Roofing systems take abuse and have to be maintained. Pitched roofs are fundamentally built to shed water and keep snow from piling up.
As a result, sloped roofs that utilize asphalt shingles, tiles, or wood shakes are designed to work similar to fish scales – overlapping each other to shed the water and snow.
Flat surfaces require different coverings and this article will discuss three options for flat roofs.
Flat roofing systems aren’t built that way. With extremely low slopes (between 1/4″ to 1/2″ per foot, if installed the right way), flat roofs don’t shed water easily. Flat roofs are good systems if done right. They do have some common issues that can be prevented if they are installed by a good roofing company.
Flat roofing systems are built as a monolithic roof surface and will have times where water is pooling and standing. There are 3 main options for flat roofs including Built-Up Roofing (BUR), Modified Bitumen Roofing, and Membrane or ‘Single-Ply’ Roofing (such as EPDM).
EPDM is the latest flat roof technology (around 55 years) and BUR is the oldest (about 120 years). Modified Bitumen is between the others (+/- 60 years). Here are the pluses and minuses of each flat roofing system.
Built-up roofing (BUR) was the most commonly installed type of flat roof until single-ply roofing and modified Bitumen came along.
BUR uses tar and gravel for a watertight layer on top of the roof. Some of its biggest benefits include longevity, the thick coverage of the roof deck, and high resistance to damage.
It’s a costly choice for a residential property, and some of the odors that come with tar and gravel can be bothersome. Here are some additional pluses and minuses of built-up roofing:
Pluses
Minuses
It didn’t take long for the public to move away from the mess, heat, and odors of installing a BUR roof. But, for a long time, it was the only option. In the early 1960s, a new technology was developed – modified bitumen roofing (MBR).
It leveraged the proven performance of BUR and added roof wear layers or cap sheets that were polymer reinforced for strength and durability.
Pluses
Minuses
There are a few types of rubber/polymer membrane roofing systems – PVC, Neoprene, EPDM and several others. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is used the most, especially for residential projects.
EPDM is constructed of recycled rubber materials, making it environmentally friendly. It helps to insulate your roof and attic.
In addition to covering your roof, it will bring down utility costs and make it economically viable as well. It comes in a large variety of textures and colors.
Pluses
Minuses
Remember to maintain your flat roofs, repair them if it needs repairs, and get them inspected every 5 years or so!
Your roof plays a huge role in protecting your property and everything inside that you own. Anytime the roof’s structure is in trouble, you need to take action right away to fix the issue.
If you don’t fix a damaged roof, it can lead to big problems and expensive repairs down the road. This article will discuss the things you should consider before installing a shingle roof.
Some people like to keep the costs down by doing part or all of the job themselves.
Most of the time, it’s safer to hire professional, experienced roofing contractors because they have valuable knowledge and experience as well as training in the appropriate materials to use, proper installation, safety procedures, building code requirements, and waste disposal.
Here are some tips for hiring the right contractor:
Most cities and local governments will require permits for roofing work. Most roofing contractors will do the basic work for obtaining these permits, but you should know what the costs and time frames for permits are beforehand.
This way you can add these expenses to your budget and the additional time to the project’s schedule — the sooner you know these time frames and costs, the better.
Some roofing contractors might propose you leave your old roof in place and consider installing a shingle roof on top of it. It will save money but you should avoid this.
When an old roof is removed, the roofing contractor can inspect the decking and other areas for any possible structural damage that may exist. You could be creating a more costly repair by adding a new roof without removing the old one.
There are a lot of roofing materials to pick from, like wooden shakes, clay, metal, and slate.
Asphalt shingles are a happy medium for many property owners because they come in lots of shapes and colors, they’re the most affordable, the easiest to install, and usually last for 15-20 years.
Schedule your roof repair or replacement during a time when weather in your area is most favorable. Most roofing projects will be completed in a week to a few days if the weather is permitting.
Some roofers give discounts if you schedule the project during their slow season, so make plans ahead of time with your scheduling and you could save yourself a lot of money.
Tile roofing is most commonly installed on Southwest and Mediterranean-style homes. These aesthetically pleasing tiles are generally made of clay, concrete, or slate.
However, the benefits of a tile roof are more than just good looks; choosing the right tile can help improve the house's value and help when you sell your house.
