What To Expect When Having A Foam Roofing System Installed On Your Building
A foam roof has many advantages for a flat roof, although spray foam can also be used on roofs with slopes. If your building has a membrane or other type of commercial roofing now, you may want to switch to a foam roofing system to eliminate seams and lower the risk of leaking. Plus, you can improve insulation and reduce your maintenance needs. Here's an overview of how the roofing might be installed.
The Old Roof May Not Need To Be Removed
Spray foam sticks well to many surfaces, so your roofer may apply it over your existing roof. However, the surface of the roof has to be cleaned first. This can be done with compressed air or sweeping.
Spray Foam Roofing Is Applied In Dry Conditions
It's important for the roof to be dry before the spray foam is applied. If the roof is washed first, then enough time is allowed for it to dry completely. The moisture is checked with a meter to make sure the level is low enough for the application of the spray foam.
It's also best to apply the foam on a day with little wind, since the wind can spray the foam around as it comes out of the hose. The roofer may be able to work even when it's a little windy by using wind screens if necessary.
The Foam Expands And Dries
Spraying foam on the roof is a simple form of roofing installation, but the roofer has to wear protective gear to avoid inhaling any fumes. The spray comes out of a hose and then turns into a foam that expands and dries quickly. The main benefit of spray foam is that it forms a single, continuous layer over the roof and even makes its own flashing by wrapping around pipes and other protrusions. Spray foam can even be sprayed up walls since it dries fast.
A Coating Protects The Foam
After the foam has been applied, a coating is put on the roof. The coating is also applied by spraying, so it forms a continuous layer with no seams. The purpose of the coating is to protect the hard foam from sun exposure, weather conditions, fire, and other damage.
The foam itself is quite durable and tolerates wear such as foot traffic. If a puncture occurs, it generally doesn't go all the way through the foam, so the roof won't leak. You could choose to top the coating with aggregate, but it isn't necessary. The roof will have a smooth and pleasing appearance once the coating is applied.
Installing a foam roof system is fairly quick work, and if you have a small building, the job might be completed in a day. The foam hardens and dries fast, so the roofer might add the coating the same day, so you get your new roof fast and have protection from rain damage.
For more information, contact foam roofing system installation services.