Commercial Roofing And Choosing A Spray Foam Roof
If the flat roof on top of your business is starting to show some significant signs of wear and tear, then think about contacting a commercial roofing contractor to help you decide on what to do. The professional may suggest the installation of a new roof using spray foam materials. This type of roof has some good advantages over other types of traditional roofing materials.
It Can Be Installed Over The Old One
One of the most significant benefits to choosing a spray foam coating is the fact that it can be applied directly over the existing roof. Spray foam is a coating material that will fill in indentations, leaking areas, and uneven surfaces to seal and restore the roof. And, the foam can often be added after minimal preparation.
To prepare the roof, the contractor will look at the existing one and remove any loose substrate materials and old membranes. Loose debris is swept away and a pressure washer may be used to ensure a clean area. Since water can become trapped underneath the foam, the roof must be left to dry for a day or two. Or pressurized air may be utilized to get rid of the water.
In addition to these preparation tasks, the roofer will investigate the pitch of the roof. At this time, you should indicate if you have noticed the buildup of water. If so, the pitch may be increased a small amount using thicker layers of material in the middle of the roof. This will prevent future leaks and ponds.
It Is Highly Weather Resistant
Spray foam roofs are extremely resistant to weather due to the seamless nature of the foam. Simply put, if there are no seams, there are no weak areas that can lead to leaks. And the material is thick and able to remain strong against protrusions. To get this thick coating, a hose is used to mix a two-part solution together that contains a resin compound and a material called isocyanate. As the materials mix, a chemical reaction occurs and the compound expands . The result is a substantial foam that solidifies into thick barrier.
To increase the weather-resistant nature of the foam, your contractors will often add a final top coating to the roof. A silicone or acrylic coating will be adhered, and sometimes granules are embedded into this coating. Granules are commonly seen on asphalt roofs to reflect the sun, which minimizes thermal damage.