Why choose foam roofing?
Furthermore, a foam roof provides exceptional insulation, and we always use reflective cool roof coatings (on completed foam projects) which results in even further reduced energy costs. Cool roof coatings alone can cut down cooling costs by 30 percent or more in warmer climes.
Can I walk on my roof?
Standing seam roofing can be walked on pretty much anywhere without damaging it. Metal tile roofing (ribbed panels that resemble ceramic tile or shake) should be walked on in the lower spots, closer to the roof decking. Corrugated panels are also safe to walk on as those are screwed right onto the roof decking.
Can a foam roof hold the weight of a person?
Unless you’re walking on a condemned (or soon to be) building, a foam roof is completely capable of sustaining the weight of a normal person. Employees walk on an SPF foam roof while making an inspection.
What is spray foam roofing?
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is the only roofing material that has no seams. Foam roofing bonds around roof penetrations such as pipes, vents and edges forming an impenetrable wedge, leaving these penetrations “high and dry.” Additionally, the roof surface is built up in ponding areas to eliminate heavy standing water and improve drainage.
How much compression strength does foam have?
What is the density of closed cell foam?
Why do you need to get on the roof?
Why do roofs need walkways?
What will happen to the holes in the storm?
Do HVAC guys walk across roofs?
Who is Greg Palya?
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Can you walk on spray foam roofing?
Question #1 – Can you walk on a foam roof? Yes. Spray foam that's used for roofing is much stronger than the foam that's used for insulation or between walls. In fact, the foam that's used for roofing is closed-cell and has a density of 2.5-3.2 pounds per cubic foot.
Can you walk on foam insulation?
This is a question I get all the time. “Can I walk on a spray foam roof?”. The answer is “yes, you can!”.
How long does a foam roof last?
around 20 yearsSpray 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.
Can expanding foam support weight?
This expanding foam can lift 6,000 pounds of concrete per square foot.
What are the disadvantages of foam insulation?
Below we are going to list the most common problems with using spray foam insulation in your home's attic or in any area inside of your home.Placement Errors During Installation. ... Potentially Attracts Water Damage. ... The Material May Shrink Overtime. ... Long Dry and Cure Time.
How long will insulation foam last?
80 years to 100 yearsBoth 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!
How do you maintain a foam roof?
Regular clean-up and upkeep of your foam roof As with any roof type, regular cleaning is imperative to ensure that it can last for as long as possible. The same principle is true for your foam roofing system. Thoroughly examine all signs of roof damage at least once every year, especially after any storm or heavy rain.
How often should a foam roof be recoated?
every 5-10 yearsFoam roofs should be recoated every 5-10 years, depending on the quantity and quality of coating previously installed. Common foam roof problems include: Weather damage. Bird droppings & pecking.
How thick should a foam roof be?
A: Dura-Foam roofs are a minimum of 1″ thick on most commercial and residential roofs. Standard thickness over occupied areas on residential roofs usually is a minimum of 1.5″. Thickness may be greater to meet insulation or drainage requirements.
How much weight can foam hold?
To stay at or below 1% deformation – 1lb foam supports 3.5 pounds per square inch. 10ft x 10ft slab of concrete weights 50lbs per square ft X 100 Square feet = 5,000 lbs. 100 square feet of Type I foam can support 50,400 pounds (100*144*3.5 lbs per sqin) at 1% deformation.
Is expanding foam as strong as concrete?
Expanding foam is more expensive than concrete but also less durable.
Where should you not use expanding foam?
When NOT to Use Spray Foam InsulationFor areas that are too close to electrical boxes:For areas too close to ceiling light boxes:Open-cell spray foam on your roof:For closed-cavity spaces:If you have a history of skin, respiratory, or asthma problems:
How long should you stay out of the house after spray foam insulation?
24 to 72 hoursOf course, spray foam can be unsafe for occupants too. According to the EPA, occupants must stay away from the building while it cures (and as long as the dust remains) for at least 24 to 72 hours, something they, devastatingly, are not always told.
Can you walk on floor insulation?
The insulation should not be stepped as this can act as an anchor point and cause cracking in bridging or on the screed under movement and cause weak spots in a void underneath.
Where should you not use spray foam insulation?
recessed ceiling canister lightsYou should not use spray foam to insulate areas around recessed ceiling canister lights. If you spray too close to the top of ceiling light boxes, you can trap heat and increase the risk of a fire.
Why do lenders not like spray foam insulation?
So why is it a problem for mortgage lenders? By sealing the roof space with this material, air circulation can be restricted to the roof and timbers. This can lead to condensation, which in turn can eventually lead to the rotting of the wooden roof supports.