Familiarize yourself with the selling points that make them such popular roofing options. Weigh those strengths against key factors to decide whether or not your home can benefit from a tile roof. You
(See our tile innovations post)
Clay, concrete, and slate roofs are extremely resistant to fire and resist rot, bugs, and most other pests. Most tile roofing will hold up to extreme heat and cold, making it great for use in almost any climate. Usually, the underlayment needs to be replaced every 20 years. This is how underlayment is replaced.
Clay tiles are especially resistant to corrosion from the salty air, which makes them an excellent choice for properties located in coastal areas.
Many kinds of roofing tiles can also brag of superior impact resistance, which makes them a superior option in areas that experience severe storms with hail or high winds.
Most tile roofs are found in the warmer regions of our country, but they can be utilized in colder areas, too.
When you’re installing a clay or concrete tile roof in a region with a colder climate, however, you should require materials designed to handle the expansion that occurs with freezing and thawing cycles.
Quite frankly, people are the biggest threat to tile roofs. The tiles are not typically designed to handle foot traffic and are prone to be being broken or chipped when people walk on them and are careless.
This is why it's important to hire an experienced, professional roofing contractor to do any repairs or maintenance on or around a tile roof – including cleaning gutters, maintaining chimney and other protrusion flashing, and routine regular inspections.
A roof made of concrete, clay, or slate could be the last roof you will ever need on your home. Clay or slate tiles can last as long as 100 years, while most concrete tile comes with a 50-year warranty.
Slate is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials of all, with a lifespan of 100 to 150 years or more.
Concrete and clay tiles usually feature natural earth tones, a sand-cast or unglazed finish, and a classic curved shape.
However, their design isn’t limited to just these Southwestern and Mediterranean benchmarks. Their casting allows for a lot of different style options which will suit just about any type of architectural taste.
Both concrete and clay tiles come in a large array of colors and can have glazed or unglazed finishes. The most common shapes are flat, fluted, and interlocking which can be used in a wide variety of home designs.
Some tiles are made to look like wood shakes, for use in craftsman, rustic, and log homes. Others are designed to mimic traditional European properties.
Natural slate tiles are used often as the roofing system of choice for victorian, colonial, and Tudor architecture. They also look great on sleek, modern, contemporary homes.
Slate tiles give the distinct appearance of natural stone and have a lot of advantages that clay and concrete tiles have, including durability and long lifespans.
They’re very popular in northern Europe and are often found in victorian and Tudor-style homes in the US.
Tile roofs are one of the most expensive upfronts for both materials and labor. Slate, as an example, can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per square (which is a 10-foot-by-10-foot section of roofing) installed and a tile roofing contractor that has experience working with the high-end material may also require more.
However, over their long lifespan, concrete, clay, and slate tiles will offset their initial cost. Because of a high thermal mass, tiles do a great job of regulating the temperature of your property, thus helping you lower heating and cooling expenses.
The durability and longevity of clay, concrete, and slate also mean that you save a lot of money by not having to replace your roof multiple times over the lifespan of your home.
As an added benefit in today's eco-friendly world, all of the materials used are environmentally friendly, easily recycled.
However, like any great roofing system, there are drawbacks and problems. For example, the trim tiles fall off after a while.
Spray foam roofing (SPF) is an excellent choice for a flat roof because of its insulation properties and seamlessness.
It has a long lifespan if it's been installed correctly, which takes skill and special equipment for the project. Throw your favorite coffee pod into your coffee maker and learn about foam roofs.
Mistakes to Avoid in SPF Installation
Spray foam roofing sounds easy enough. Two ingredients are mixed using special equipment attached to a truck or trailer. A chemical reaction starts as soon as the ingredients are mixed together.
Heated hoses bring the mixture forward to a spray gun, which is used to apply the foam to the roof with a thickness of 1 to 2 inches. The liquid then foams, expands, and hardens.
An elastomeric coating is applied to protect the foam from UV rays.
This installation takes skill and experience. The equipment is too specialized for a one-off job. Only an experienced pro will be able to mix the components correctly, at the right temperature, and apply the liquid properly while anticipating how much the foam will expand.
This is a widely recognized and highly effective building envelope material, with roofing systems being one of the main application categories.
A high-performance product with a lot of incredible benefits, spray foam has gained popularity with builders and roofing contractors.
Like a lot of building products, installation should always be performed by a professional, experienced installer utilizing correct handling and installation techniques, with safety precautions employed and followed.
The foam serves dual purposes as a protective roofing material and as a thermal insulation solution. A roof’s main purpose is to protect what is underneath it. SPF roofing systems provide durable protection for the structure and personal items contained below.
