Foam Roof Vs. Traditional Roof

Traditional Roofs

• Nearly four-fifths of all homes in the United States use asphalt-shingled roof designs, according to Networx Systems roofing specialists. Asphalt materials provide a low-cost option that’s easy to install compared to other roof designs. Other traditional roofing materials, such as concrete, metal and wood or shake roofing, may carry longer warranties than asphalt as well as offer noise insulation and added durability. With each type of material, homeowners have a variety of options in roof styles. And while asphalt exists as the most commonly used material, it also requires the most maintenance compared to other roofing materials.

Foam Roofing

• Foam roofing, also known as SPF or spray polyurethane foam-based roofing, consists of a liquid material made up polyurethane foam insulation. Foam roofing is sprayed on top of an existing concrete, metal or asphalt roof. The entire SPF application process includes spraying an elastomeric coating on top of the polyurethane material. The elastomeric coating functions as a weatherproofing material that protects foam materials from environmental factors, such as heat, cold and moisture. Foam roofing can help reduce the costs of roof replacement by preserving an existing roof design.

Durability

• When comparing foam roofs versus traditional asphalt roofing, different factors influence the durability of the roofing system. Asphalt roofs use overlaid shingles as the roofing material. Shingle types include glass and organic felt materials, both of which are combined with asphalt. Heating and cooling factors most affect the durability of an asphalt roof, with hot conditions taking the greatest toll on asphalt materials. With foam roof systems, durability depends on how the initial application was applied in terms of ensuring roof surface materials are clean and dry and SPF mixtures contain the proper ingredients. Improper application can result in a blistering or bubbling surface appearance that compromises the strength of the material.

Maintenance

• Maintenance requirements vary considerably, with traditional asphalt roofs needing the most upkeep. Foam roof systems hold up nicely under severe weather conditions, such as extreme heat and cold and high wind conditions. Foam roofs can also adapt to unusual roof designs, which reduces overall maintenance for flat or non-sloped areas where moisture damage is most likely to occur. Asphalt roof systems may require frequent patching and sealing applications under conditions where dramatic temperature changes occur within short periods of time. Some areas may see extreme heat conditions during the day with night time temperatures dropping by 40 to 50 degrees. These conditions cause asphalt shingles to crack and split. When this happens, freezing and thawing events can further damage asphalt materials. Any climate conditions and repeated seasonal changes can take a toll on asphalt shingles over time.