Spray foam roofing has been an option in commercial roofing for years, but what about residential spray foam roofing? You might be surprised to learn it can be a great option to protect your home as well. Here are a few of the pros and cons of spray foam roofing to consider.

PROS

Inexpensive

One of the greatest advantages of spray foam roofing for your home is the price tag. It costs, on average, $4.75 to $9.50 per square foot, roughly comparable in cost to a single layer of asphalt shingles.

Steady Cost

Another advantage of spray foam is that the price of the product has remained fairly steady, especially when compared to the cost of materials that require petroleum-based products like asphalt shingles which can fluctuate with market oil prices.

Energy Efficiency

Spray foam roofing is a fantastic insulator because it keeps internal temperatures steady but deflects thermal heat from the sun. That's why many people use the same products used as spray foam roofing for insulation in walls and attics.

Seamless Installation

Because the product is literally sprayed onto the surface of the roof as a liquid before hardening into a durable foam, there are no seams. That minimizes problem areas that can result in leaks.

Lightweight

Spray foam roofing is one of the lightest roofing products on the market, so if you're worried about the physical weight of the material on your roof because of structural issues or an aging home, spray foam insulation can offer peace of mind.

CONS

No Sloped Roofs

One major drawback with spray foam roofing is that the slope of the roof can be prohibitive. It's only an option with roofs that have zero or low slopes. This eliminates many homes from the running.

Installation Quirks

Although fairly easy to install, the product requires some specific installation conditions. It can't be sprayed during windy conditions or low temperatures. It requires a warm and dry installation window, and that can result in some frustrations if the weather doesn't cooperate on your scheduled installation day. Additionally, the surface of the roof must be carefully prepared beforehand so that it's free of any contaminates like chemicals, dirt, or dust in order for the material to properly adhere to the surface. Another important step prior to installation is ensuring that you have an even surface. This is necessary to minimize standing water or ponding water on low spots and depressions. For all these reasons, it's important to hire a roofer with spray foam experience.