Can you walk on rigid insulation? : r/HomeImprovement - reddit
I want to use my attic for some storage. I'm considering putting a layer of rigid foam board insulation panels directly atop floor joists in my attic (the bays will contain fiberglass rolls), so that I have something less nerve-wracking to walk on.
Rigid Foam on floor - ok to walk on? - DIY Home Improvement Forum
Ok, I see your point. I am not going to say my idea is the only right one, many ways to do the same thing. I would lay 2"x4" on the flat at 24" openings between the 2x4, use 1.5" rigid foam inbetween, and then 3/4" plywood subfloor on top.
floating a sub floor over foamular 150 - DIY Home Improvement Forum
The floor will need to support a wood stove. 40 gallon water heat. Tile shower. Gas furnace. Washer / dryer. Does Foamular 150 have a strong enough PSI for this application or should I use something stronger?
EPS For Under Slab Insulation - Polystyrene | Thermaboards
Rigid foam insulations, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), have been used successfully under concrete slabs for more than 40 years.Such insulation helps reduce heat loss to the ground in residences, cold storage units, warehouses and other commercial, institutional, cold rooms and industrial structures.
Rigid Foam Polystyrene under Wood Floating Floor
One question is how thick will your foam will be over the subfloor. You are not going to get sufficient R value in New Hampshire unless you use 3 inches or more of foam... and think about what this will do to your thresholds, ceiling height, window heights, etc.
How old is polyurethane foam?
As a product, polyurethane foam is over half a century old. Initially polyurethane spray foam was used in the 1960s for refrigeration and industrial insulation projects, although by the late 60s and early 70s polyurethane foam had evolved into exterior roofing applications. The earliest foam roofs are now around 50 years old.
What is the myth of foam roofing?
One popular foam roofing myth involves birds pecking a foam roof into oblivion.
How old is foam roofing?
The earliest foam roofs are now around 50 years old. So, as a product, polyurethane foam has existed for the better part of a century, and it has been in use on roofing in applications for about half a century. For most of the living world, foam roofing is indeed not new.
How many pounds of polyurethane foam are produced annually?
Many Types of Foam. According to the polyurethane foam association over 1.8 billion pounds of flexible polyurethane foam (FPF) products are produced annually in North America. There are many different types of foam out there; they are all based on altered forms of plastic filled with micro bubbles. Some examples of FPF products are: polystyrene ...
What is closed cell foam?
In other words, it is a plastic with millions of tiny closed cells which are impenetrable by water. A block of SPF submerged under water will remain buoyant and dry indefinitely. For this reason, spray polyurethane foam is used in flotation docks and the hulls of sea vessels. In roofing applications, closed-cell SPF is manufactured at the job site using specialized equipment. Foam that soaks-up water is not classified as “closed cell” SPF.
What is foam board roof?
A foam board roof is full of seams which allow moisture and vapor transmission, which greatly reduces the insulation capacity. Although the R-value rating of a foam board roof appears to be on par with a foam roof, the actual performance of such roofs is substantially inferior.
How many pounds of flexible foam are produced annually in North America?
According to the polyurethane foam associationover 1.8 billion pounds of flexible polyurethane foam (FPF) products are produced annually in North America. There are many different types of foam out there; they are all based on altered forms of plastic filled with micro bubbles.
Can I Walk On Armstrong Foam Roofs?
One of the most common questions we are asked is whether foam spray roofing is strong enough to walk on. Armstrong Roofing has been installing foam roofing systems in the San Francisco Bay Area since the early 1980s, and have always assured our clients that they can walk on their SPF roof without fear of damaging it.
Walking on Your Spray Foam Roof
It’s possible to walk on your SPF roof within minutes after the spraying process but you need to have on the proper footwear. For example, it wouldn’t be a good idea to walk on an SPF roof wearing high-heeled shoes or any type of boots or shoes with coarse treads.
No Need to Worry About Roof Leaks
Even if you have technicians who cause damage to your foam roof because of installations or repairs to any equipment you might have secured to it, you don’t need to worry about your roof leaking. However, if the damage is not repaired, it can cause problems in the future. That is why we recommend that you inspect your roof before summer and winter.
Want to Learn More About Our Foam Roofs?
If you would like more information about SPF roofing systems, contact Armstrong Roofing today. Our extensive experience in SPF roofing coupled with the best, longest-lasting warranties available means that you won’t go wrong with Armstrong Roofing.
What is a foam roof?
