Are Foam Roofs Any Good? (Longevity, Maintenance, & More)

How long does a foam roof last?

Another benefit of foam roofing is longevity. When you install spray foam on your roof, you can expect it to last up to 20 years or more. Twenty years is the standard warranty period, but foam roofs are expected to last much longer.

When foam roofs are installed, an undercoat and top coat of elastomeric roof coating is applied before the foam is installed. These coatings account for much of the foam’s longevity. Better yet, the foam can be recoated to extend the roof’s life even more. Moreover, when FIVE STAR ROOF SOLUTIONS, INC. recoats the roof, we will upgrade the warranty as well.

Can you put a foam roof over shingles?

Although foam roofing is normally used on commercial roofs, homeowners can also benefit from it. SPF roofing can be sprayed over shingles to stop leaks.

The foam shouldn’t be sprayed over just any shingles. The shingles need to be in relatively good condition before you even consider it. Have a professional roofer inspect your roof to see what condition it’s in.

If the inspection reveals significant damage like curling or exposed nails, it’s better to just tear off the old roof and completely replace it. Otherwise, it’s OK to go ahead and spray on the foam.

How often do you need to recoat a foam roof?

As a rule of thumb, you want to recoat your foam roof before your warranty expires. But, to ensure the foam roofing continues to perform well, we recommend recoating it every five to 10 years.

Recoating will prevent the foam from degrading as it weathers. If you don’t refresh the coating periodically, weathering will cause pits to form in the foam. This will deteriorate the foam rapidly and might lead to other problems like leaks. Eventually, the foam will deteriorate to the point that you’ll need to replace the whole roof.

How do you maintain a foam roof?

Along with recoating the foam roofing, one of the best ways to maintain your foam roof is by periodically giving it a thorough cleaning.

Foam roofs can collect debris, such as fallen leaves and twigs. This debris needs to be cleaned off as soon as possible to prevent damage. Other materials like spare parts or heavy materials should be removed from the roof to avoid damage.

The roof should also be inspected yearly to check for discoloration. Any signs of stains on the roof indicate reactions to acidic materials. The damage needs to be repaired as soon as possible. During the inspection, also make sure to examine the roof’s texture. The foam should have a consistent texture, smooth like an orange peel. Any changes in texture are a call for repairs.

Will expanding foam stop a leaking roof?

One of the chief reasons SPF foam is put on a roof is to stop leaks. And because spray foam is renewable, as long as the roof is maintained and the foam recoated, the leaks will be stopped pretty much indefinitely.

What are the disadvantages of foam?

Like all roofing materials, foam roofing does have its disadvantages. Two main things to worry about with SPF are overspray and small installation windows.

• Overspray: Anytime you spray foam, wind is going to cause some of the material to blow away from your workspace. Fortunately, it’s not a health risk for people to come into contact with the foam. But, when you are applying it, it’s recommended that you move cars or cover them and take care to be watchful if it blows onto nearby buildings.
• Small installation window: Foam can only be sprayed under certain weather conditions. The foam won’t stick to the roof if there has been rain or ice the night before the application is planned.

Can you walk on a foam roof?

It’s a common myth that you can’t walk on a foam roof. Foam roofs are quite capable of enduring foot traffic. This doesn’t mean, however, that you walk on your roof in high heels, hard-soled shoes, or boots. If you do need to walk on the roof for maintenance, inspections, or other reasons, it’s preferable that you wear soft rubber-soled shoes.

It’s preferable to wear soft-soled shoes because any sharp objects can puncture foam roofing. While a hole in the foam itself won’t cause a leak, it can lead to the foam weathering rapidly and faster deterioration. Any damage to the foam itself will need to be repaired with caulk or coating. If the substrate below the foam is punctured, a leak could develop.