide your existing roof with the resistance it needs against water or other agents.
One of the most popular materials out there is spray polyurethane foam roofing, commonly known as SPF roofing. It’s known for having excellent insulation and waterproofing qualities, making it great for those who want a tight and healthy roofing system for many years to come.
Spray foam roofing comes with several benefits in the roofing industry. However, it also has some disadvantages you may want to consider before installing it on your property. In this blog, we’ll cover everything about the foam roof system and how it can benefit you.
What Is Spray Foam Roofing (Spray Polyurethane Foam)?
Also called “SPF Roofing,” spray foam roofing is a material composed of three parts:
- Spray polyurethane foam
- Ceramic granules
- Silicone coating (Top coat and base coat)
How Is It Achieved?
The SPF roofing system is achieved by combining and heating two chemicals (isocyanate and polyol). Once they’re heated, the foam will increase in size by at least 30x, allowing the contractors to customize the foam to all roofing systems. These are excellent choices for those who have flat roofs.
[Read more: What Is SPF Roofing System? Roof Contractor Explains]
What Are Spray Foam Roofs Used for?
Overall, spray foam roofing systems can create a lightweight, waterproof, and durable membrane, providing a lot of resistance to most climate types.
Most property owners use SPF roofing systems for the following scenarios:
- Installing a new roof
- Fixing damages to existing roofing materials
- Adding an extra layer of protection to roofs with solar panels
- Protecting hospitals, cold storage facilities, schools, and commercial/industrial buildings.
Whether you have low-slope or flat roofs, SPF roofs have proven to be an excellent option to consider.
[Read: 8 Types Of Commercial Roofing: Everything You Need To Know]
Spray Foam Roofing Pros and Cons
What Are the Advantages of Spray Foam Roofing?
A spray foam roof can provide several benefits to your existing roof. The primary benefit is that it could potentially help you save on energy costs. According to research, spray foam roofs have the highest R-value, which is the factor used to measure the ability of an insulating material to resist heat.
Your SPF roof can provide excellent thermal, moisture, and air barriers, achieving better insulation. Moreover, the silicone layer installed on top of the spray foam roof will help with UV rays.
Another excellent thing about this roofing material is that it’s considerably easy to maintain by a professional. If you take care of your spray foam roofs, you can expect them to last over 50 years! Overall, when properly maintained, this protective coating has waterproofing qualities, so you don’t have to worry about leaks.
Finally, foam roofing doesn’t create as much waste as others since it doesn’t produce as many volatile organic compounds as other options.
What Are the Disadvantages of Spray Foam Roofing?
Keep in mind the following factors if you plan on installing foam roofing on your flat roof:
First, foam roofing provides only a small window for installation; this limited installation window means that it can only be installed during particular weather conditions, so you must hire a professional that knows the perfect time to install this on your entire roof.
On the other hand, if you don’t work with reputable contractors, you risk overspraying, which can damage surrounding cars or other surfaces. Finally, whether you’re having problems with your roof or not, you must inspect and do regular maintenance to it, specifically twice a year.
All of these problems can be solved by hiring a reputable contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spray Foam Good for Your Roof?
Absolutely! As long as it’s properly installed by our professionals, you will have an energy-efficient roof with excellent insulating properties.
How Long Does a Spray Foam Roof Last?
When maintained properly, your foam application can last approximately 20 years, so you won’t need to worry about replacing your materials any time soon.
How Much Does it Cost to Recoat a Foam Roof?
It depends on the circumstances, where you live, and other factors. Typically, recoating foam roofs can cost approximately $1.30 per square foot. A new coating, in general, can cost as much as $8,250.
However, keep in mind that most roofs are different, so you may expect to pay anywhere from $3,500 to $13,000 for bigger properties.
Can Spray Foam Cause Roof Rot?
An open-cell foam roofing solution will not cause rot as long as it’s installed correctly. However, closed-cell foam roofing may hold moisture if you don’t take care of it, causing rotting.
Is Spray Foam Worth Your Time?
If you’re willing to invest in installation, maintenance, and accurate repairs, you may apply foam as a means to increase energy efficiency and protect your roof.
Why Should You Call a Professional?
Yes. Although SPF is easy to install most of the time, any mistakes can lead to rotting, leaks, and other problems. If you want to ensure an easy installation process that doesn’t put any stress on you, consider calling our team at Easy Roof Solutions.
Hire Expert Roofing Contractors in Arizona Today!
Now that you know the pros and cons of spray foam, it’s time for you to enjoy the benefits of your commercial or industrial property! If you’re in Arizona, this energy-efficient and fire-resistant material can prove to be the answer to a healthier and stronger roof.
Contact Easy Roof Solutions’ team today for more information!
Ken Byler
Founder of Easy Roof Solutions, LLC. He started in the construction industry at the age of 14 and has been involved in it for over 25 years. His wide experience in commercial roofing speaks for itself.
Outside his roofing work, Ken enjoys being in the great outdoors, traveling to new places, and bonding with his wife and children.
It’s great that you elaborated on spray foam roofing and how it’d last for many years with the right maintenance. Not long ago, my sister told me she wants to do something to stop using her AC that much, so I think your article will help her find a solution. I’m grateful for your tips on insulating our roof to keep your house warm or cool.