First responders are essential in our communities. During these unprecedented times, however, firefighters, police and EMTs are even more critical. These people’s ability to respond to emergencies is of the utmost importance. Providing a sanitary, leak-free, and safe building for first responders is vital to ensuring that emergency response times aren’t delayed and interior mold issues don’t arise that could compromise their health.
Fire and police stations’ roofs are often old and have been repaired many times over the years. First responder buildings are critical, but tax-funded budgets are limited and set for many years. A leaking roof may be a good candidate for a spray foam recover even if not addressed immediately. When new budgets are approved and planning begins for capital improvements is the perfect time to counsel the facility director on the waterproofing benefits and life cycle costs of a spray foam roof.
Spray foam is a field-applied continuous membrane that is installed to roofs by professionally trained contractors using specialized equipment. This method ensures that the foam seals every crack and fills all crevices of the existing roof. Once sprayed, the cellular foam expands to roughly 30 times its original liquid volume and forms a monolithic surface measuring up to two inches thick.
This type of roofing system is a real fully adhered membrane, because when properly applied, the durable foam conforms and bonds to all decks and substrates, forming a seamless, monolithic barrier.
Depending on the situation and existing substrate, spray foam can often be applied directly to the existing roof without the need for tear off – saving municipalities time and money, and lengthening the service life of the original roof by 10 – 20 years. This also means minimal disruption to occupants and buildings can remain operational during the application – a critical consideration for first responders. Studies also show that the average payback period for a new foam roof can be reached in as little as five years, another important benefit to budget-conscious municipal directors.
There are many other advantages to this system as well:
As I mentioned in my last blog post, roofing contractors play an important role during these unprecedented times. In addition to being deemed essential, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on your municipalities through the installation of spray foam roofing systems on first responder buildings that have old, leaking roofs.
Stay strong, we’re all in this together. #InThisTogether #FirstResponders