It's lightweight, as most SPF roof systems, weigh less than a pound per square foot. Its also seamless and self-flashing, and highly resistant to severe weather, wind, and foot traffic.
Once installed, it requires minimal maintenance, providing more strength to the roofing system. It works well in most of the country’s geographic regions and climates.
It also works well as both an air and moisture barrier. Not only does it protect against water and moisture intrusion, but it also reduces air movement through the roof system, which improves indoor air quality and lowers the energy use of the building.
Because the roof of a building is a big source of heat loss, the insulating qualities of the SPF help to provide excellent indoor temperatures and energy efficiency. As a thermal insulator, it has one of the highest R-values per inch of all roofing insulations.
And, because spray foam has fully adhered to, there are no thermal intrusions from fasteners. Keeping heat inside the property during colder months and keeping heat out in warmer months.
It reduces heating and air conditioning demands, which lowers energy expenses during its lifespan, which can be 30 to 50 years with the right maintenance. In warmer areas, reflective roof coatings can also be added over the SPF to further reduce cooling expenses.
Roof performance isn’t measured by just one factor (like R-value). Rather, the success of a roofing system is accomplished by reviewing combined considerations for air movement, moisture control, health, safety, durability, occupant comfort, and energy efficiency. An SPF roof scores high marks in all of these categories.
Watch out for the myths of foam roofing and makes sure that you are getting your roof maintained!
Before hiring a roof replacement contractor, the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) recommends checking that its crew members are licensed and insured. Ask the roofer to produce a copy of their proof of insurance.
The contractor may also need to pull permits depending on the city you live in, which can add several hundred dollars onto the estimate. As an example, a permit to replace a roof on a 1,350-square-foot home can cost between $150 and $500.
| Roof Size | House Size | Average Roof Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq.ft. | 667 sq.ft. | $3,500 - $9,000 |
| 1,200 sq.ft. | 800 sq.ft. | $4,200 - $10,800 |
| 1,350 sq.ft. | 900 sq.ft. | $4,725 - $12,150 |
| 1,500 sq.ft. | 1,000 sq.ft. | $5,250 - $13,500 |
| 2,000 sq.ft. | 1,333 sq.ft. | $7,000 - $18,000 |
| 2,200 sq.ft. | 1,467 sq.ft. | $7,700 - $19,800 |
| 3,750 sq.ft. | 2,500 sq.ft. | $13,125 - $33,750 |
| 4,500 sq.ft. | 3,000 sq.ft. | $15,750 - $40,500 |
The roof replacement contractor should also be familiar with local building codes, which might include the kinds of shingles or tiles allowed in a particular neighborhood or regulations regarding the underlayment.
Get multiple quotes and don’t be swayed by just the price. An estimate that's too low could be a sign the company isn't operating legally. Check their online reviews. The bottom line is to make sure the contractor has a good reputation.
Most roofers guarantee the work they do, usually for between five and 10 years for their workmanship. This will typically cover leakage or total failure, but won’t cover general wear and tear or damage from storms. Some companies offer 25-year warranties, but those typically apply to specific high-end roof products and require certain installation procedures.
Replacing a roof is one of the biggest and most costly projects a homeowner can take on.
Roofing companies look at a lot of variables to determine the price of a new roof, including its size, pitch, accessibility, and cost of materials. Because of this, prices for a new roof can vary drastically.
The national average range for replacing a roof is between $7,000 and $24,000, with most people paying around $14,000 for replacing 2,000 sq. ft. of architectural shingles on a 2-story home. The project’s low cost is $3,500 for 1,000 sq. ft. of asphalt shingles on a single-story home.
The highest cost can be up to $44,000 for installing 2,000 sq. ft. of slate shingles on a 2-story home with deck reinforcement. This is of 2022
Calls to contractors show that prices can vary from $5,500 to $12,000 to tear off and replace a roof with basic shingles in 2018. Prices can also vary greatly depending on where you live.
Water damage can also factor into the final expense of a roofing project. Usually, you won’t find water damage until after the roofer has removed the roofing materials and the deck is exposed.
If there’s significant water damage, it can change the project from a roof repair to a roof replacement.
Another factor affecting the price is whether your home has chimneys, skylights, or other protrusions.
They will increase the cost and scope of the project, as your roofing contractor will need to work around them. The cost of repairing flashing around a chimney can range from $500 to $1000 while repairing it around the skylight can average between $500 and $1000.