Foam Roofs are Lightweight, Durable, and Seamless. The Dura-Foam Roof System has a rigid and durable surface that you can walk on. A thick (typically 1.5″ thick) closed-cell polyurethane waterproofing barrier seals the roof against leaks. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is the only roofing material that has no seams.
How long is Dura Foam roof warranty?
A roof warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it. New Dura-Foam roofs include a 10-year Leakproof Guarantee which is extendable to 15 years upon recoat. After the guarantee expires, Dura-Foam continues to provide affordable long-term service to ensure that your roof will continue to last.
Is rigid polyurethane waterproof?
Rigid polyurethane foam creates a seamless waterproofing system that you can walk on. It’s hard, it’s waterproof, it lasts a lifetime… it’s Dura-Foam.
Is Dura Foam a good roofing material?
Third, Dura-Foam only uses environmentally friendly materials. Dura-Foam Roofing materials are chemically inert, which explains why they last so long. Save energy on heating and cooling with Dura-Foam’s insulated Cool Roof systems.
Is Dura Foam a green roof?
Several other key features set Dura-Foam Roofs apart as green roofing systems. First, seamless insulation and Cool Roof coatings significantly reduce heating and cooling energy loads. Second, you will divert landfill waste by installing a roof that last. Third, Dura-Foam only uses environmentally friendly materials.
Does SPF soak up water?
Closed-cell SPF stands alone as the only insulating material that does not soak up water. Since SPF is manufactured on the roof surface, be sure to select a qualified installation contractor to assure material integrity. Renewable Roof: Extend roof life 20 years with a coating upgrade.
How do you walk on a metal roof without slipping?
Metal roofs are more slippery than some other roofing products, so you must wear the right footwear in order to safely walk on your roof. It should be a soft-soled rubber bottom that almost feels like it’s gripping the roof – it should feel somewhat sticky, especially on hot days.
How do I stop my roof from sliding?
There are ways to walk on roofs, though, that will reduce your chance of slipping.
Is it OK to walk on the roof?
Beyond the potential of falling off, there is the actual damage to the roof that may occur as a result of your walking on it . Walking on your asphalt shingles can leave the shingles bare, dislodge them or create gaps that can increase the potential for leaks.
Will my roof support my weight?
While the average roof can withstand 20 pounds per square foot, there’s a huge range in the weight of snow: Fresh, light snow can weigh just 3 pounds per square foot… so your roof may be able to hold over 6 feet of it. Wet, heavy snow can weigh 21 pounds per square foot… so a foot of it could risk collapse.
Is my roof strong enough to walk?
In general, walking on the roof of your property isn’t a safe. Any repairs that require access are best left to the professionals, but if you’re an expert DIYer (and have a good head for heights) you might want to try minor jobs yourself. If so, it’s essential to take precautions.
Can I walk on my metal roof?
Metal roofing can be walked but, homeowners should refrain from doing so for safety reasons. If a contractor does need to walk your roof, they should practice sound safety procedures and follow OSHA safety requirements.
What are the disadvantages of a metal roof?
Affordability. Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials. …
What type of insulation is used under a deck?
It is an air impermeable insulation —spray polyurethane foam. With spray polyurethane foam the problem of condensation goes away. But which type of spray foam? The open cell or the closed cell? The closed cell works pretty much everywhere. The open cell only works in the South.
What is the water control layer on a deck?
Photograph 1 (top left): Waterproof Membrane —A waterproof membrane going down on the top of a structural deck. In “Joe Speak” this is the water control layer. It is also the air control layer and the vapor control layer. Photograph 2 (top right): Thermal Control Layer —Over the top of the waterproof membrane goes the rigid insulation—the thermal control layer. This insulation layer is typically extruded polystyrene (XPS). In this particular example the lower drainage gap is created by grooves in the underside of the rigid insulation. Neat, eh? Photograph 3 (middle left): Filter Fabric and Pedestals —Over top of the rigid insulation goes a filter fabric and pedestals to hold the traffic layer. In this particular example we have stone pavers. Photograph 4 (middle right): Layers Working Together —The rigid insulation, the filter fabric, the pedestals and the stone pavers. Photograph 5 (bottom): Finished Deck Assembly —Looks normal. And it works.
What is the best way to insulate a deck?
When insulating the top of decks a water resistive insulation must be used. That pretty much means extruded polystyrene (XPS). A filter fabric keeps crud out of the joints of the insulation layer and prevents the lower drainage space (the drainage mat) from getting clogged. The pedestals elevate the traffic surface providing a drainage gap over the top of the insulation. Also note the drainage gap below the insulation. Remember to drain above and below the insulation; and you can’t drain without a gap.
