CENTRAL VA ROOFING
434-885-0528
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Spray Foam Roofing
SPF has been used for over 50 years as a roofing and insulating material. Presently there are foam roofs that have been in place for decades, and can be expected to last indefinitely as long as they are maintained. However, it does have a narrow window of acceptable climate conditions, such as warm, dry and no wind.
A SPF Roof is a 2-Layer System
- The bottom layer is the polyurethane foam.
- the top layer is a coating of elastomeric silicone or acrylic coating with embedded granules which is needed to protect against the sun’s UV rays, and it also strengthens the surface against damage from various sources.
Installation
The SPF is produced when a special sprayer combines 2 liquids as it’s sprayed onto the existing roof substrate. This combination produces an expanding foam that will fill in and seal gaps, seams, and cracks in the substrate. The operator will continue to spray in a covering pattern till eventually foam will cover the roof.
Curing
The foam hardens very quickly (usually within 24 hours) into a solid seamless, waterproof and stable surface. The SPF foam structure can expand and contract over the building (as it heats and cools) reducing the likelihood of cracks and splitting.
Operator Caution
A caution about the operator who is spraying the foam. Proper training and experience is needed in the application process because novice users are apt to leave ridges and valleys in the foam during application. Central Virginia Roofing SPF applicators have to pass several tests, and accompany others to job sites applying the foam before they are allowed to control the application.
Environmentally Friendly
This type of roof offers a great alternative to tearing off the old roof surface because the substrate (the old roofs surface) can be prepared by cleaning off contaminants and removing loose debris then the SPF can be applied. Thus, dumping a truck load of discarded old roofing material in a landfill does not happen with this type of roof replacement. Plus, its chemical properties are:
- Zero Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP)
- Low in the Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS)
- Free from Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCS)
- Ultra-Low Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Insulation Properties
SPF carries an R-value of 7.14 per 1 inch thickness the best insulating factor of any roofing material. A foam roofing system can produce an energy saving of approximately 30% or greater over other traditional roofing systems.
SPF Roofing Waterproofing Ability
An experienced technician during an SPF application can add a slight slope to the roofs surface to decrease the chance of ponding water- allowing the water to drain properly. Water ponding is quite common with traditional roofing systems but not with properly installed SPF roofing systems. Foam does not require flashing material because it creates a watertight seal around any roof openings (vents and cables) when sprayed directly around them reducing the likelihood of roof leaks from the most common sourced locations.
Fire Resistant
This is a good choice for small businesses that do a lot of welding, restaurants or bakeries... any business with fire hazards because its extra protection against a fire spreading by the Roof.
Summed Up
The sprayed polyurethane foam roof will never lose its insulating properties because it doesn’t degrade or compact as it ages when protected from the sun’s UV radiation which is why an elastomeric (flexible) top coat with properties to repel the sun’s rays is usually sprayed on. This makes an excellent, long term, low maintenance and superiorly insulated roof system. Contact Central Virginia Roofing (434) 885-0528 and schedule a Free, No Commitments, Roof Assessment and engage a roofing expert in a discussion of whether a Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof is a good solution for your roofing needs.