Frequently Asked Questions
R-value measures resistance to heat flow of building materials. SPF is tested by industry standards to provide a nominal value of its “thermal resistance” per inch installed. SPF roof foams typically have R- value from 6.2 to 6.9 per
inch using ASTM C518 method. State and Local building codes specify R value of insulation to be installed on new and recover roof constructions.
Yes, Coated spray foam roofs significantly reduces solar energy absorption in the hot summer. The air sealing and insulating properties of the spray foam prevents most warm air loss through the roof deck during the winter. Heating and cooling systems won’t have to work as hard to regulate indoor temperatures, using less energy and saving you money on energy bills.
Yes, all roofs are should keep people safe and contents dry. SPF roofs are excellent investments because they do such much more. They can perform to 20 year warranty terms or longer; they can significantly reduce heating & cooling costs; they are easily repairable in most cases of normal wear; and they usually pay back that recover roof
investment quickly.
Yes, an SPF roof is walkable 15 minutes after new foam installation and gets tougher after 24 hours of cure. Best practice is to install granulated walkways or roof walk pads over high foot traffic areas.
Yes, in most cases, if you have an existing single roof system on your building and it is a dry, fully adhered and intact roof substrate.
SPF systems can last decades, if properly installed, well maintained and re-coated with more roof coating as
necessary. SPF systems provide seamless and insulated roofs that mitigate normal building thermal expansion. SPF
roofs have performance warranties up to 20 years.
SPF roofs installed by GCMC approved applicators use SPFA techniques to control machine output, spray pattern, spray distance, spray gun angle and movement speed to deliver the correct thickness and taper to drain. SPF applicators monitor field conditions like deck temperature & wind speed to field contour the spray foam smoothly, flat and evenly across the entire roof surface.
SPF roof systems perform exceptionally well as weatherproofing in all climate zones due to its fully adhered, seamless and superior insulating capabilities. SPF roofs are tough, resilient and in most cases easily repairable from abuse and excessive wear; SPF can withstand 40 psi of compression impact.
Usually, no leaks. Simple punctures can be easily sealed with exterior caulk or roof mastic. Surface cuts can be repaired with more coating or reinforced with embedded roof fabric without voiding most warranties.
SPF roofs are initial good investment with low cost routine maintenance, but with added benefit to be renewable with another re-coat of roof coating to extend service life. The renewable re-coat feature eliminates the requirement
for full tear off and replacement like other traditional roof systems at end of service life.
YES, spray foam excels in low slope condition as installers can build proper slope and create positive drainage flow to prevent troublesome ponding. As a seamless and self flashing roof system, SPF roof don’t have weak laps or poorly welded seam areas to allow rain to enter into the structure.
Silicone polymers have excellent UV resistance and superior performance in cold and damp climates. Silicones are easy to roll out and are moisture cure coatings.
Acrylics, Silicones and Urethanes can keep your building dry and roof performing as weatherproof if properly
installed and maintained for years. Urethanes are extremely tough and its hard surface has low dirt pick up.
Silicones are fantastic over metal substrates and ideal in cold or damp conditions. Acrylic are easiest to install, simple to renew and most cost effective.
Acrylic roof coatings can be applied over most older roofs without additional tear off costs and needing to install an expensive new roof. Extend your roof and keep it performing for reasonable investment. Acrylic coatings have excellent solar reflectance keeping energy costs lower and can seal up & reinforce most existing roof types.
3 reasons: UV rays wearing out roof materials and causing excessive building expansion, other trades abusing & puncturing a performing roof, and neglected maintenance over long periods leading to ponding & drainage issues. SPF roofs with sufficient roof coating hold up to service term, reduce building expansion as thermal break insulation, seamless and fully adhered method hold up better to simple abuse and are easily repairable. Additionally, with
proper slope installed by SPF roofers can reduce the potential ponding, if one keeps the drains clear and functional.
Roof restoration can save you a costly tear off, new material costs, and labor fees to replace your existing roof. Roof coating systems restore your roof and can save you 50-70% rather than replacing your entire roof. Installation is quick and non-disruptive, allowing your business to remain open during application.
Basic Leaks, clogged drains, broken blisters, rusted metal flashings or small water ponding should be addressed for immediate repair under a good maintenance program. If you notice roof cracking, deep cuts, significant holes, split seams, scrim exposure or excessive granule loss (for BUR roofs) you should contact a roofing professional to evaluate
if restoration possible. Best to restore older but performing roofs near service life. However, always replace failed, water saturated or unsound roofs with new roofs.
Spray Polyurethane Foam roofs can be re-coated with additional roof coatings. Traditional roof systems like BUR, Metal or Mod Bit, and Single Ply membranes can be restored with Acrylics, Silicones and Urethanes.
Elastomeric is common industry term for flexible roof coatings usually referring to acrylics. However, most roof coatings have excellent film properties to stretch 100% or more, bend easily in colder conditions without cracking or resist simple tearing.
Coatings can be installed over flat, vertical or low slope designs. Best performance for roof coatings are in positive slope and adequate drainage conditions. Some roof coatings like acrylics provide improved traction in wet or stepper slopes. Silicone can have less traction in wet conditions and perhaps best used in 3:12 or less slopes, but excel in a flat roofs or cold climates.
Generally, if one installs more roof coating thickness the longer the system will perform. Other factors like type of roof coating, use of local reinforcement over seams or installing over spray foam will enhance its durability. Roof Coating systems can last up to 10 – 20 years with proper and routine roof maintenance before needing a re-coat.