HOW TO MAINTAIN SPRAY FOAM
Repairs and maintenance budgets have gotten out of control for many building owners in recent decades. As manufacturers cut costs, their systems become less reliable, increasing the amount you have to spend on repairs. As repairs become more expensive, a system that is inexpensive and easy to maintain becomes a lot more attractive.
Low Maintenance
Sprayed Polyurethane Foam requires a significantly lower investment in repairs & maintenance than most other roofing systems for several reasons. The system is self-adhered, so there are no fasteners. The uniform appearance of the roof makes detecting damage a very easy job. And finally almost all repairs can be performed by in-house personnel.
Roof Inspections
The first step of every roof repair is to perform regular roof inspections. If you don’t find the damage to your roof, you can’t repair it.
Roof inspections should be performed at least twice a year, generally in the spring and fall. The fall inspection gets you ready for winter, and the spring inspection finds any damage the winter may have caused.
When performing your roof inspection, carry a checklist and roof sketch with you so that you know exactly what to look for and can write down where any damage was found. In your roof file, keep all past roof inspection sheets, a file of repairs made, technical data sheets, original roof specifications, a copy of the warranty, and the contact information for your roof’s manufacturer and contractor.
When we inspect a roof, we check all gutters, scuppers & drains, inspect rooftop units and penetrations, and look over flashings, roof edges, expansion and control joints and other roof system terminations. Next, we examine the field of the roof and look for any defects in the roof surface.
As a preventative method, always remove any debris from the roofing system when inspecting your roof, ensure there are no unnecessary parts on the roof such as lumber, signs, or unused equipment, and ensure all vents direct emissions away from the roof. You should also minimize foot traffic on the roof or install walkways.
Common Repairs
Three of the most common problems of a spray foam roof are small punctures & holes, cracks or splits, and small blisters on the roof surface. All three of these problems are repaired in the same way: thoroughly clean the problem area with a rag and clean water. Then, using a knife, carefully cut out any loose, wet, or damaged foam and coating at a 45 degree angle. Next, apply compatible caulking material into the hole so that the caulk overflows the hole and can be feathered around the edge of the hole. Finally, if the system manufacturer recommends, install a top coating over the repair. This coating will typically be acrylic or silicone.
Conclusion
Because the repairs described above are so simple, many building owners elect to perform them with an in-house worker. However, sometimes you just want the problem taken care of without your involvement. If that is the case, give us a call. We can make one-time repairs or set you up for a periodic inspection and maintenance plan.