If not taken with care, commercial roofing can be costly. However, when a business property is kept in good condition, it can provide a much faster return on investment.
Therefore, choosing the right commercial roofing material can be a good strategy for your business. For longevity and security to your investment, consider spray polyurethane foam roof systems, which can help keep your property in good condition and protect your investment.
But before considering a spray polyurethane foam roofing system, there are crucial things you must know to make your process seamless when going for a spray polyurethane foam roof system for commercial roofing.
Factors to Consider When Installing Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof System
1. UV Performance
Despite its waterproof and insulation qualities, the spray polyurethane foam roof system can’t withstand the sun’s UV rays for longer. Because of that, consider coating spray polyurethane foam roof systems with an elastic roof coating like aromatic or silicone to ensure maximum protection from UV sun rays.
A properly installed and maintained spray polyurethane foam roof system can last 30 to 40 years longer. Despite that, it must also be re-coated every 10–15 years to prevent the sun’s UV radiation from degrading the foam layer to enhance its longevity. As per SPFA guidelines, elastic roof coatings should be applied at a minimum of 20 mils.
2. Foam Density
It is the B component that determines the density of each foam. Commercial roofing has a prescribed density of at least 2.4 psi, which is pounds per square inch. This thickness delivers adequate strength and durability.
3. Resistance to Heat (R-Value)
The R-value determines a material’s ability to resist the flow of heat. Therefore, consider the spray polyurethane foam roof system, which has the highest R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulator.
4. Reliability & Sustainability
When looking for strength and durability, ensure you go for a spray polyurethane foam roof system that’s stronger with a protective membrane to enhance durability. Spray polyurethane foam roofs, which are more than 1 inch thicker, are proven to be reliable.
5. Qualified Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof System Professionals
Installing a spray polyurethane foam roof requires a high level of product knowledge and the use of sophisticated application equipment and techniques. This can be a challenge since not all contractors are created equal.
Some contractors take years to become experts in spray polyurethane foam roof installation. Therefore, it’s important to vet all the experts you want to award the task of working on your roof. Failure to do due diligence can prove quite costly, with a frequent need for repairs.
To be safe, request industry certifications, case studies, product samples, job references, and any other relevant information that might give you an idea of their level of experience. Some contractors can even walk you to their newly concluded tasks for verification, which is a good idea.
6. The Cost of Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof System
The cost of installing a spray polyurethane foam roof system depends on factors like the size of the roof structure and the thickness of the foam.
Apart from the size and thickness, other factors like coating materials, existing roof condition, and location can determine how much it will cost to install a spray polyurethane foam roof.
However, the spray polyurethane foam roof system has been proven to provide a much faster return on investment since it can reduce construction costs.
Apart from installation costs, there are other costs, such as maintenance, re-coating, routine servicing, and application equipment, including a spray foam rig.
Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof System Installation Process
Before installing spray polyurethane foam roofs, below are four simple steps we start with:
1. Preparing the Surface
The first step is to pressure wash the roof to remove dirt, debris, dust, and other external contaminants to ensure the foam sticks to the roof surface.
2. Applying Polyurethane Foam to the Roof Surface
Once we’re done washing the surface, we proceed to apply polyurethane foam on the roof surface at a thickness of 1 inch or more. Adequate thickness offers more insulation and protection for the roof surface. Varying thickness can also be used to create slopes on different sections of the roof surface for perfect drainage.
3. Roof Coating with Elastic Materials
The spray polyurethane foam roof must be coated with an elastic roof coating to protect the roof surface from UV rays. The coating can be applied more than once to ensure equal coverage and thickness of the roof surface.
4. Applying Roofing Materials
Finally, it is important to apply durable elastic materials to the roofing surface to harden and protect it against UV and ensure longevity for spray polyurethane foam roof systems.
Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof System Maintenance and Repair
Spray polyurethane foam roof systems are easy to maintain. In case of minor damages, it’s usually repaired with roofing-grade mastic or specialized sealant. But if the damage is severe or extreme, extensive repairs must be done to ensure the roof system retains its waterproof qualities and to protect the foam membrane from the sun’s UV rays.
Therefore, doing scheduled maintenance of a spray polyurethane foam roof is worth it for any commercial roof to prevent minor problems such as dust, dirt, debris, and other external damages.
It’s advisable to undertake maintenance of your spray polyurethane foam roof during the spring and fall seasons in preparation for the summer and winter seasons. For expert roof maintenance and repairs, you need to consult with experienced spray polyurethane foam roof contractors.
Re-coating Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof System
Spray foam roofs sometimes last up to 30 years. However, that only happens when the installation is done properly, and maintenance is taken seriously. To achieve excellent results, you need to coat the spray polyurethane foam roof after every 10 to 15 years. This adds an extra layer, keeping it in good condition for longer.
In modern commercial roofing, spray polyurethane foam roof systems are the way to go. With proper installation and routine maintenance, SPF systems provide more qualities such as durability, lightweight, waterproof, and protective membrane compared to other standard roofing materials.
Free Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof System Inspection in Wisconsin
Yutzy Roofing Services is a commercial roofing restoration specialist that has been servicing the needs of commercial property owners in Wisconsin, Appleton, Madison, Wausau, Eau Claire, Fond Du Lac, and Green Bay WI for many years. We are fully licensed and insured, and our team of experienced professionals is here to assist with all of your commercial roofing restoration needs. Call Yutzy Roofing Service today at 715-897-5017 to schedule a free inspection or consultation.