How to Properly Repair a Foam Roof
If your foam roof has separated, you can easily reattach the material to the damaged area. The cause of the foam separation is often improper cleaning when new foam was applied to the roof, as well as changes in temperature and moisture underneath the foam. To reattach the foam to the edge, you must clean the area and respray it. If the foam is separated from the edge, an acrylic coating should be applied to the area. Follow the instructions in the article below to repair your foam roof.
Inspection of a foam roof
An annual inspection of your foam roof should be done to catch cracks and splits in the covering before they grow larger. A simple patch job may be necessary, and it will cost a fraction of the cost of a complete re-coating. Additionally, small limbs or branches that get dragged by high winds can puncture the surface. Bird nests are another potential problem, as they can make a nest in your foam roof. Lastly, moss can cause problems in the roof’s top coating by breaking it down faster than normal.
A foam roof can last for years without requiring extensive repairs, but the materials will eventually need to be replaced. Professionals recommend cleaning and re-coating your roof every five to ten years. A thorough inspection of your foam roof should be done annually, as well as after major weather events. Whether you’re performing a DIY foam roof repair or a professional foam roof replacement, you’ll need to check for cracks, and holes, as well as the condition of the top layer.
Cleaning the roof’s surface before applying foam
Before applying a polyurethane foam coating, the roof should be thoroughly cleaned and prepared. The surface should be free of dust, dirt, moss, and other debris. A thorough moisture survey should be conducted to identify areas of trapped moisture. The area surrounding the area should be protected from overspray by repairing any damaged membranes or roofing materials. Gutters and air intake vents should be free of debris and in good working condition.
If you have a roof that has undergone water damage, you may need to replace sections of the roof or the entire system. If you do not have time to repair the entire roof, you can use an infrared camera or a FLIR scanner to identify water entry points. If you’re using a foam roof, you should seal it properly to limit any damage and the growth of mold. Cleaning the roof’s surface before applying a new coating is essential to ensure that the new application is completely water-tight.
Application of urethane caulking
The most common use for urethane caulking for foam roofing is to patch blisters and cracks. This type of repair is simple to do with a caulking gun and a small amount of caulking. For larger cracks or penetrations into the roof, polyurethane caulking should be applied. Blisters in foam roofs are not a problem unless they are large enough to become a leak source. When they are smaller than a golf ball, a homeowner can easily patch them themselves with a razor knife. However, blisters larger than baseballs should be addressed by a roofing contractor.
Most leaks in foam roofs are caused by failed penetration or another component. The elastomeric coating didn’t fix this problem – it didn’t seal the leak. Instead, re-foaming the pipe would have been the best solution. This method would also provide a permanent moisture barrier. This method of foam roof repair is also referred to as “seamless” roofing.
Localized recoating of the damaged area
The process of foam roof repair may require a thorough inspection before proceeding. The damaged area must be cleared of debris and allowed to dry before recoating it with a compatible solution. Foam roofs are usually 20-35 mil thick, so you will need to choose the right coating according to the material you have. Localized recoating of the damaged area can be done yourself or by a professional contractor.
For small, crack-like damages, you can perform localized recoating of the damaged area of your foam roof. In this case, the damage is minor and can be repaired easily with a sharp knife. Cleaning and sealing the area will prevent further damage. After repairing the damage, you can apply a new layer of foam. Depending on the size of the damaged area, localized recoating may not be necessary.
If you need foam roof repair in Arizona, Phoenix, Tucson, or the Mesa AZ area contact Foam experts Roofing for help.
