A ROOF WITH GREAT INSULATION CAN SAVE YOU MONEY, BUT A ROOF WITH POOR INSULATION CAN COST YOU THOUSANDS
We measure the insulation value of a roof, and any other surface and material with insulating capabilities, in terms of R-value. R-value is the rating of a material’s resistance to heat transfer through itself. A sheet of paper will have a very low R-value, while a sheet of fiberglass insulation will have a much higher R-value.
Many roofing systems have extremely low R-values, and therefore cost their building owners money every single day. When you consider your flat roof replacement material, it is important to remember that the R-value of the material you install will have an impact on your bottom line in the future. This may change how much you are willing to spend up front.
Which Roofing System Has the Best R-Value?
Without a doubt, sprayed polyurethane foam will provide the highest R-value and best insulation for your flat roof replacement. The material offers the highest R-value on the market, and has no fasteners in the surface to allow thermal bridging. Because the system is spray-applied and adheres directly to the roof surface, no fasteners are required.
Other materials can be reflective, including restoration coatings and most single-ply systems, but this is not the same as being a good insulator. Reflectivity will save you money in the summer, but in the winter it can actually cost you money as your building doesn’t retain any heat from the sun.
While there are other flat roofing systems that are good insulators, built-up, metal, they are nowhere near the level of insulation that sprayed polyurethane foam provides. In fact, SPF roofs have been shown to recoup their entire installation costs in less than five years, solely through savings due to increased energy efficiency.
Conclusion
If you are willing to spend the money on a flat roof replacement, you should consider the long term financial effects of the roof. One of the major influences on your building expenses is the energy bill, and a sprayed polyurethane foam roof can greatly decrease your energy bills thanks to its extremely high R-value.
