Answering 5 essential questions about spray foam roofing

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

General Coatings answers five of your most common questions about spray foam roofs. 

Interest in spray foam (SPF) roofing is on the rise, and with that interest comes many questions! That’s why General Coatings Manufacturing Corp. has a thorough Frequently Asked Questions page dedicated to answering your top questions about SPF roofing. 

Here are just a few of their answers to your most pressing questions: 

1 – Can you control the thickness of the SPF roof? 

Yes. General Coatings’ approved applicators have the training and skills to apply uniform and continuous spray foam thickness across a roof field. The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) PCP program offers training and techniques so that the output, spray pattern, spray distance and thickness can be controlled for high performance roof installation. General Coatings states that “SPF applicators monitor field conditions like deck temperature and wind speed to field contour the spray foam smoothly, flat and evenly across the entire roof surface.” 

2 – What happens when an SPF roof is cut or punctured? 

When an SPF roof is cut or punctured there is usually no leak. Coated foam roofs are fully adhered and don’t readily absorb water, so there is no pathway for leaks to enter the building. General Coatings says then that punctures or mechanical damage can be sealed with caulk or mastic and cuts can be repaired with an additional coating or embedded roof fabric. 

3 – Are SPF roofs sustainable? 

SPF roofs are a sustainable and renewable type of roofing. General Coatings says that additional re-coats can extend the service life of the roof and that re-coating “eliminates the requirement for full tear off and replacement like other traditional roof systems at end of their service life.” 

4 – Are SPF roofs a good choice for low-slope roofing? 

SPF roofs are a terrific choice for low-slope roofs. When installed, spray foam can fill in low spots, eliminating ponding and create positive drainage for rain off the roof. General Coatings states that, “As a seamless and self-flashing roof system, SPF roofs don’t have weak laps or poorly welded seam areas to allow rain to enter into the structure.” 

5 – Are SPF roof systems durable? 

General Coatings says that SPF systems can last decades if they are installed properly. Good maintenance and occasional re-coating are necessary for a long-lasting SPF roof. “SPF systems provide seamless and insulated roofs that mitigate normal building thermal expansion,” they state. “SPF roofs have performance warranties up to 20 years.” 

Learn more about SPF roofs and other roof coating systems on General Coatings’ Frequently Asked Questions page.