We manufacture spray polyurethane foam for use in roofing applications, and there are still a lot of people unaware of the benefits of a polyurethane foam roof. This is a “Polyurethane Foam Roofing 101” article that will teach you a baseline of knowledge on the subject.
Polyurethane Foam Roofing…
…Application
Our polyurethane foam is spray-applied. Our contractors use highly sophisticated spraying machines designed for polyurethane foam roofing. They have extra-long hoses to allow maximum coverage without constantly moving the pump. Because the foam is sprayed, it fits into all the cracks and crevices of the roof surface, where it expands to roughly 30 times its original liquid volume. The foam then solidifies and forms a hard surface.
…Life Span
If the polyurethane foam roofing materials are properly installed and coated every 10-20 years, there is no calculable age limit where the foam loses its effectiveness. The foam could potentially last forever and still serve as a roof.
…Maintenance
We recommend coating all polyurethane foam roofing with a silicone coating to fight UV ray deterioration. When coating, the roof should be power washed, and then have a layer of silicone coating applied directly to either the foam or the most recent coating. Coatings do not need to be stripped before a new one is applied. We also recommend annual inspection of the roofing material, and the use of sealant to fix damage less than 3”in diameter. For damage spots larger than this, the surrounding area should be cleaned and recoated.
…Cost
Initially, choosing to utilize a polyurethane foam roof costs more than most comparable systems. However, due to low labor costs and a very long service life, polyurethane foam roofing tends to cost 10-50% less than membrane roofing systems with a comparable performance.
…Coating?
We recommend a silicone coating over the spray foam. This serves to protect the polyurethane foam roofing substrate from UV rays. The sun deteriorates spray foam fairly quickly, and causes it to lose its ability to perform. The silicone roof coatings protect against UV rays and therefore extend the life of the roof.
…Accessibility
Spray polyurethane foam is solid. Despite weighing only a few ounces per square foot, it can easily resist normal walking and wear and tear. Feel free to walk all over your completed polyurethane foam roofing surface.
…Insulation
A spray foam roof helps to keep the temperature in your building where you want it all year long. In the summer, it reflects the sun’s rays to keep the building cooler. In the winter, it traps your building’s heat inside to keep the building warmer. On top of its great insulating properties, a spray foam roof can be cleaned and recoated every 10-20 years for very low cost and you have what is essentially a new roof.
…Questions?
If you have any questions, call us at 812-944-7803, we would love to talk and answer any questions you may have.
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