What is traffic surface?
The traffic surface protects the waterproofing membrane or the “water control layer.”. And just as important, there is a drainage gap above the water control layer/waterproofing membrane. You can’t have drainage without a drainage gap. Let me repeat this because it is a really, really big deal.
Why do we mess up decks?
They are nothing more than roofs that you walk on. But we tend to mess them up royally. Perhaps it is because we forget that they really are roofs and have to follow all the rules that roofs have to follow. We construct roofs that are either vented or unvented. When is the last time you saw a vented deck? That is one of the problems. We build decks or balconies like they should be vented but don’t vent them. I think it is pretty dumb to vent a deck, so that means we have to construct them following the rules of unvented roof assemblies.
When was Max Baker's Roofs published?
Max Baker’s marvelous book: Roofs, 1980 , Montreal: Polyscience Publications. The book, now out of print, was sponsored by the National Research Council of Canada and it brought together information into one document from Canadian Building Science Digests, Research Papers, and Building Science Seminars and Workshops from the Division of Building Research. Much of this information is online and folks should go visit: http://tinyurl.com/2eezyth.
Is condensation bad for a deck?
It is not on the top of the deck, it is underneath the deck, and it’s the wrong kind. If it is underneath the deck it cannot be air permeable because, if it is, you get Photograph 10. Not good. Condensation is bad. Decay is bad.
What do you need to walk on a metal roof?
To get started, you need good shoes. Metal roofs are more slippery than some other roofing products, so you must wear the right footwear in order to safely walk on your roof. It should be a soft-soled rubber bottom that almost feels like it’s gripping the roof – it should feel somewhat sticky, especially on hot days. Plus, it needs to be full-foot coverage, not sandals or flip-flops, and not thread-bare old sneakers that can’t handle gravity and steeper angles.
What shoes do roofers wear?
Maybe surprisingly, a lot of roofers like shoes like Chuck’s All-Stars, tennis shoes, Converse, and skate shoes, because they’re often completely flat soles intended for good grip. Make sure your shoe’s soles are clean, too.
What to do when it rains?
Listen to the professionals, who advise on rainy days: “Use a safety rope, wear proper rubber footwear, wear a safety harness, safety glasses, gloves, anchors, and, of course, use a fall-protection system. Pay attention to every step, walk slowly and with caution.”.
How long after metal roof installation can you walk on it?
Generally speaking, it is as safe to walk on a metal roof 30 or 50 years after installation as the day it was installed.
Can you walk on a standing seam roof?
Standing seam roofing can be walked on pretty much anywhere without damaging it. Metal tile roofing (ribbed panels that resemble ceramic tile or shake) should be walked on in the lower spots, closer to the roof decking. Corrugated panels are also safe to walk on as those are screwed right onto the roof decking.
Is it dangerous to walk on a wet metal roof?
Sometimes, that might not be possible if you’ve got a pressing leak that needs to be mitigated.
Do you need fall protection for roofing?
OSHA standards dictate that fall protection is a must for any roofing work. We all know that a lot of work happens without fall protection in place – but a lot of falls happen too, and some reports are that 40% of construction-fall-related deaths come from roofing falls, with a third of those being from just 20 feet.
How much compression strength does foam have?
Foam used for roofing has a compression strength of 50-60 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI). Quick Fact: The pegs your refrigerator is on has the same compression strength as foam used for roofing.
What is the density of closed cell foam?
In fact, the foam that’s used for roofing is closed-cell and has a density of 2.5-3.2 pounds per cubic foot. The closed-cell foam used for insulation has a density of 1.5-2.4 pounds per cubic foot. What about weight and compression?
Why do you need to get on the roof?
Facility owners need to get on the roof often to inspect HVAC units, clean off debris, and various other reasons.
Why do roofs need walkways?
For roofs anticipating lots of foot traffic, walkways can be installed to guide anyone who needs on the roof.
What will happen to the holes in the storm?
The holes (and slices) will cause damage and fill up with water during the next storm.
Do HVAC guys walk across roofs?
A problem building owners will have is that the HVAC guys will show up and walk across the roof without regard to creating mechanical damage. They think nothing of it and go along with their day.
Who is Greg Palya?
Greg Palya is the Digital Content Manager of West Roofing Systems, Inc. He has a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Akron and an MBA in Marketing from Walsh University. When he’s not trying to teach others about spray foam roofing and silicone roof coatings, you can find him on the basketball court or golf course.