You might be able to save some money by overlaying an existing roof, instead of replacing it. But doing this can lower the lifespan of the new roof and could void warranties you'd have on labor and materials.
Here are the main factors:
Roof Size
A roof’s size is the largest cost factor. Roofers charge per roofing square. A 10-by-10-foot (100 square feet) area is equal to one roofing square. So, a 3000 sq. ft roof is equal to 30 squares.
Pitch of the Roof
Another variable in pricing is the pitch of the roof or the slope. Some roofs have a high pitch, while others have a low pitch or no pitch at all — all factors which affect the cost of the roofing estimate.
A roof with a pitch of about a 7:12 ratio — the first number represents the height and the second the length — or higher isn’t walkable and will probably require more safety harnesses and equipment. A 7:12 roof, as an example, means that for every 12 inches it runs horizontally, the roof rises 7 inches vertically.
A roof of 7:12 or greater is a pretty steep roof, and roof replacement contractors will charge more to work on this type of roof. The work goes more slowly with a steep roof.
You can’t stack materials on the roof, and crew members will need to wear harnesses. Because of these difficulties and because the roofing company will pay more in insurance costs, their quote is adjusted accordingly.
| Pitch | Average Replacement Costs per Sq.Ft. (Labor Included) |
|---|---|
| Flat | $4.50 - $7 |
| Low Slope | $4.50 - $7 |
| Conventional Slope | $3.50 - $9 |
| Steep Slope | $5 - $12 |
Accessibility to the Roof
Can the roofer get a truck close to the house? Can they back the truck up against the house? If not, they’ll have to carry the materials to and from the trucks. That will cause more costs for the roofing contractor and will make the project more expensive. Tearing off a heavier roof can also increase labor costs.
Type of Roofing Material
It costs from $3 - $6 a square foot to remove and replace the roof or $6,00-$12,000 for 2,000 Sq.Ft.Roof.
square foot ranch-style home, with a gentle slope, on average. The cost and labor for an asphalt roof for a 1,200-square-foot house in larger markets across the country range between $4,500 and $7,000. Asphalt is the most affordable roofing option, followed by wood, metal, tile, and slate.
| Material | Cost per Sq.Ft. (Labor Included) | Cost for a 2,000 Sq.Ft. Roof |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingle | $3 - $6 | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Vinyl (PVC) | $3 - $8 | $6,000 - $16,000 |
| Plastic | $3 - $8 | $6,000 - $16,000 |
| Bitumen | $4 - $8 | $8,000 - $16,000 |
| Concrete Tile | $4 - $20 | $8,000 - $40,000 |
| Metal | $4 - $30 | $8,000 - $60,000 |
| Rubber | $5 - $13 | $10,000 - $26,000 |
| Architectural Shingles | $7 - $15 | $14,000 - $30,000 |
| Cedar | $8 - $12 | $16,000 - $24,000 |
| Composite | $8 - $15 | $16,000 - $30,000 |
| Clay | $10 - $25 | $20,000 - $50,000 |
| Green | $10 - $35 | $20,000 - $70,000 |
| Solar | $12 - $25 | $24,000 - $50,000 |
| Slate | $15 - $25 | $30,000 - $50,000 |
The cost per square foot for a wood shingle roof is between $8 and $12. That equates to about $16,00 to $24,00 per 2,000 square feet, which is twenty squares.
Materials for a metal roof can cost upwards of $800 per 2,000 square feet. The price can be twice as much for a metal roof compared to asphalt shingles, and as much as four or five times more for slate.
While good asphalt shingles may last 20 or more years, metal, tile, and slate may last 30 or more years, which can play a role in determining the type of roof you ultimately choose.
The material prices for roofing and construction have gone up dramatically in the last few years. We have seen it trickle across many industries including property management. Roof maintenance costs and other common home maintenance costs have gone up. This is because companies are raising their prices to adjust for inflation and rising material costs.
The Local Experts From SGI | Phoenix AZ | Property Management
Mikku and Sons Roofing (623) 465-1068 provides quality roof replacement, roof installation, and roof repair services to Phoenix AZ, and the surrounding Phoenix communities. We’ve been a reputable, quality roofing contractor since 2001. If you need honest advice regarding your roofing project, give us a call.
Is it time to replace the roof on your house or commercial building? If you are, there’s some do’s and don’t’s that you’ll want to remember. Having an intact roof that your property can rely on is critical, as it’s the first defense against severe storms. The following roof replacement tips are essential when making this decision.
