SPF roofing, when sprayed as a liquid onto a roofing surface, will expand and harden to form a foam. This foam boasts an impressive 50 year life span and is highly resistant to the cold and heat.
I have written a more extensive guide on what this roofing material is and the great benefits it offers you should you choose to install it. I will link that here. I have also written a point-based pros and cons article that I would highly recommend you read.
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- Step 1: Cleaning and pre-installation.
- Step 2: Foam layer installation.
- Step 3: Base coat installation.
- Step 4: Topcoat finishing.
This roofing material is an excellent option if you are looking for a new roof or are wanting to replace your current one. It is easy to install, environmentally friendly, and you do not need to remove your old roofing material, saving you money!
I usually like to include a guide on how to do this type of work yourself. While with this roof, it is possible to install with a spray foam roofing kit, it would be better for you to get a professional contractor out to do the work for you. Due to the way you would install this material, if done wrong, you may cause severe damage to your building or even vehicles nearby.
Step 1: Cleaning and pre-installation.
Before installation can begin, the roof needs to be completely dry and clean. You need the foam to adhere entirely to the roof, and any dirt leftover on the roof is going to hinder this from happening.
One great pro with this roofing material is that the older roofing material does not need to be removed before installing the foam as it can stick right onto this material. All that is needed beforehand is for the surface to be completely clean.
Pre-installation starts with masking and taping off any areas you do not want the foam to go. For example; Air ducts, air-conditioning units, and around the edge of the roof to prevent overs-spray as much as possible. That is one of the main reasons that I recommend using an SPF roofing professional for the installation. The pre-installation process is essential and needs to be carried out with the utmost care.
Step 2: Foam layer installation.
The first layer to be installed is the foam layer. It is sprayed on as a liquid that will then expand to form a hard foam — installing this layer evenly and correctly is crucial for the integrity of the roof. You want to make sure you have covered the entire surface of the roof. Any gaps or faults in this layer could be detrimental to the overall health of the roof and could allow cracks or leaks to form.
That is your most significant risk of over-spray. A screen should be held close by during application to avoid the foam getting onto unwanted surfaces. Your contractor should have a guarantee of this and cover any damages caused. Make sure you bring this up with your contractor before you give the go-ahead for the work to begin.
Step 3: Base coat installation.
Next, on top of the foam, you will apply a base coat. That is the next defense you have against water and seals the foam insulation layer to protect it against the sun and rain.
This coat is usually a grey color that reflects the light away from the surface, reducing the chances of cracks forming on the top two layers.
Step 4: Topcoat finishing.
A final silicone coating is applied last; this is a robust and durable surface that is ideal for a topcoat. It protects the foam from the elements and keeps it water proof. It is this layer that you will want to keep an eye on; if there are any cracks or breaks during its lifespan, I would recommend that you get this treated immediately to reduce any other damages that may be caused to the roof should it be left for an extended time.
As you can see from the above, there are very few steps to follow when installing this roofing material. However, don’t let that fool you, a lot more care and precision are needed to take place for it to work efficiently and correctly. It takes many years of experience to install this material correctly. It is for these reasons that I only recommend roofing professionals that are experienced with the product and would not advise anyone to do this work themselves.
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Jack French is the CEO of EZPZ Roofing. He has over 10 years of experience in the construction industry and has been with EZPZ since its inception. Jack is a hard worker and a natural leader. He takes great pride in his work and always puts the customer first.