For homeowners living in New York, having a draft free home is of utmost importance. We all know how tough the weather conditions are, and sometimes struggling to maintain a stable life routine can be a bit frustrating when low temperatures decide to kick in. It doesn’t necessarily have to be that way! Home insulation is not a new term among Ontarian homeowners because insulation practices have been around for decades now. Simply put, home and commercial building insulation help with keeping the warm air in, and the cold out, as it should be.
Spray foam insulation for example (along with cellulose and fiberglass insulation), is one of the best insulation methods that deliver the most possible benefits an insulation system can.
When it comes to roof insulation, spray foam is the method we here at Solve Insulation recommend using. Want to know the reason why spray foam is the best alternative for your roof?
Read on…
Spray foam roofing insulation benefits
Roofing spray foam insulation does the one thing it is supposed to do. It creates an air barrier that protects your entire building from the outer climate conditions. Mold, water pooling, and temperature fluctuations are only some of the issues roofing spray foam insulation provide a sustainable solution that with little to no maintenance at all, will last for decades.
Regardless of the roof shape or material, if spray foam insulation is installed properly, by professional insulation crews, only then you will take advantage of the whole benefits of insulation.
Other benefits of spray foam roofing
Energy Efficiency
In case you didn’t know yet, spray foam roof insulation is capable of delivering the highest R-Value per inch of insulation thickness. In short, R-value measures the capability of an insulation system to resist heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the less heat will be lost through your walls, translated to lower energy bills.
Water Resistance
By filling all gaps and cracks in the existing roof perimeter, spray foam creates an area that is not vulnerable to leakages, preventing mold from growing to your walls. The material is durable and does not deteriorate with the passing of years. It does not sag or settle, as cellulose or fiberglass insulation material does.
Spray Foam Roofing Insulation Process
The final result of a well-insulated roof with spray foam is acquired only when the installation process is properly done. It goes through different stages, and each has its importance. The installation process is a direct indicator of the functionality of the insulation system. Therefore, the right building code practices must be followed in order to take full advantage of the benefits of roofing spray foam.
Stage 1 – Preparing roof for insulation
Prior to starting to insulate, the roof must be dry and clean. A wet surface prevents the polyurethane foam from sticking to the roof material, causing a failure to the whole installation process. The roof should as well be cleaned from dust, small particles, and oil.
Stage 2 – Applying polyurethane foam
Now that the roof is cleaned, it is ready for spray foam to be applied on it. Two layers of spray foam need to be applied, one after another. The second layer is used to protect the insulation from UV rays, wind, rain, moisture, humidity, and foot traffic. When the spray foam layers are hardened, it is now time for a silicone layer to coat the insulated perimeter.
The process is done using what is called the 3lb foam closed-cell. A cubic foot (1ft*1ft*1ft) weights 3 pounds. Spray foam roofing density provides a vapor barrier, an air barrier, and insulation, all-in-one.
Stage 3 – Work Examine
Few hours are all it takes for the foam to expand to the preferred level. If the installation process is done by an experienced insulation crew, the benefits will immediately be reflected on the next months’ energy bills. Understandably, other parts of the building need to be insulated in order to create an efficient air barrier.
Difference between Spray Foam Roofing and Spray Foam insulation
If you tell a professional of the insulation industry that spray foam insulation is the same as spray foam roofing, you should expect some objections. The main material is made of the same matter, however, the density used is what makes them different from each other.
Comparison | Spray Foam Roofing | Spray Foam Insulation |
Density | 3lb | 1/2lb or 2lb |
Open or closed cell | Closed cell | Open cell (2lb); closed cell (1/2lb) |
Cost | approx. $4-$7 per sq. ft. | approx. $3 per sq. ft |
The difference between closed and open cell is the chemical process that paves the way to R-value being created. To create the R-Value, closed cell traps cell gases, and open cell traps air. A high insulation R-value depends on the lack of motion in the air that is trapped.
As you can see in the above comparison table, the spray foam insulation cost for roofing is higher when compared with the spray foam insulation cost used for indoor walls. The main reason is due to the density of the first. Reasonably, the cost will be higher when more material is used to insulate a particular perimeter. The reason why normal spray foam can not be used for roof insulation is that it is sensitive to UV rays (sunlight). Continuous exposition to the sun can damage the polyurethane foam by an average of 1/16th of an inch, yearly.
Why Solve?
When it comes to spray foam roofing services, the insulation crew has to be very carefully selected. Solve insulation company has been in the spray foam insulation industry since 2008, and our involvement in big commercial projects has helped us gain the required experience to deal with commercial foam insulation services. Our team of professionals will guide you from the consultation to the execution stage. Learn more about Roof Insulation services in New York and contact us for your free estimate.