If you have a foam roof coating covering your home, you are most likely enjoying the savings on energy costs it provides. Foam roofing helps your home to retain warm air in cooler temperatures and will act as a barrier against the blazing sun during warmer months. In time, you may notice a few rips or tears in your foam roofing from normal weathering and aging. When these are noticed, they should be repaired immediately so you do not compromise with your efficiency and to help keep water from leaking inside your home. Here are some instructions to use when making foam roof repairs on your own.

Materials You Will Need

• Ladder
• Broom
• Bucket of water
• Mild detergent
• Sponge
• Pressure washer or garden hose
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Putty knife
• Spray foam
• SPF compatible roofing caulk
• Foam sealant
• Paint tray
• Roller

Cleaning The Roof

Before you can make repairs, clean your rooftop so the spray foam you will be using will be able to adhere without obstructions in the way. Grab a ladder and get up on your rooftop to look for areas that need to be fixed. If there are areas where foam is cracked or has peeled off clear down to the wood of the home, you will want to avoid getting these spots wet so there is no leaking into the home. Cover these areas with a piece of flashing so water does not trickle inside the damaged area. 

Use a broom to sweep off any debris from the roof. Afterward, scrub the roof using a sponge dipped in soapy water. Rinse well with a pressure washer or garden hose and let it air dry overnight before starting the repairs.

Repairing Cracks And Holes

To fill in smaller crevices and punctured areas, inject SPF compatible caulk into the areas to fill in the voids. Make sure you place the nozzle into the crack or hole as far as possible before squeezing in the contents. Use a putty knife to smooth the caulk so it is uniform with the rest of the foam surface.

Spray roofing foam is made out of acrylic, urethane, or silicone. Find out which material was used on your existing roof and use the same type of spray to make the repairs. Put on a pair of gloves and goggles to keep your skin and eyes protected as you spray the foam over the caulked area, sealing the crevice underneath.

When the foam has dried according to the package directions, add a layer of sealant over the entire roof to protect the foam from elements. This can be done every year or two to keep your foam roofing from unnecessary damage and to help keep your it looking new. Simply pour the sealant into a paint tray and use a paint roller to apply.