How to Perform a Successful Spray Foam Roof Installation

Whether you own a house or a building, it’s essential to keep everything in top shape to minimize repair bill costs. However, if you have a problematic roof that won’t stop leaking, you’ve probably been on the search for a solution to plug the leaks effectively, which should put a stop to the never-ending repairs. While the answer may lie in getting a new roofing system, it’s often a costly investment that may not fit in your current budget.

Fortunately, a spray foam roof is a seamless solution that seals your roof against moisture. However, it works differently from other roof systems, as you won’t get to see the final product before it gets installed. As suggested by the name, spray foam roofs must be spray-applied, which means you won’t see how it looks until it’s officially applied on your roof. That may make you feel antsy about investing your hard-earned money into a new roofing system that you can’t inspect before application. Luckily, there are a few tricks to guarantee its success.

Here’s what you need to know about performing a successful spray foam roof installation:

What a Good Spray Foam Roof Looks Like

To identify a good spray foam roof, you’ll want to look for a smooth final product. It must completely cover the roof and enclose the pipe, creating a uniform layer. There shouldn’t be any seams, or else leaks may seep through and start entering the building. There shouldn’t be any discolorations, blisters, or uneven areas where the coating doesn’t protect the roof. 

Even though the spray is usually yellow, it will dry to a grey hue. If you see exposed yellow areas, that is a sign of an improperly executed spray foam roof job. 

How to Install a Spray Foam Roof Successfully

It’s best to entrust the installation process to a seasoned professional. However, knowing the steps involved will allow you to prepare and ensure that the spray foam roof is installed successfully.

  • Identify and Remove Saturated Areas

Before getting started, you must remove all saturated areas on your roof. If these are covered by spray foam, the water will move elsewhere, resulting in blisters in your new spray foam roof. However, a contractor can identify these areas and replace them to begin the installation process.

  • Clean and Dry the Roof

After making sure your roof is completely free of saturated areas, the contractor will clean and dry it, usually by power washing. Ensuring that the roof is clean and free of contaminants will help the spray roof foam adhere to your roof. After that, your roof will sit overnight to dry.

  • Begin the Installation Process

The next step is to start installing the spray foam roof. It is made of two materials, an isocyanate and a polyol resin, which will arrive at the building in two separate barrels to be pumped by a machine. It will heat the material and push it to the mixing gun, which will mix the two substances and create the spray foam.

The contractor will then apply the foam over your roof, ensuring that it covers all crevices to create a singular, seamless layer. Depending on what you need, the contractor can install it at a consistent thickness or taper it at the ends. The foam roof is usually 1.5 to 2.5 inches, but it also depends on what you need and your roof’s slope.

  • Apply Protective Coating

After the contractor installs the foam, they must apply a protective coating to shield the foam from the sun’s UV rays. If this isn’t done within 72 hours, the foam will degrade, ruining the entire system. 

Conclusion

Investing in a spray foam roof can put an end to your leaking roof and effectively put a stop to the countless repairs you’ve performed on it. Now that you know how to identify a well-executed spray foam roof job and its installation process, you can consider it as a long-term solution to protect your roof and prevent water damage from wrecking your home.

American Foam Experts is the leading family-owned spray polyurethane foam roofing company. We specialize in SPF roofing and other applications for residential, commercial, and specialty applications. Contact us today for a free quote!