Foam roofing benefits: why you should consider foam for your flat roof
Foam is a perfect fit for flat roofs here in Phoenix, Arizona. Some foam roofing benefits include greater energy-efficiency, better roof protection, and an easy installation process.
All-in-all, foam roofs can be an excellent investment for many homeowners. In this article, we’ll walk you through what foam roofs are, how they work, what type of homes they work best for, and what the installation process is like.
KY-KO Roofing is your team of residential and commercial foam roofing experts here in the Valley. For a free roof checkup and foam replacement or installation consultation, click the button and fill out the form below.
What is foam roofing?
Spray foam—also known as SPF roofing—is a versatile, energy-efficient, and durable roofing material.
Polyurethane foam has been used as a roofing material for almost 50 years. Made from a combination of isocyanat and polyol, the foam is mixed together in a sprayer and applied to the roof surface as a liquid.
The foam then begins to bubble up and expand, reaching into and sealing all the cracks and crevices in the roof. The roofing installation team will then apply a durable outer layer to protect the foam from the elements.
What are foam roofs good at?
Here’s what foam roofs are primarily known for:
Preventing heat transfer
In the summers here in Phoenix, that means that foam does a good job insulating your home and preventing heat from getting into the living spaces of your home.
Preventing moisture
Because foam expands to fill up even the smallest of cracks, it’s good at preventing rain and moisture from getting to the roof itself. The foam roof coating protects the insulating layers below from water or sun damage.
What are the benefits of foam roofing?
Here are the five benefits of upgrading to a new foam roof:
#1. Energy Savings
One of the biggest foam roofing benefits is the energy savings. Since the polyurethane material is a highly effective thermal insulator, it can drastically improve air conditioner efficiency in your home.
A foam roof can cut your cooling costs by up to 30%. Add that up over the lifespan of your home, and you’re looking at major energy savings!
#2. Cost
In terms of upfront costs, foam roofing can be more expensive than shingles, but may be on-par with tile roofing.
However, because of the added energy-efficiency, foam roofs can pay for themselves in about 5 years or so.
#3. Repairs
When you need roofing repair for a tile or shingle roof, you may be looking at a major expense.
However, repairs are relatively easy to make to a foam roof: in most cases, a roofer will just need to add more foam to re-coat the foam underlayer. This can also help reduce your long-term costs.
#4. Weight (or, lack thereof!)
Heavy roofing material causes more stress on your home. Some homes, for instance, can’t get tile installed because the home’s frame wasn’t built to support that weight.
In contrast, foam roofing is relatively lightweight, which means it can fit a wider variety of homes—including those built for just shingles.
#5. Lifespan
Believe it or not, there are structures that have maintained their original foam roofing for decades!
The lifespan of a foam roof is significantly longer than that of a shingle roof, and—with regular upkeep and care—a foam roof can last just as long, if not longer, than a tile roof.
Is foam roofing an option for your home?
Foam roofing is typically found on flat roofs. Here in the Valley, that typically applies to homes built in the adobe or Southwest styles. However, a wide variety of homes can reap foam roofing benefits.
As alluded to before, foam roofing is an excellent fit for homes in hotter climates, such as the one here in Phoenix.
That’s because foam is a highly effective insulation material that prevents heat from getting into your home through the roof.
In turn, that can help lower your summer electric bills for years to come—a great value for any homeowner.
Foam Roofing Installation
Foam roofing installation is relatively easy compared to other forms of roofing installation.
First, you’ll want to locate a trusted, local company with foam roofing installation experience. Here in the Valley, you’ll want to call us at KY-KO: we’ve been installing foam roofs for decades.
Once you’ve found the right company, get a free roof checkup to talk to a professional roofer about your options and what’s best for your home.
The application process starts with technicians spraying the foam directly onto the roof. The polyurethane is applied as a liquid from the hose, but will soon start to expand to 30 times its original size, sealing the roof completely from the outside.
For residential properties, depending on the configuration and complexity of the roof itself, you can expect the foam roof to be completed within 1-3 days.
Foam Roofing Maintenance
Even though a foam roof is extremely durable, there are precautions to take, as you would with any type of roofing material to make sure it is not damaged.
— Avoid putting heavy equipment or furniture on the roof’s surface.
— Keep it clean of dirt, debris, leaves, etc.
— Do a quick inspection of your roof after major storms to look for cracks or distress.
You’ll also need to schedule a foam roof reseal periodically to restore the roof’s protective top layer.
Finding the right roofing company
For the foam roofing to be applied correctly and consistently, it is important to have experienced and trained roofing specialists that will be administering the foam roofing. They need to have a special eye to identify whether or not the foam is being applied correctly.
To make sure your foam roofing investment does not go to waste, make sure you find the best roofing company that will focus on the craftsmanship of their work.
Do research and find a company that meets the following criteria:
— Experience: An experienced company is one that focuses on quality. Look for a roofing company that has been in business for several years.
— Satisfied customers: Look at reviews to see how past customers have felt about this company.
— Guarantees: It is always important to find a roofing company that will guarantee their service to ensure you get the highest quality.
Here in Phoenix, that’s our team at KY-KO Roofing. Schedule your free roofing checkup or learn more about foam roofing benefits by contacting us today!