A new commercial roof is not a small purchase; whether you just purchased a new building or your aged roof is leaking, it’s daunting to think about jumping into such a significant investment. Many factors can affect the price of a spray polyurethane foam commercial roof; from the weather to the location to the material choices.
Here at West Roofing Systems, we’ve installed over 60,000,000 sq. feet of roofing domestically and internationally and during that time we have seen businesses save a lot of money from reduced installation costs to long-term energy savings by choosing SPF Roofing.
What is Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing?
Spray Polyurethane Foam, more commonly referred to as SPF, is a liquid that is sprayed and expands into a foam, creating a solid layer across an existing roof. While SPF roofing is not the most known type of roofing material, the technology has been around since the early 1960s for industrial, commercial, and residential facilities.
For an average 20,000 sq. foot commercial roof, it will usually cost between $4.00 and $7.00 per square foot in materials and labor to install a typical SPF roofing system. This price range is for an SPF roof of average thickness and building structure.*
Download: The Essential Guide to Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing
How spray foam roofs save on installation costs?
It can save you in time and money to install an SPF roof system over other types of systems. Commercial facilities can have up to two roof systems installed if you only have one current roof system on your building, there is no need to tear off your roof to install an SPF roof system. The SPF is simply applied directly to the existing roof system. This saves you money with contractor time and the cost of refuse disposal.
Installing an SPF roof can be less intrusive to the tenants in the building than other types of roof systems. The timeline is short, and the building can still be occupied during an SPF roof installation.
How spray foam roofs are energy efficient?
SPF roofing delivers thermal, air, and moisture barriers to provide the highest R-value per inch, which means the material provides better insulation for the building. The thicker you make the foam layer, the higher R-Value your roof will have. An R-value is the measure of insulation (resistance to heat flow) for material.
Studies show that the average payback period for a new SPF roof can be reached in as little as five years through energy cost reductions to heat and cool the facility. An SPF roof can help earn an Energy Star Certification and Cool Roof Rating.
How spray foam roofs are reflective?
When the SPF layer has been completed, it is then sealed with a layer of silicone and embedded granules. These layers protect the roof and foam from UV light, weather, and impact. The light color reflects UV rays, saving buildings up to 35% in energy costs from not needing as much air conditioning to keep the facilities cool.
Utilizing a light coating application reduces energy costs as part of the energy star cool roof solution. Cool roofs can save money several ways, including:
- Energy savings
- Rebates and incentives
- HVAC equipment downsizing
- Extended roof lifetime
Maintenance costs of a spray foam roof
You can save a lot of money by simply keeping up with the maintenance of your SPF roofing system. Once an SPF roof is installed, it requires minimal upkeep. If properly maintained, your SPF roof can last over 50 years.
There are two types of maintenance for SPF Roofing: preventative maintenance and a restoration coating.
Preventative Maintenance
SPF roofing systems should be inspected semi-annually, in the Spring and again in the Fall. Additional inspections are also suggested following any event that might have caused damage to the system. By doing this, you can catch minor damage before it becomes major damage and more costly to repair.
Read More: Maintenance and Repair Services
Silicone Restoration Recoat
A Silicone Restoration Membrane (SRM) or recoat is a fluid applied silicone coating sprayed directly onto your existing SPF roof system. After the existing roof is cleaned and repaired,
the silicone coating is sprayed on, sealing any imperfections and adding a waterproof layer on your commercial roof.
Read More: Silicone Restoration Membrane: Installation and Performance
From installation and throughout your warranty, the savings of your new SPF can pay off the roof system and save you money down the road. This is why many commercial and industrial facilities choose SPF as their preferred roof system.
An SPF roof pays for itself quickly with energy savings and longevity of the roof. You can work with your contractor to calculate potential energy savings to make sure are proactive about your facility cost-savings.
Read More:
- Cost of a Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing System
- Creating A Flat Roof Maintenance Plan to Last All Year
- Spray on Roof Coating Restoration: What is it and Do You Need it?
*Prices provided in this article are a generalization and not a quote. Please contact our reps for a more personalized commercial roof quote.