How an SPF roof is built
- Inspection and moisture survey. We walk the roof, fly a drone for photos of areas that are hard to reach safely, and run drone thermal (infrared) scans that help show where water has gotten under the surface. Wet insulation comes out first.
- Prep: clean, fasten loose areas, deal with old penetrations, and protect walls, vehicles and HVAC intakes from overspray.
- Foam: roofing-grade foam sprayed in passes to the specified thickness, thicker in low areas to build slope toward drains.
- Coating: a protective elastomeric coating (silicone, acrylic or urethane), applied within the window the manufacturer and code require, because bare foam breaks down in sunlight.
- Granules or walk pads where traffic is expected.
The 2021 IBC's sprayed polyurethane foam roofing provisions require a design slope of at least 1/4 inch per foot and a protective coating over the foam. They reference ASTM C1029 and ASTM D7425 for the foam, and ASTM D6083, D6694 and D6947 for acrylic, silicone and urethane coatings.
Where SPF fits
| Situation | SPF? |
|---|---|
| Flat roof that ponds, building needs insulation | Strong candidate; foam builds slope and R-value at the same time |
| Many penetrations and odd shapes | Strong candidate; foam is seamless and seals around penetrations |
| Existing roof dry and attached | Can often be sprayed over without tear-off |
| Wet insulation over much of the roof | Tear-off first |
| Tight site with cars, glass or air intakes next to the roof | Possible with overspray control, or consider TPO |
| Metal building with a failing roof | SPF over metal is an option; so are a retrofit or new panels |
SPF and North Texas hail
Hail can dent or puncture the coating and the foam surface. Small damage is usually repaired with sealant and a recoat, but damage left alone lets sunlight and water degrade the foam. After a hailstorm, have an SPF roof inspected even if nothing is leaking yet. We document the damage with photos and measurements and can be on the roof when your adjuster inspects. We don't adjust or negotiate claims; you work the claim with your insurance company. Texas law requires you to pay your deductible, and we never waive or rebate it. In Texas you generally have 1 year from the date of loss to file; check your policy.
Maintenance and recoats
An SPF roof's life depends on keeping its coating intact. Plan for periodic inspections and a recoat when the coating wears thin; the coating manufacturer's warranty states the thickness and schedule. A well-kept foam roof can be recoated rather than replaced.
SPF vs. single-ply vs. coating over the old roof
| SPF | TPO | Coating only | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adds insulation | Yes, built into the roof | With separate board insulation | No |
| Fixes ponding | Yes, by varying thickness | With tapered insulation | No |
| Seams | None | Heat-welded seams | None |
| Weather sensitivity during install | High (wind, moisture, temperature) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Future upkeep | Recoats over its life | Seam and flashing checks | Recoats over its life |
Bidder checklist
- Moisture survey and wet-area replacement
- Foam density, average and minimum thickness, and where it will be thicker for slope
- Coating type and thickness, and when it goes on after the foam
- Overspray protection plan for cars, glass, walls and HVAC intakes
- Walkways, granules and penetration details
- Warranty type, term and recoat requirements
Code sections and product standards are summarized in plain English from the published documents. Your building official and the manufacturer's current specification have the final word.
We're certified with GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, Atlas, Johns Manville, Carlisle, Tropical Roofing Products, Mule-Hide and Enviroshake, and many other roof manufacturers.
Commercial warranty: a workmanship warranty from 10 years up to lifetime, depending on the job, plus both 10-year and 20-year NDL (no-dollar-limit) manufacturer warranties (the price depends on which NDL term you choose). Manufacturer coverage depends on the product and brand, and on the project qualifying for that manufacturer's program. We put the exact warranty for your roof in writing.
Certified, with 30 years installing every major roofing brand, a family roofing business going back 75 years, and over $80 million in completed roofing projects. 5.0 stars on Google at all three of our offices.
Request a free inspection or call (817) 733-9228. Small repairs are welcome too.
