Polyurethane spray foams roof, sometimes referred to as spray on roofs, have several advantages. These include:
Spray on Roofs Eliminate Flashing leaks
Because a spray foam roof conforms to the substrate when installed, this seamless system is ideal for flashing parapet walls, equipment, skylights, and cooling towers. Many roof leaks are caused by faulty flashing, and spray foam roofs solves this problem.
Spray Foam Roofs can Eliminate Troublesome Ponding Water
In re-roofing applications, ponding water may be eliminated by adding an increased thickness of roof insulation, called spray foam, in low areas. Building up the low areas and sloping the roof so that it drains properly will eliminate ponding water. It will also help reduce additional weight load caused by this water accumulation.
Spray on Roofs are Lightweight and are Excellent Roof Insulation
The weight of roof insulation is around 3 pounds per cubic foot. One inch of polyurethane foam roofing weighs approximately 60 pounds per 100 square feet. This is considerably less when compared to approximately 600 pounds per 100 square feet for a conventional, four-ply, built-up roofing system. This makes a spray foam roof system ideal for re-roofing, as it is possible to apply over an existing built-up roof without removing it.
Benefits of Roof Coatings
Spray Foam Roofs have the Highest “R” Value
Spray foam roofs has an aged “R” value of 6.2 – 6.5, enabling it to provide more thermal resistance with less material than any other roof insulation. In most cases, a spray polyurethane foam roof will pay for itself in 5-8 years in energy savings.
Foam Roof Insulation is Chemically Stable
Spray foam for roof insulation is inert, but this type of roof insulation has to be protected from sunlight by a U.V. resistant elastomeric roof coating system. A spray foam roof is odorless, resists attack by either mildew or fungi and has no nutritional value. There are no bad odors for you or your neighbors while spray foam roofing is being applied.
Foam Roofs Minimizes Thermal Shock
Due to characteristic such as being seamless, having a high “R” value, and being protected by a white elastomeric coating, spray foam roofing is able to greatly reduce the effects of thermal shock on a structure.
Spray on Roofs have Great Versatility
Spray foam roofs can be used on both new constructions, as well as to replace old roofs. Spray foam can be applied to flat, pitched, saw-toothed, and domed or having unusual slopes or configurations. Spray foam is also an ideal spray application for tanks, freezers, coolers, piping, ductwork and various other odd jobs.
How Roof Coatings Lower Roof Temperatures
Spray Foam Roofs are Rigid
While spray foam roofs are very lightweight, these spray on roofs are also strong and will not pack down or sag.
Foam Roofs are Flexible
Spray on roofs have the ability to withstand normal expansion and contraction without affecting the ability to keep the structure protected from the outside elements.
Spray on Roofs are Watertight
Spray foam roofs are composed of billions of minute closed cells which resist the penetration of water and vapors. It must, however, be protected by an elastomeric roof coating or crushed rock for use in an outdoor environment.
Benefits of Roof Coatings
Spray Foam Roofs are Long Lasting
The elastomeric roof coating system, which protects the spray roof insulation, can be rejuvenated by the re-application of additional roof coatings. This doesn’t take place until the initial coatings system has weathered after many years of service. The normal wear of a quality coating has a life span of about 15-20 years.
Foam Roofs have Little Disruption to Building Owner
A spray foam roof system can be applied in a relatively short period of time with little or no disruption of building operations. This is due to little or no tear off of the existing roof, and little manpower needed to apply the spray foam roof. Tillotson typically uses spray polyurethane foam roofing systems manufactured by BASF Chemical or Conklin Roofing Systems, who are leaders in the field. Tillotson staff are manufacturer trained and certified by both companies.
Spray on Roofs are Easy to Maintain
Minor repairs or modifications to a spray foam roof system can be made by in-house maintenance personnel at minimal cost.