Eichler homes are among the most iconic and distinctive examples of mid-century modern architecture in the San Francisco Bay Area. These homes feature clean geometric lines, glass walls, open floor plans, and an organic connection to the landscape. They epitomize the mid-century modern style and the floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outdoors inside. However, Eichler homes also have some challenges related to maintaining and protecting their roofs. Many Eichler homes have flat or low-sloped roofs that are prone to water ponding, leaks, and damage from UV rays and weather elements. Moreover, some Eichler roofs have tar and gravel or built-up roofing systems that are outdated, inefficient, and difficult to repair. If you own an Eichler home in the San Francisco Bay Area, you may be wondering how you can improve the strength and durability of your roof without compromising the aesthetic and architectural integrity of your home. The answer is Armstrong’s spray foam roofing.
What is Spray Foam Roofing?
Spray foam roofing is a liquid foam material applied onto a roof. It expands to 1 ½” + or – ¼ ″ thickness and solidifies to form a protective layer. The foam is typically composed of a two-component mixture of polyol resin and isocyanate.
Spray foam roofing has three main parts:
- Spray polyurethane foam (SPF): This is the foam layer that provides insulation, waterproofing, and structural support to the roof. At Armstrong Foam Roofing, we provide our clients with a monolithic layer of solid closed-cell polyurethane foam density rated at 3LB, meaning our roofs have the highest quality roofing foams available today. The 3LB foam used offers high insulation values, strength, and exceptional longevity.
- Protective Coating: This is a thin layer of coating that protects the foam from UV rays, weathering, and mechanical damage. The protective coating can be anywhere from 10-30 mils thick. The coating provided by Armstrong Foam Roofing consists of 2 coats of elastomeric AWS ultraviolet protective coating which also enhances the reflectivity and energy efficiency of the roof.
- Ceramic Granules: These are small particles that are embedded into the top layer of the coating. They provide additional strength and traction to the roof surface and you can choose from a variety of colors, however, white granules are recommended for maximum reflectivity.
The Unique Characteristics of Eichler Homes
Before we discuss the benefits of spray foam roofing, let’s briefly discuss what makes Eichler homes stand out in the architectural landscape.
Eichler homes are characterized by:
- Clean, modern lines and designs.
- Expansive glass walls and open floor plans.
- Flat or low-pitched roofs.
- Post-and-beam construction with exposed wood.
These distinctive features give Eichler homes their iconic mid-century modern charm. However, they also present unique challenges when it comes to roofing and insulation. Unfortunately, their flat or gently sloped roofs can be more susceptible to leaks and other weather-related issues. Traditional roofing materials may not provide the best protection, as they can be prone to ponding water, which can cause damage over time.
How Can Spray Foam Roofing Improve My Eichler Home?
Spray foam roofing, with its unique properties, can significantly improve the state of your Eichler home. in several ways:
- It creates a seamless and monolithic membrane that covers the entire roof surface, eliminating seams, gaps, cracks, and joints that can cause leaks and moisture intrusion.
- It conforms to any shape and size of the roof, including curves, angles, domes, and skylights. It can also be applied over existing roofing systems, such as tar and gravel or built-up roofs, without requiring tear-off or disposal.
- It provides superior insulation value, with an R-value of 6.5 per inch of thickness. It is over 500% more efficient than conventional roofs and can pay for its cost within 3 to 4 years. Foam roofing is also recommended by the Energy Department as it is a long-lasting ultra-light insulating foam that will keep your home cool during summer and prevent the heat from escaping in winter. This means lower heating and cooling costs and improvement in your indoor comfort.
- It adds structural strength and rigidity to the roof deck, increasing its load-bearing capacity and resistance to wind uplift, hail impact, and seismic activity.
- It has a long lifespan of up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance and recoating. It also requires minimal repairs and upkeep, saving you time and money in the long run.
How Does Foam Roofing Reduce Stress on Eichler Homes?
One of the main advantages of foam roofing is that it is extremely lightweight compared to other flat roofing systems. In fact, foam roofing systems weigh approximately 60 lbs per 100 square feet versus 600 lbs per 100 square feet for a typical built-up roofing system (i.e. tar and gravel).
Eichler homes are designed with a post-and-beam construction method, which uses vertical posts and horizontal beams to support the roof and walls. This method allows for large open spaces and glass walls, but it also limits the amount of weight that the roof can bear. As a result, since foam roofing can be applied directly to many existing roofing systems without adding significant stress to the walls and beams of a building, it makes it ideal for Eichlers.
By choosing foam roofing for your Eichler home, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- You can avoid adding extra weight or bulk to your roof envelope, which could affect the balance or proportion of your home’s architecture.
- You can prevent overloading or weakening your roof deck and supporting structure, which could lead to sagging, cracking, or collapsing.
- In the earthquake-prone San Francisco Bay Area, maintaining the original design and structural integrity of your Eichler home is crucial. The lightweight foam roofing not only protects your home from leaks but may also aid in better seismic performance by not adding extra weight.
- It preserves the original design and appearance of your Eichler home. Unlike other roofing systems that may alter or clash with the style of your home, spray foam roofing blends seamlessly with your existing roof structure. It does not add any extra weight or bulk to your roof envelope, which means it does not affect the balance or proportion of your home’s architecture.
Consequently, foam roofing is a smart and cost-effective choice for Eichler homes. It can improve the strength and durability of your roof without compromising the aesthetic and architectural integrity of your home.
Why Choose Armstrong Foam Roofing for Your Eichler Home?
If you are looking for a reliable and experienced spray foam roofing contractor in the San Francisco Bay Area, you should book a consultation with Armstrong Foam Roofing. Our family-owned and run business has been upgrading and protecting residential and commercial buildings since 1966. We were one of the first roofing contractors in the San Francisco Bay Area to provide high-quality spray foam roofing solutions. For over 40 years we have installed more residential foam roofing than any other company in America!
At Armstrong Foam Roofing, we understand the unique challenges and requirements of Eichler homes. We have the skills, knowledge, and equipment to install spray foam roofing on your Eichler home with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency. We also offer free estimates, competitive pricing, flexible financing options, and industry-leading warranties.
When you choose Armstrong Foam Roofing for your Eichler home, you can expect:
- A thorough inspection of your existing roof condition
- A customized spray foam roofing design that suits your home’s style and structure
- A professional spray foam roofing installation that follows industry standards and best practices
- A clean and safe work site that respects your property and environment
- A complete customer satisfaction guarantee that ensures your peace of mind
Contact Armstrong Foam Roofing Today
Don’t let your Eichler home’s roof deteriorate any further. Contact Armstrong Foam Roofing today to find out how spray foam roofing can improve the strength and durability of your Eichler home. Call us at (877) 777-1234 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and estimate.