The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.
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Up on the Rooftop
Understanding the Installation Process of a Spray Foam Roof
Lori Silva
Foam roofing consists of an elastomeric coating and polyurethane foam. This roof system has become quite popular in recent years because they are affordable, durable, and easy to maintain and repair. In addition, the elastomeric layer is water-resistant, protecting your home from rain, water, moisture, and the sun.
A foam roof may be perfect for your home if your home has a flat roof or cannot support the weight of tiles. Its insulation properties also keep your house warm during winter and cool during summers, reducing energy bills in the long term. Every installation is different, but foam roofing installation services typically follow this process:
Preparing the Roof
Roof preparation is the first step before the foam roof installation process starts. For a new building without a roof, your roofing contractor will first prepare the support surface or substrate layer for foam application.
When preparing the roof, contractors have to:
- Remove dirt and gravel
- Inspect structural units for rot or damage. If the damage is extensive, they will repair or remove the existing membranes altogether.
- Replace vent caps and edge flashings
- If the existing membrane cannot be repurposed, your roofer will install a new substrate such as fiberboard or heavy tar paper.
For replacements, the preparation will depend on the roof's age. Part of the job may include power washing, vacuuming, or sweeping. Also, foam roofs don't need any underlying surfaces for waterproofing, so the old membranes are mostly torn off or repurposed as roof substrates.
Foam Application
After the roof is prepared, your contractor then applies the first layer of foam. They do this by spraying the liquid directly on top of the roof. As soon as the liquid hits the surface, it expands almost immediately.
Remember, while this expansion seems huge, the final roof thickness is usually a few inches thick. Your roofing contractor will determine the right thickness to fit the design and slope of your roof.
When the foam expands, it creates an even, waterproof, and airtight surface that makes the foam roof quite reliable. Also, your roofing contractor will allow water to drain into the drainage system by adding a little thickness in low areas. In this way, your flat roof isn't exactly a 'flat roof'.
Second Layer Application
After applying the first layer, the roof is then prepared for an additional layer. This protective layer prevents damage from prolonged exposure to hail, moisture, wind, hail, sun, and more.
Without this elastomeric layer, the roofing system will eventually deteriorate, especially from exposure to UV light. The process requires great care and expertise to execute effectively. Therefore, it is important to hire top foam roofing installation services to get the best results.
As an added service, your contractor could recoat your roof periodically to maintain your foam roof system for years to come. Contact a roofer today for more information.
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