If you own or manage a commercial building with a flat roof in the San Francisco Bay Area, you know how important it is to have a reliable and durable roof that can withstand the weather and protect your property. You also know how costly and disruptive it can be to repair or replace a damaged or leaking roof. That’s why you should consider replacing your traditional built-up roof with an Armstrong Foam Roofing foaming system. Armstrong’s foam roofing is a smart investment for the flat roofs of commercial buildings.
Why Choose Foam Roofing For Your Commercial Roof
Foam roofing, also known as spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing, is a roofing system that consists of applying a layer of foam over an existing roof, followed by a protective coating and granules. Foam roofing has many advantages over traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt, metal, or tile.
Here are some of the reasons why foam roofing is a smart investment for commercial buildings:
The Cost of Your Flat Roof
The average cost of commercial roof replacement in the San Francisco Bay Area can vary depending on several factors, such as the type, size, condition, and complexity of the roof, the materials and labor costs, and the contractor’s experience and reputation.
Built-Up Roof Systems
Based on the DGS California Construction Cost Index and FIXr, the average cost of a commercial built-up roof (BUR), which is a common type of flat roof that consists of alternating layers of asphalt and reinforcing fabric, can range from $4 to $10 per square foot. This means that for a typical 10,000-square-foot commercial roof, the cost of BUR replacement can be between $40,000 and $100,000 (this is only a rough estimate and the actual cost may vary depending on the specific details of each project).
Foam Roofing
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of commercial foam roofing, which is a roofing system that consists of applying a layer of foam over an existing roof, followed by a protective coating and granules, can range from $4 to $7 per square foot. This means that for a typical 10,000-square-foot commercial roof, the cost of foam roofing can be between $40,000 and $70,000. Again, this is only a rough estimate and the actual cost may vary depending on the specific details of each project and the density of the foam (higher-density foam is significantly more expensive than low-density). Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a reputable and experienced foam roofing contractor like Armstrong Foam Roofing who can provide a more accurate and customized quote based on your needs and preferences.
Energy Efficiency of Foam Roofing
One of the main benefits of foam roofing is that it can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills by providing superior insulation and reflectivity. Foam roofing has an R-value of 6.25 per inch, which means it can resist heat transfer better than any other roofing material. This means that your building will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.
Foam roofing can be over 500% more efficient than conventional roofs. San Francisco Bay Area business owners who replace their BUR roofs with foam roofing may be able to reduce their heating and cooling costs by up to 40%. The white elastomeric coating of foam roofing also reflects the sun’s rays, which can lower the surface temperature of your roof by up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This can prevent heat buildup on your upper floors, which can help reduce your cooling costs. According to a case study by Texas A&M University, foam roofing can pay for itself in energy savings in an average of 4.5 years.
Foam Roofing is Waterproof and Seamless
Another benefit of closed-cell foam roofing applied by Armstong is that it can prevent water damage and leaks by creating a seamless and waterproof membrane over your existing roof. Foam roofing is applied as a liquid that expands and conforms to any shape or surface, filling in any gaps, cracks, or holes. This eliminates the need for seams, joints, or fasteners that can allow water to penetrate your roof.
Foam roofing also creates a positive slope that allows water to drain away from your commercial roof, preventing ponding or pooling that can cause structural damage or mold growth. Foam roofing can withstand heavy rain, hail, snow, and wind without cracking, peeling, or deteriorating. In fact, Armstrong’s foam roofing can last up to 50 years or even the lifetime of your building with proper maintenance.
Lightweight and Durable Roofing
Foam roofing is incredibly lightweight, exerting less stress on the building’s structure compared to heavier roofing materials. Armstrong’s foam roofing systems weigh approximately 60 lbs per 100 square feet as opposed to 600 lbs per 100 square feet for a typical built-up roofing system like tar and gravel. This means that foam roofing can be applied directly to many existing roofing systems without adding significant stress to the walls and beams of a building.
This characteristic is particularly advantageous for older commercial buildings with load-bearing concerns. Additionally, the durable nature of foam roofing ensures it can withstand foot traffic and the occasional maintenance activities without sustaining damage, maintaining its integrity for years to come.
The Eco-Friendly Nature of Foam Roofing
Foam roofing is not only good for your wallet, but also for the environment. Foam roofing has several eco-friendly properties that make it a green choice for commercial buildings:
- Foam roofing can reduce landfill waste when it is possible to be applied over your existing roof, avoiding the need for tear-off and disposal of old roofing materials.
- Foam roofing reduces greenhouse gas emissions by lowering your energy consumption and carbon footprint.
- Foam roofing reduces the urban heat island effect by reflecting solar heat and cooling down your building and surrounding areas.
- Foam roofing is made from eco-friendly materials that do not contain ozone-depleting substances or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can harm the air quality.
- Foam roofing can protect your commercial building for a lifetime by being recoated approximately every 20 years.
Foam Roofing is Ideal for the Flat Roofs of Commercial Buildings
Foam roofing is especially ideal for flat roofs, which are common in the San Francisco area for both residential and commercial buildings. Flat roofs have unique challenges that foam roofing can address effectively:
- Flat roofs are prone to water accumulation and leakage due to their lack of slope and drainage.
- Flat roofs are exposed to more solar radiation and heat than sloped roofs, which can cause thermal expansion and contraction and damage the roof materials.
- Flat roofs have limited options for roofing materials that can adhere well and provide adequate protection.
Foam roofing can solve these problems by creating a custom slope and drainage system for your flat roof, reflecting solar heat and preventing thermal shock, and adhering to any substrate or surface without compromising performance.
What’s more, unlike traditional roofing materials that may require regular inspections and repairs, foam roofing demands minimal maintenance. As long as it is installed correctly and well-maintained, it can last for several decades without significant issues. This translates to reduced maintenance costs for the building owner.
How to Get Started with Foam Roofing for Your Flat Roof
If you are interested in foam roofing for your commercial building in the San Francisco Bay Area, you should contact a reputable and experienced foam roofing contractor who has been providing their services for years and can offer you a free estimate and consultation. At Armstrong Foam Roofing, we have been installing high-quality foam roofs since the 1980s. We are a multi-generational family-owned and operated business that offers competitive pricing, excellent customer service, and some of the longest-lasting warranties.
We serve commercial customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including Emeryville, Oakland, San Rafael, Alameda, Palo Alto, Berkeley, South San Francisco, Daly City, Burlingame, San Jose, El Cerrito, Concord, Walnut Creek, Danville, and more.
If you want to learn more about foam roofing and how it can benefit your commercial building, call us at (877) 777-1234 to schedule a free flat roof consultation and an estimate. We will answer your questions, and provide you with a detailed proposal. Don’t wait, contact us today and discover why foam roofing is a smart investment for commercial buildings.