How Durable Are Spray Foam Roofing Systems? (2024)

You can give a roof added protection by using spray foam roofing systems. In addition to serving as a water-tight seal, spray foam roofing systems can help improve a roof’s structural integrity by locking its components in place. To some, such benefits almost sound too good to be true, causing them to question the durability of a spray foam roofing system. Below, we will address the questions of how durable spray foam roofing systems are and put your doubts to rest.

How Long Will It Last?

Once spray foam roofing systems harden, they form a highly durable layer of protection that will last for years to come. When cared for properly, spray foam roofing systems can last up to 50 years. To get the optimum lifespan out of a spray foam roofing system, make sure to conduct regular maintenance such as cleaning and priming as well as the occasional recoating.

Can It Withstand Harsh Weather?

Spray foam roofing systems are durable enough to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. Their strong air- and water-tight seal will help prevent water from leaking through during storms while the hard outer layer withstands harsh winds, falling debris, and other destructive environmental forces. As such, spray foam roofing systems serve as an advantageous protective measure for properties located in nearly any climate.

Can You Walk On It?

Spray foam isn’t your average foam. It’s extremely hard, durable, and can withstand substantial weights. In most cases, the weight limit of spray foam roofing is around 50 pounds per square inch. As such, when a spray foam roofing system is properly installed, you should be able to walk all over it without any issues.

Can Birds and Other Animals Damage It?

Spray foam roofing is durable enough to withstand many years of exposure to harsh weather and substantial weight, but can it stand up to birds and other animals? Fortunately, yes. While spray foam roofing may incur minimal damage such as slight surface imperfections, it’s durable enough to withstand clawing, pecking, or scratching from any animals that may land upon it.

Paragon Protection is a leading residential and commercial spray foam roofing contractor in Crystal Lake and the Greater Chicago area. To start enjoying the long-term benefits that spray foam roofing can provide, contact us today.

Reach out today for your complimentary quote.

Whether it’s spray foam insulation, seal coating, or pressure washing needs for your Chicagoland home or business, Paragon Insulation & Services has you covered.

How Durable Are Spray Foam Roofing Systems? (2024)

FAQs

How Durable Are Spray Foam Roofing Systems? ›

Spray foam roofs can last up to 30 years or more if properly installed and maintained. In order to achieve that kind of longevity, SPF systems must be recoated every 10–15 years depending on the type of coating and mil thickness applied.

How long does a spray foam roof last? ›

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.

What are the disadvantages of a spray foam roof? ›

Here are the 7 problems spray foam roofs have:
  • Limited installation windows.
  • Finding a contractor that knows how to correctly apply the foam.
  • Overspray potential.
  • Upfront costs.
  • Maintenance is recommended.
  • Impact resistance.
  • Not performing a recoat.
May 16, 2017

How good are spray foam roofs? ›

Spray roofing is equipped with a barrier against moisture, thermal heat, and air. This means that it creates great insulation for your building so your heat and AC don't have to work as hard to heat and cool it.

How durable is spray foam? ›

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!

Will spray foam keep a roof from leaking? ›

One of the best qualities of spray foam is that it's fluid-applied, which closes any tiny holes and cracks that allow water into your roofing system, and eventually into your building.

Where should you not use spray foam? ›

Here are some areas where spray foam might not be the right choice: Ventilated Attics: If your attic is ventilated, it's generally advisable to avoid using spray foam insulation here. The ventilation is designed to allow air flow, and spray foam could block this ventilation, leading to potential moisture issues.

Does spray foam damage shingles? ›

We've also helped to alleviate those fears once those homeowners start feeling and seeing the benefits of creating an air seal in the attic. I have more than 37 years of experience in the construction industry, so I can tell you from my experience that spray foam insulation isn't going to hurt your shingles.

Can mold grow behind spray foam insulation? ›

As a product, spray foam insulation does not attract mold. And unlike wood or metal, spray foam does not rot, rust or deteriorate. This means that an area properly sprayed with foam insulation will never become a food source or a hospitable environment for a mold colony.

How thick should spray foam be for a roof? ›

The answer is that it depends on the style you use. For closed cell spray foam, you'll want to make sure that your foam is 2-3 inches thick on the walls and 4-5 inches thick on the roof deck. For open-cell foam, the same thickness is needed for the walls, but the roof deck should be sprayed to be 6-10 inches thick.

Is foam roofing worth it? ›

Since the polyurethane material is a highly effective thermal insulator, it can drastically improve air conditioner efficiency in your home. A foam roof can cut your cooling costs by up to 30%. Add that up over the lifespan of your home, and you're looking at major energy savings!

How often do you need to recoat a foam roof? ›

While foam roofs can last 25 years, periodic recoating will keep your roof in good repair and let you enjoy all the benefits of an effective and energy-efficient foam roof system. Foam roofs should be recoated every 5-10 years, depending on the quantity and quality of coating previously installed.

How much structural strength does spray foam add? ›

This assists the resistance to compression from the structural load and the resulting stresses that it creates. In fact, research conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has shown walls installed with closed cell spray foam have a racking strength up to 300% greater than walls without it.

What is the strongest spray foam? ›

Ultra-Thane 800 is a two-component, spray-in-place closed-cell, high-density polyurethane foam material with nominal 8 pcf core density providing strongest structural performance.

Does spray foam disintegrate over time? ›

Spray foam insulation can last anywhere from 80 years to 100 years, if it is properly applied. For most people, that could be the life of your home. They say that nothing lasts forever. “They” have obviously never hired certified Sunlight Contractors to install spray foam insulation in their home or building.

How often does a foam roof need to be replaced? ›

While foam roofs can last 25 years, periodic recoating will keep your roof in good repair and let you enjoy all the benefits of an effective and energy-efficient foam roof system. Foam roofs should be recoated every 5-10 years, depending on the quantity and quality of coating previously installed.

Does spray foam shorten shingle life? ›

I have more than 37 years of experience in the construction industry, so I can tell you from my experience that spray foam insulation isn't going to hurt your shingles. You don't have to take my word for it, but I have found research to back this up to put your mind at ease.

How much does it cost to recoat a foam roof? ›

While a spray foam recoat will generally be in the $3-$6 per square foot range, the size of your roof can determine if your recoat is going to be closer to $3, or $6.

Is spray roof insulation worth it? ›

Spray foam is a highly effective form of home insulation that can reduce your carbon footprint along with your energy bills. It costs more than other types of insulation, but it will last longer—up to 80 years.

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