Maintaining Your Foam Roof

Foam roofing is a durable, lasting, lightweight covering that can be applied to your roof. The unique nature of a foam roof makes it compatible with any type of roof. Good for both commercial and residential structures, foam coverings offer the following benefits:

• They insulate your building and help provide more controlled temperatures, crucial in the hot Arizona climate.
• Once applied, foam roofing material helps block outside noises, offering a quieter interior.
• As an additional layer of protection, foam roofing can help eliminate leaks.

But like any other structural investment, foam roofing does require maintenance. How can you keep your foam roof looking and functioning as well as the day it was applied? Read on to find out what you need to do to properly maintain your foam roof.

Regular Inspection

Once your foam roof is installed, you need to perform regular inspections to verify it is in peak condition. You should have at least two inspections made every year. Look out for cracks, breaks, punctures, and warped or wavy sections. Always try to remove any visible, large debris from the roof as soon as possible, especially after a storm.

Regular, thorough inspections will prevent minor damage from degrading into widespread damage, roof failure, and leaks. Once an area of damage is identified, it is usually easily repaired. Read on to learn how simple this is to achieve.

Repairs

Fixing damaged spray foam roofs requires a particular process. For minor scratches or superficial cracks, a quick application of recoating is all that is necessary. For larger cracks or punctures from missile damage, make sure the area is clean and dry using water and a towel.

Next, cut out any damaged sections. Apply an appropriate caulk mixture into the hole until it is completely filled. Overflow is okay. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may want to have another layer of foam sprayed over this caulk. The most common caulks are polyurethane, acrylic, and silicone. Ask a professional if you do not know which is most compatible with your foam roof.

Repeat this process on any other damage points. If the foam is warped or appears wavy, you may need to cut that section out completely and replace it with a new piece. Although calling a professional for repairs is recommended, the repair process is relatively easy enough to do yourself.

Recoating

Foam roofing is durable enough that the average lifespan is 20 to 30 years. Whether you have just removed and replaced a large section or the lifespan of your roof is approaching its end, you may want to consider recoating the roof. To err on the side of caution, most professionals agree that a recoat should be performed after the first 5 years of initial installation.

Investing in a recoating renews the effectiveness of your foam roof and increases its ability to cancel out noise and resist water. Once recoated properly, the foam roof can last another 20 to 30 years before recoating is needed again. If you try to wait beyond that 20- to 30-year window, the foam roof may be too damaged for a recoating to be effective. In this case, a complete replacement is required.

Foam roofing can be a great investment for your business or house. It’s flexible to apply, easy to maintain, and easy to fix. Now that you are more aware of the importance of regular inspection and the benefits of recoating, talk to a professional about making an investment in your structure’s roof. Visit the experts at SUNVEK for more information about protecting your home in Arizona’s hot, dry climate.