As the leading provider of high-quality foam roofing in Phoenix, AZ, our licensed technicians and project planners entertain hundreds of questions from business owners and residents about the benefits of a foam roof. As a reliable source of information for potential clients, we walk them through the construction and design process to erase any second thoughts. The foam roof is not a new invention, and many commercial, residential, and industrial properties in Phoenix have them for a good reason.

In this explainer, our technicians and various design team members will explain why foam roofing makes an excellent investment for clients who want to achieve their design goals while lowering their energy bills through maintenance savings. We will also detail the physical attributes of a foam roof and how it creates a moisture barrier from your roof surface to your underlayment and insulation materials.

Our team helps numerous customers make the best roofing choices for their properties. If you want more details about foam roofing through an interactive conversation with an expert, contact Pinnacle Roofing at (623) 471-7096 and receive a free consultation today.

What Makes Foam Roofing an Ideal Solution?

Foam roofing originated as a military product with roots tracing back to WWII when mechanics sprayed foam onto the roofs of railcars and other damaged vehicles to patch them up until they could return to a repair facility. Foam roofing consists of a urethane-based solution, a product of an experiment by Otto Bayer in the late 1930s. Today, millions of commercial and residential roofs across America feature sprayed foam, even with its sometimes prohibitive costs.

Foam roofing involves a mixture of polyol and isocyanate. These absorb ambient air and form bubbles in their internal structure, effectively insulating the roof substrate from extreme heat and cold by eliminating direct contact with a freezing or boiling surface. Technicians feed these two ingredients into a specialized spray gun, which heats them into a substance that expands after expulsion. This quality makes foam roofing ideal for roofs with unconventional shapes, HVAC features, and weather-related damage.

Spray foam, usually a component of a five-layer roofing system, consists of the existing decking or roof structure, the spray foam layer, a self-priming base coat protectant, a reflective top coat, and decorative granules. This roofing system proves hardy and durable, capable of lasting for decades through many kinds of adverse weather. While infinitely renewable, SPF layers require protection from ultraviolet light to act as heat and moisture insulators.

The Longevity of Foam Roofing

The longevity of your foam roofing will ultimately depend on your local climate, use case, and upkeep. SPF layers in areas with adverse weather, pollutants, and high-traffic spots like roof decks typically have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, our technicians have decades of experience patching up and maintaining foam roofing older than 55.

According to Dura-Foam, one of the leading manufacturers of environmentally friendly foam roofing and solar installations, most foam roofs can last more than 20 years without professional maintenance. SPF layers with a high-quality top coat and granule finish can last 50 years without damage from surrounding wildlife and storms. If you want to repair or replace your roof with a durable and long-lasting material, foam roofing offers an excellent option.

Low Maintenance Requirements

Foam roofing is flexible and hard wearing, meaning low-grade seismic activities or the settling foundations of your residential or commercial structure will never damage it. SPF layers can form a protective and seamless barrier around your pipes, vents, HVAC units, and other entry points for animals and weather elements on any roof.

Foam roofs have fewer maintenance requirements than bare asphalt shingles, wood sidings, and galvanized metal. Property owners only need to inspect them for chips and dents once a year and recoat them around the five-year mark. Recoating technicians will sanitize your foam roof, repair scuffs from foot traffic, and install a brand-new layer to seal any leaks.

Most foam roofs on residential structures usually do not need maintenance for the rest of their lives after their first recoating. Foam coatings on installations that do not receive direct sunlight, such as underground insulation, can last forever without recoating.

The top coat on your foam roof measures about 10 millimeters thick. When the top coat sustains damage, the sublayers will not require recoating, saving you thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Foam Roofing Is Energy Efficient

The energy efficiency of foam roofing remains its most sought-after quality. Thousands of business owners combine foam roofing with solar cells to reduce their utility bills dramatically. Foam roofing ranks among the most energy-efficient materials on the market, beating out galvanized steel and wood shake by a country mile.

Researchers from Texas A&M surveyed 27 buildings with foam roofs and found that, on average, they recoup investment costs within four and a half years after installation. The United States Armed Forces also applied SPF layers on tents in Iraq, reducing their battery and fuel requirements for cooling and heating. Records show they saved more than $2 million in energy costs daily.

According to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling are responsible for over 56% of your residential energy usage. Installing an SPF layer will seal air leaks and reduce sun-generated heat from your roof, improving the ability of your home to stay cool.

Contact the Experts Today

For more detailed information about foam roofing in Phoenix, contact Pinnacle Roofing at (623) 471-7096 and get a free consultation from our technicians.