Even after 30 years of being used in thousands of homes and businesses in the Bay Area, most home or business owners, still think that Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF), also commonly known as foam roofing, is akin to styrofoam. Armstrong Foam Roofing wants to dispel any confusion regarding how San Francisco and Bay Area homeowners understand this remarkable product and help show that there is a significant difference between these two materials. Howard Fine, The founder of Armstrong, was insistent that his company only provide the best products possible to its customers, which is a tradition that still holds true today. That’s why when SPF was made available for use, over 30 years ago, as roofing material, Armstrong was one of the first companies in the United States to use this superior roofing system. At Armstrong Roofing, we believe that our best customers are “well-informed customers” who can make educated decisions about what’s right for their most valuable investment. Therefore, we believe that Bay Area homeowners need to be aware of the difference between these two products.
Facts About The Insulating Properties Of Styrofoam
The common large blue styrofoam panels used to insulate the walls and roofs of buildings fail to offer the same protection and insulation benefits as SPF foam roofing. The blue panels are available in thicknesses ranging from 3/4 of an inch to 3 inches. Since styrofoam insulation begins to deteriorate when exposed to moisture, a layer of plastic sheeting is installed before the styrofoam insulation to protect it. What’s more, styrofoam is installed in panels, consequently, there are always gaps on the surface of this type of insulation.
The R-Value or insulating potential of this material increases with the thickness of the sheets and theoretically, it should provide satisfactory insulation. Unfortunately, due to the forces of expansion and contractions, which all buildings experience in the Bay Area and beyond, cause the gaps between the insulating panels to reduce their effectiveness of this insulation because air is able to seep in through these gaps. The gaps will also permit moisture to seep in and eventually break down the styrofoam and reduce its effectiveness as an insulating barrier
Facts About The Properties Of SPF Roofing
The SPF roofing system, unlike styrofoam boards, is able to fill in any gaps and cracks, thus preventing air and moisture from penetrating your roof and causing serious problems. Also, due to its seamless nature, SPF roofing eliminates the expanding and contracting issue which allows water and microbes to seep in and damage your roof. Another important advantage of this roofing system is that it can be easily installed onto almost any surface including irregularly shaped roofs and uneven surfaces, which is something that would be more difficult to accomplish with styrofoam panels.
With respect to energy efficiency and R-Values, again SPF roofing proves its superiority since it is up to 500% more efficient than conventional roofs. In fact, inch-per-inch, it has tremendous insulation value and maintains this value for decades. Furthermore, it has extremely strong adhesion properties and can withstand the most destructive hurricanes experienced today. Its strength and proven longevity have also classified it as a sustainable low-slope roofing system which only requires periodic recoating for decades of service. What’s more, as we mentioned in a previous article, SPF roofing systems can be classified as “cool roofs” since their light color (normally white) can reflect as much sunlight as possible. In fact, according to research conducted by the US Department of Energy, a standard or dark roof can experience temperatures of more than 150°F under the hot summer sun whereas a cool roof may be more than 50°F cooler under the same weather conditions! This translates into significant benefits, both to us and the environment in which we live.
Armstrong Roofing: Your Bay Area SPF Roofing Experts
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that if you install an SPF roofing system to protect your flat or low-slope roof, your roofing system will only be as good as the individuals who apply it. You should only trust professionals with a high degree of technical knowledge and experience who will apply your SPF roofing system under ideal weather conditions and on well-prepared surfaces to ensure the material adheres to your roof properly. The foam also needs to be applied evenly to avoid small areas where rainwater may form puddles which can eventually damage your roofing material. Only trust the best, when it comes to your SPF roofing needs, that’s why you should call the experts at Armstrong 1234 who have more than 30 years experience in installing SPF roofing systems! In addition, to our years of experience, we are also proud to claim that we have installed more residential foam roofing than any other company in America due to the fact that San Francisco and the Bay Area have an incredibly large number of flat-roofed homes. Consequently, we have become experts in the field of SPF roofing systems!
Before you consider any other roofing system for your flat or low-sloped roof Bay Area building, let Armstrong show you why ours is the best investment for your home!