If you don’t know your the condition your roof is in, you can look for several different warning signs. Look to see if there are any signs of water damage or spots that are leaking. Are there any spots where it looks like its sagging? Can you detect any outside light shining through in the attic? Are there any dark spots or water trails that show?
There is no such thing as a common roofing job, so any discussion about roofing expenses needs to point that out. There are many factors that will effect what a new roof cost might be including roof pitch and size, materials, damage level, accessibility and more.
Your neighbor may have totally different criteria for a new roof than yours. As an example, your roof could be more weather damaged and worn, besides the differences in pitch and size. Also, you might want to add additional features like solar shingles or dormer windows that allow more light into your attic.
The ease of access and the number of stories your property have will affect your estimate. If your property is two stories or more, your cost will be higher. Also, if the roofer has more difficulty getting to the roof, like if you have a townhouse or other type of property that attaches to another dwelling.
The pitch of your roof, whether it be steep or a mild slope will have an effect on your estimate. Likewise, if your roof has a large number of hips and valleys in its design, it will be more difficult to install. Style refers to the basic shape of your roof. If you have extra features built in to your roof design, like dormer windows, vent covers, chimneys, skylights, etc., that will make the difficulty factor rise and increase your cost.
Pricing can be affected by where you live, your geographic location, whether it be in a rural or urban location.
If you live in an area with extreme heat, heavy snowfall or high winds, your roof will need particular fortifications that will increase your costs.
There’s a lot of choices available to you regarding materials, depending on your budget and tastes. One thing to be careful of though. Be sure that , if you have chosen a breakable material, such as concrete or clay tile, you order enough material to allow for broken material during the installation process.
If your home is older, it may have some structural deterioration, which would mean an increase in your labor expenses.
Size and dimensions. You can get a rough estimate yourself by measuring the the perimeter of your home, but a professional will climb onto your roof and get precise measurements.
The steeper the pitch of your roof, the more expensive it will be due to the additional material needed.
Its less expensive to add a layer over the top of existing shingles. But, if you already have several layers of shingles, you may have no choice other than stripping them off first, which is called a “tear-off”. If you’re installing a particularly heavy material like slat or concrete tile, in addition to the tear-off, you may need to reinforce your trusses and roof structure. You’ll need to get rid of the old material and it will add significant labor hours to your project.
There are other, less predictable factors that can add to your cost. Your roofing contractor might find that your flashing is damaged or your roof decking has deteriorated and needs repair first, which will lengthen the time for the project and add additional expenses.
Getting quotes from several reliable roofing companies is the best way to find out what your new roof will cost. You should not be charged for an estimate by a legitimate, professional roofing contractor. If you get an estimate that seems substantially lower than the others, be wary. Its likely to produce a poor installation. Get references from any company that is giving you a quote and make sure you do your due diligence on those references. Go to your homeowners insurance policy and see if your new roof can be covered under the policy.
How do you know when to repair or replace your roof? When do roof leaks become too expensive?
The lifespan of your roof depends on the materials used when its built. Usually, shingles have a life expectancy of 20-30 years (depending on the quality of the shingles you choose), while a foam roof, properly maintained, can last up to 50 years.
Of course, we have additional factors that come in to play in the Southwest. The heat, and especially the hot sun, are the main reasons for natural aging, and southern exposures usually have the most wear and tear. Wind, hail, bad drainage, tree branches, pollution and weather extremes also contribute to the aging of a roof. Of course, the easiest way to avoid having a roof replaced is to take care of the materials and fix any found damages right away.
If you’re questioning whether to repair or replace your roof, here are 10 signs to watch for that might be an indication that it’s time for a roof replacement:
If you answered yes to some of these, then you need to compare the expenses involved. If you figure the amount to repair the roof will be $2,500 and will last five years, when it will need to be repeated. Compare that to the cost of a new roof that will need only routine maintenance and could last up to 30 years. It might make more sense to spend the money now and save a larger amount of money later in future repair expenses.
However, be careful, you need to be aware that putting off a roof replacement can cost you more down the road. Poor maintenance routines can allow moisture to penetrate the membrane and cause damage to your insulations and roof deck. If you need to replace these along with roof materials you will have a much bigger roofing expense to deal with.
