Spray foam roof insulation is a relatively recent innovation. Quite a lot of roofing contractors today use spray foam roofing. Homeowners are greatly benefitted from the material’s superior comfort and energy efficiency. Apart from decreasing utility costs and taking care of insufficient insulation, spray foam insulation also retrofits crawl spaces and attics, essentially upgrading their appearance and usability.
Spray Foam Roofing: The Good
Air-Tight Insulation
Spray foam roof insulation is one of a kind. It is the only product in the market that offers an air-tight seal this strong. Its expansive nature makes sure that the material effectively reaches and seals off all gaps and corners that would’ve otherwise been left exposed.
Reduces Utility Bills
Homeowners end up saving a hefty amount on HVAC bills when they choose to get spray foam roofing. Compared to homes (and other properties) without insulation, spray foam has cost benefits of around 50%. Data also says that it saves up to 30% more than other forms of insulation.
Impermeable to Water
Another important attribute of spray foam is that it is impervious to water. Spray foam roof insulation protects your attics and crawl spaces from moisture damage. It is also resistant to absorbing water.
Long-Lasting
As long as the installer follows the manufacturer’s guidelines and homeowners take good care of their spray foam, the material provides commendable longevity. A solid, high-quality one-time installation reduces the need to reinsulate in the future.
Eco-Friendly
Spray foam roofing brings down the energy consumption of a home. It is also resistant to premature wear and tear. In fact, even the production of spray polyurethane foam uses less raw materials and energy, along with being a low carbon emitting process.
Spray Foam Roofing: The Bad
Possibility of Gap Formation
It is true that spray foam is extremely flexible and reaches most cracks and crevices. However, there are some gaps that even spray foam can’t reach. These gaps impact the insulation and cause air leakage.
Insulation May Shrink
Rapid and extreme temperature changes are often responsible for the polyurethane to shrink. The shrinking foam is no longer capable of its formerly superior insulative properties. Fixing this issue requires you to install a second layer of spray foam roofing.
Requires Skilled Installers
It requires a decent amount of experience to get spray foam installation right. As it cures, the material begins to fold on itself. If the installer is not careful, they may miss entire sections.
Spray foam also contains a chemical compound known as isocyanates that can cause irritation to the eyes, lungs, and stomach upon contact.
Costlier than Other Options
Between the material itself and installation costs, spray foam roofing is one of the costliest insulation options available in the market. Spray foam roof insulation costs up to $1.50 per board foot. Given that the material must be 4 inches thick or more, most homeowners end up paying somewhere around $6.00 for a square foot of spray polyurethane foam.
Incorrect Mixing May Render It Toxic
Once it is done curing, spray foam is inert and non-toxic, but if the contractor or even the manufacturer messes up the proper proportion in mixing, there is a risk, however small, that it will continue emitting toxic fumes. In such cases, the home will be unlivable until the spray foam has been scrapped off.
Seal Your Roof with Preferred Roofing
Preferred Roofing is Oklahoma City’s most trusted roofing contractor for commercial and residential projects. Ever since our inception in 1993, we have made sure that our patrons are provided with the best service possible. We stand behind our work. Unlike so many other contractors in OKC, our warranties actually mean something. Get in touch with us at 405-792-2222.