The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
If your home has a low sloped or flat roof, you may want to consider spray foam roofing when you need to put on a new roof. Spray foam has a clean, attractive appearance, and it lasts a long time. Here are some other benefits of spray foam residential roofing.
The Foam Can Be Contoured
If your home has a flat roof, you may have problems with water collecting in a particular spot. When the roofer applies spray foam, the foam can be contoured to create a slight slope that helps with drainage. This eliminates water puddles on your roof, and it helps with routing water towards the drains.
Spray Foam Makes Flashing Too
A major benefit of spray foam roofing is that it goes on as a liquid that foams up and spreads out to create a solid barrier on your roof. That means there are no seams that allow leaks. This includes the areas around plumbing vents and other protrusions through the roof. The foam surrounds the vent to create its own flashing. This eliminates problems with metal flashing rusting or lifting and causing leaks.
Spray Foam Is Also Insulation
The spray foam used on roofing is also the type of spray foam that is used as insulation in walls and attics. The type of foam used on roofs is a closed-cell foam that is water-resistant and strong. Open-cell foam is usually used as interior insulation since it costs less, but it's not water-resistant. Both types of spray foam add insulation to your home. By having a spray foam roof, your home should stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Spray Foam Can Go Over Other Roofing Materials
Talk to your roofer about whether you need to have your old roof torn off before spray foam is applied. The foam can be sprayed over some other types of roofing, and that can save you from paying for tear-off and dump fees for the old roofing materials.
Spray Foam Makes Your Roof Stronger
Another benefit of spray foam is that it adds structural support to your home. Spray foam is lightweight, but when it hardens to a continuous barrier on your roof, it can add additional support against strong winds during a storm.
Foam Roofs Need Few Repairs
The foam adheres to the roof when it's applied, so there is no need for screws or fasteners that could work loose and need to be repaired. Since there are no seams or shingles, leaks are less likely. You'll probably need to spend less money on repairs over the life of the roof.
However, like most other types of roofing, spray foam can be damaged by hail and other projectiles during a storm, so you'll want to keep up with repairs when they're necessary so your roof has the longest life possible.
Contact a residential roofing service to learn more.