A spray foam roof can be a great way to protect a building that has a flat roofline. The polyurethane products used in spray foam roofing are applied as a liquid. This liquid expands into a foam that hardens to form a protective layer over your roof.

When properly applied and maintained, a spray foam roof has the potential to function efficiently for many years. You should become familiar with some common problems that plague foam roofing (and their solutions) if you are thinking of installing this product on your building. 

1. Punctures

One thing that you need to be mindful of when maintaining a foam roof is the possibility of a puncture. The damage will remain localized rather than spreading throughout the roofing system, but a puncture can compromise the quality and integrity of your foam roof.

Bird pecking is a common source of puncture damage. You can deter bird activity by opting to add a granule coating to the roof's surface. The granules help to negate the effects of birds pecking on the roof and extend the life of your foam roof.

2. Improper Application

Many of the complaints that people have with their foam roofing systems are the result of improper installation. Temperatures must be optimal for installation. If the spray foam is applied when the temperature is too cold, the roofing will be brittle. If temperatures are too hot during installation, the foam will not harden properly.

The right density foam must also be used by a roofing contractor during installation. Several layers of the foam should be applied to achieve the desired thickness, and a protective coating should be applied as soon as the foam has hardened.

Work with roofing contractors that specialize in spray foam application if you want to avoid the performance issues associated with improper application in the future.

3. Poor Drainage

Spray foam roofing is often used for flat roofs. Flat roofing systems are notorious for having poor drainage. If you notice that your roof has standing water before you schedule the installation of your spray foam roof, you will need to address these drainage issues prior to installation.

Some drainage problems can be alleviated by increasing the thickness of the spray foam in certain areas to create a slight taper that allows water to drain off the roof. Your contractor will be able to evaluate the extent of your drainage problems and recommend the best course of action to ensure the quality of your spray foam roof over time.

For more information, contact a company like Foam Experts Co.