Spray foam roofs are generally expected to last around 20 years at installation. The roof will last much longer than 20 years, but this is the standard warranty period. This all depends on the thickness of the foam and the coating, and applying more of either of them will generally extend the warranty term.
Recoating is paramount for your foam roofing system. This should even be part of your regular upkeep to ensure that your foam roof will last for more than 50 years. Regarding the regularity of the recoating procedure for your foam roof, companies advise it to be done every five years.
Having foam roofing insulation can increase the value of your home as a result of this feature, benefitting you now and when you sell! Due to the high insulating ability, cold air won't permeate your loft/attic space, so there's no risk of frozen pipes or water tanks.
Both types of spray foam insulation can last anywhere from 80 years to 100 years, with closed cell spray foam having a slight edge in terms of durability. For most families, this represents the lifetime of the house and then some!
Conduct Regular Cleanings
In order to keep your spray foam roof in good condition, clean it on a regular basis. Doing so will prevent debris from clogging the drains and standing water from accumulating. To clean your spray foam roof, start by using pressurized water at a maximum of 3000 PSI to remove any debris.
Spray foam insulation can cause roof damage
Spray foam insulation, when done correctly, shouldn't cause any significant damage to your roof. However, if you've opted for what's called “closed-cell” spray foam in your roof, you do run certain risks. Closed-cell foam is less porous than open-cell spray foam.
It can be badly installed
The spray foam roof insulation industry is unregulated and if isn't installed correctly or sprayed in a roof space that is unsuitable, such as one with a condensation problem, it can lead to rot.
Avoid using the foam near any ceiling lights or heating appliances. If you spray the foam near a ceiling light, for example, there is a chance that it could catch fire due to the flammable nature of the spray. Additionally, it could also cause damage to the light itself if it cures around any wiring.
Spray Foam Is Permanent
In this case, permanency cuts both ways. You'll be glad knowing your investment will carry you years into the future and continue to deliver cost-saving benefits. But, spray foam is almost impossible to get rid of, even if it's found to be defective.
Most of the time, using an old can of foam will result in lackluster performance—the foam will not expand to its typical size, or its components will be sticky and drippy and not expand as intended. In rare cases, using an expired can of expanding foam may present a risk of explosion.
It Can Lead to Mold
Spray foam insulation mold problems are quite common. Especially with closed-cell spray foam, which is rigid. Mold and mildew can begin growing behind the insulation which can go unnoticed until it's already become a huge problem.
When the entire roof deck is sprayed with foam insulation, everything is sealed off, so moisture can't get in. This also means that you don't need any ventilation in the attic to get the moisture out because the spray foam insulation keeps it out.
Q: How long does the foam roof installation process take? A: Residential and small commercial projects are usually completed in 1 to 3 days depending on size and complexity. Larger commercial projects smaller than 100,000 square feet are usually completed in 3 to 6 days.
By spray foaming your whole house you are building a 100% energy efficient environment that has no problems when it comes to heat loss and air leakages. Spray foam is an excellent insulation material, and when properly installed, its benefits and features will be inherited for a lifetime.
It really depends on your priorities. If you see the benefit of insulating your new construction home correctly from the start for long-term comfort, energy savings month after month, and fewer headaches while you live in the house, then spray foam insulation may very well be worth the extra cost to you.
Fiberglass insulation is much more affordable than spray foam insulation and easier to install, but it is more permeable than spray foam. Like its name suggests, fiberglass insulation consists of fine glass fibers and comes in a variety of forms, from blanket and loose-fill to rigid boards.
Spray foam can potentially generate toxic emissions under these circumstances. Building renovations, demolition, or building disassembly done years later can disturb spray foam insulation. Performing hot work on or near polyurethane foam may lead to potential exposures to isocyanates and other toxic emissions.
Spray Foam Attic Rafters
So let's move over and let's talk about insulating the attic rafters real quick, also referred to as the attic ceiling, roof deck, or a hot roof system. Insulating the attic rafters with spray foam creates a conditioned space where your attic is the same temperature as the rest of your home.
If closed cell insulation seals the underside of the roof deck, the moisture becomes trapped into the wood and can cause deterioration of the decking and framing over time. In cases of open cell insulation, this moisture can make its' way to the attic space.
Spray foam is an ideal choice for insulating the floor of the attic because it is air impermeable and a powerful insulator. This will keep conditioned air in the living area of the home, and the warm or cool air in the attic from entering the home where it can cause condensation, mold and other problems.
Spray foam can provide the thermal, air, and vapor control layers in both new and retrofit construction. Unvented roof strategies with open cell and closed cell SPF insulation sprayed to the underside of roof sheathing have been used since the mid-1990s to provide durable and efficient building enclosures.
Sealing the attic is probably the most critical, in terms of counteracting moisture. As a product, spray foam insulation does not attract mold.
Adding spray foam insulation in potential problem areas is a great way to insulate your home and goes a long way towards mold prevention. It is mold-resistant because it expands when it gets wet, meaning there's no room for mold or mildew!