Before choosing a roofing system, a home or business owner needs to know how sturdy the roof structure is and what kind of weight load it can handle. For example, not all building structures are designed to handle the weight of ceramic or concrete tiles. In addition, the pitch and size of the roof may play a factor in selecting materials. Once the weight limit, size and pitch are known, then the choice of appropriate materials can be made. Here are some things home and business owners should think about when making a choice.
Clay, terracotta, slate and concrete tile roofing materials are very common throughout the southwest, particularly in the Phoenix area. This type of material holds up well to the extreme weather conditions in Arizona and is particularly impact-resistant to falling debris and hail. This is an important factor to consider when choosing a roofing system. It also allows a certain amount of air circulation up under the tiles, helping to keep your roof cooler in the heat. Since it comes in a variety of colors and shapes, it is also extremely attractive. However, the weight may be a factor when selecting this type of material.
Foam roofing is most often used on flat surfaces, but thanks to its ability to flow when it is applied, foam can be put on almost any type of roof surface. With proper maintenance (every 10-15 years) this material can last more than 50 years. Foam roofs are also very light weight, much more so than more traditional roofing material options. It is also durable, impact resistant and very energy efficient. Foam roofing frequently produces an energy savings of 30% or greater when compared to the alternative roofing systems.
Standard asphalt shingles have three tabs and tend to have a repetitive pattern from one home or business to the next, although they do come in a variety of colors. In contrast, dimensional shingles, also known as architectural or laminated shingles, have two layers of shingle material bonded together, but random notches have been taken out, exposing the bottom layer. This gives these new shingles a three dimensional look to the roof, with different high and low tabs. Because of the double bonded layer, dimensional shingles actually offer more protection and impact resistance from wind and hail — with the heaviest grades able to withstand 120 mph winds. They also have a longer lifespan — 40 years compared to the average 20 years for the single layer asphalt shingles.
Single ply roofing is one of the fastest growing roofing applications for flat roofs in the world. Widely used in the Southwestern United States, these white-colored roofing systems are highly reflective and energy efficient, often Energy Star rated. Major manufactures including Firestone manufacture this product, and offer 10-30 year warranties. Single Ply roofs also offer creativity in the insulation package that can be installed underneath the membrane, with availability of R-30 and beyond.
During the summer months, most people wear lighter colored clothing because light colors reflect heat and sunlight, whereas dark colors absorb it. Buildings are the same as people. A dark-colored roof will be hotter than a light-colored roof. The term “Cool Roof” refers to roofing materials that reflect the sun’s energy from the roof surface. Cool materials for low-slope roofs are mainly bright white in color, although non-white colors are starting to become available for sloped roof applications.
Cool Roofs must also have high emissivity, allowing them to emit infrared energy. For instance, metal roofing tends to have low emissivity and is not considered a cool material. Cool roofs can reduce the roof surface temperature by up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, thereby reducing the heat transferred into the building below. This helps to reduce energy costs (by keeping attics and ducts cooler), improve occupant comfort, cut maintenance costs, increase the life cycle of the roof, and reduce urban heat islands along with associated smog.
In the Desert Southwest, spray foam roofing is a great solution for flat or low sloped roofs, but there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about this roofing choice. As a result, many customers tend to have concerns about taking advantage of this option. To show consumers the value and versatility of spray foam, we hope to shed light on several of these myths.
Spray foam roofing is very affordable compared to other options. The cost is about the same as a single layer of asphalt shingles. In fact, with the rising cost of oil, the expense of oil based asphalt shingles is going up. On the other hand, spray foam pricing has remained fairly constant.
Research has shown that properly applied roofing foam can last as long as 50 years when applied correctly and maintained by re-coating it on a regular basis. There are foam roofs that were applied over 40 years ago that are still holding up well.
Spray polyurethane foam is just a type of plastic that has been altered slightly and has been used to make the millions of bottles that are used in the food manufacturing industry — bottles that are used for bottled water, soft drinks, ketchup, mustard, mayo and hundreds, maybe thousands of other products that are consumed in households throughout our country every day.
Foam roofing is a great option for insulating your property or business from heat, especially on flat or slightly sloped roofs. The closed cell structure gives SPF one of the highest R-Values (thermal resistance) of all roofing materials that can be used on your property, and it makes it very moisture resistant as well as being highly fire resistant, which is great for insurance rates.
Texas A&M University studied the energy use of its campus buildings before and after they applied Spray foam on its building’s roofing systems. They studied more than eight million square feet of SPF roofing on their campus, and found that their energy savings completely paid for the expense of Texas A&M’s SPF roof systems in three to four years.
