Everything You Need to Know About Foam Roofs

These days, homeowners and business owners alike are looking for alternative roofing materials that are cost-effective and durable. As tile and shingle roofs continue to soar in popularity, there is another contender that is becoming more popular: foam roofs.
Capstone Roofing’s professionals recommend one particular material that’s becoming quite popular in the Phoenix Area particularly. That material is spray polyurethane foam. You don’t want to get stuck paying high energy bills trying to keep your house or building cooled down in the Arizona heat. Many are opting for foam roofs instead of traditional tile or shingle roofs. It’s deservedly becoming a favorite in this state and we are going to explain just why.
Foam Roofs and Spray Polyurethane Foam Explained
Spray polyurethane foam, or SPF, is a solid and durable material. Basically, two chemical components are combined to create a liquid foam plastic that is then applied on a preferred roof surface through a spray gun. When two of the chemicals react, they expand and create a solid and durable material that traps tiny air bubbles which make it efficient in insulating the roof against cold, heat, and various leaks.
There are two available forms of SPF: closed cell and open cell foam. One is not necessarily better than the other. At the end of the day, it’s more about what fits your property better. Closed cell foam is made up of cells that are completely closed so the material is more durable and rigid. The open cell foam is made out of cells that are open which makes it a more flexible material. The ultimate decision is proposed by the experienced contractor that knows how each foam reacts to a different surface and surroundings.
Why Should I Put a Foam Roof On My Property?
Due to its durability and dependability, many property owners have started getting foam roofs. While some property owners see foam roofs as their last resort when considering roofing options, due to the aforementioned abilities and advantages of this type of roofing, they have become a staple in residential and commercial building roofing choices.
Foam roofs are rather affordable for installing, maintaining, and repairing compared to other roofing materials so it’s no surprise that they became a staple in the flat roof industry. Why go through the trouble and expense of rebuilding the whole roof from scratch when this is a great alternative that guarantees you a trouble-free future?
Advantages of Foam Roofs
Anyone who is considering installing a new material on their roof should do plenty of research beforehand. It’s important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of foam roofs before making a decision. Here are the advantages of foam roofs.
Long Lifespan
With proper maintenance, foam roofs can even outlast the lifespan of your building. With foam roofs, you save money in the long run because there’s almost no need for a new roof sometime in the future. Just hire a dedicated company that will take care of it and you will have a stress-free life.
Durability
In addition to being durable, foam roofs are resistant to storm damage. They require minimal repair and maintenance and depending on your surroundings, an inspection can be done once every few years.
Easy installation process
Since foam roofs are applied with a spray gun, SPF can be applied on existing and new projects. Keep in mind that the type of roof doesn’t play a role since it can be applied on many different types. Hire our dedicated and certified professionals at Capstone Roofing to ensure that your foam roof is going to be properly installed and maintained.
Saves Money
One of the main benefits of foam roofs is that due to the insulation properties, less cooling is needed to keep your home cool, and the same goes for heating the house. This means your energy bills will be reduced.
Disadvantages of Foam Roofs
If you are considering a foam roof for your home or property, it’s important to know the potential drawbacks. Here are some of the disadvantages of foam roofs.
UV Rays
As with everything in life, nothing is perfect. Seeing as Arizona can get extremely hot, SPF’s greatest weakness is that it starts to degrade under direct sunlight. That’s why your contractors must take extra measures in order to protect your foam roof from UV rays.
Improper installation/negligent contractor
If the crew you hired is not experienced and delicate enough, your foam roof man not be applied properly. While it may seem easy to an amateur, applying the coating is a procedure that needs to be handled by a trained professional who understands the risks of a foam roof not being done properly. The lifespan of your future foam roof is directly correlated with the people you hire to install it.
Cannot be installed if the roof is not dry
One other disadvantage foam roofing faces is that it can only be installed in specific weather conditions that leave the surface of the roof dry.
Frequent care is a necessity
While some may say that frequent care of the foam roof is a disadvantage, that extra little step actually prolongs the lifespan of your foam roof. We placed it as a disadvantage, but remember, your roof will appreciate your constant care for it.
Common Misconceptions About Foam Roofs
There are many misconceptions about foam roofs. Let’s go over some of them.
- You cannot walk on foam roofs. Foam roofs are completely capable of sustaining the weight of adults. We only advise readers to leave their mountain climbing spiked shoes at home when walking on the foam roof since sharp objects can penetrate the material and thus damage the foam roof.
- Foam roofs are expensive. If you’re only considering a 5 or 10 year lifespan, a foam roof may or may not be more expensive than a traditional roofing material. Your foam roof becomes much more cost-effective than other alternatives when you add a 20 or more year lifespan to it. You can prolong the lifespan of your foam roof, which is not a viable option with traditional roofs, by simply maintaining it and adding another layer of the protective coating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foam Roofs
If you’re new to foam roofs, you may have a few questions. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about foam roofs. If you have additional questions, feel free to call us at (602) 486-0763.
What’s the cost of a foam roof?
This is a tricky question to answer because it depends on several factors. Typically, a square foot can range anywhere from $3 to $5. It depends on the area you live in, the material you need, and the thickness of the coat. Our service includes the material that’s most suitable for your property and the installment of the roof.
What’s the average lifespan of the protective foam roof coating?
When properly maintained, your foam roof can last up to 50 years but the average estimate is about 25 years. The biggest advantage of a foam roof is that you don’t have to strip the roof in order to re-do it; instead, you can just spray another layer that will add up to the lifespan.
How is a foam roof installed?
Foam roofs are usually applied in liquid form from a specialized spray gun. You should always leave foam roof installations to professionals because only they have the tools and knowledge to install it right the first time. If installed improperly, foam roofs may develop structural problems. For example, if the spray foam layer is not level, water can start to pool in depressions along the roof. This can result in uneven weight distribution, water absorption, and eventual damage to your roof system. Precision is key for this step of the process and it must be done by trained and certified professionals, such as our technicians at Capstone Roofing.
How will SPF react under the hot Arizona sun?
Due to the fact that SPF starts to deteriorate under direct UV rays, your contractors must ensure that the SPF layer installed is protected by elastomeric membranes that protect the foam roofs from direct sunlight.
Want to install a new foam roof? Contact Capstone Roofing today!
Capstone Roofing is a top roofing company serving the Greater Phoenix area. We offer the following roofing services:
…and more! If you’re interested in foaming your roof, our team of dedicated and certified professionals is going to ensure that your foam roof is ready for any challenge. We guarantee you the highest possible standard in the roofing industry. Call us for a free estimate at (602) 486-0763 or contact us online!
published on Tuesday, September 14th, 2021