If you're not happy with the single-ply membrane on your building's roof, you may want to switch to a foam roofing system when it's time to have a new roof put on. One advantage of spray foam roofing is that it doesn't have seams, and that eliminates a potential source of leaking. Here's a look at what to expect with the installation of a foam roof.
Your Current Roof Is Examined and Cleaned
Your roofing contractor will check the condition of your old roof. Spray foam can be installed over single ply roofing materials as long as your roof is in pretty good shape. The first decision that has to be made is whether to spray over the old roof or tear it off.
If the roofer decides to keep the old roof and cover it with foam, the roof has to be cleaned. This might be done with a blower that blows away leaves and grit so the surface is as smooth and clean as possible. This helps the spray foam adhere better.
Cover Boards Go Down If Needed
Another decision your roofer has to make is whether to use cover boards on the roof. Cover boards are often made of wood shavings and plastic or some other materials. They're put down on old roofs or over the insulation to create a smooth, clean surface for the new roofing materials.
Cover boards are not always used, and the condition of the old roof might play a part in whether your roofer wants to put down cover boards before applying the foam.
The Foam Is Sprayed On
Liquid is sprayed on the surface of the roof and as it lands, the spray turns into foam that expands and then gets hard. This process happens quickly, so applying a spray foam roof is usually pretty quick work. However, there could be delays due to rain or wind, since spray foam has to be applied on a dry day without wind unless windbreaks are set up.
The roofer can create a small slope with the foam to ensure rain rolls toward the roof drain. They can also spray the foam around vents that stick up through the roof so the foam creates flashing as it hardens. When finished, the foam forms a continuous cover over the roof that has no seams.
A Protective Coating Is Applied
The last step in a foam roofing system installation is applying a thin coating. The coating protects the hardened foam from UV rays and rain. This helps the foam roofing last for decades. The coating lasts a long time too, but if it wears off before the roof wears out, a new coating can be applied to extend the life of the roof as long as possible.
When you develop a roof leak, you don't have time to ignore it. Issues with leaks can cause problems as simple as incoming water and as wide-ranging as mold accumulation inside your home, which is why you should never let an issue sit. However, if you aren't careful, you could develop problems with roofing that is simply open to the elements, allowing rain and snow to enter your home, melt, and contribute to problems like mold growth. On this blog, you can learn more about the kinds of roofing issues that you could be faced with, and what to do about them.