Foam Roof Maintenance: What You Need to Know

If you own a home with a foam roof in Arizona, understanding the importance of regular maintenance is crucial to extending the life of your roof. One question that often comes up is whether recoating a foam roof is considered maintenance or a repair. This distinction can be particularly important if you belong to a homeowners association (HOA) that covers maintenance but not repairs.

The Importance of Recoating

Recoating a foam roof is an essential part of its maintenance routine. In Arizona, where the sun’s intense rays relentlessly beat down on roofs, the protective coating on a foam roof gradually wears away. This coating is what shields the foam underneath from the sun’s damaging effects and other environmental factors. Without this protective layer, the foam begins to deteriorate, losing its effectiveness as a roofing material.

To prevent this, it’s recommended to recoat your foam roof every five years. This recoating process involves applying a fresh layer of protective polyurethane coating, which seals the roof and restores its ability to reflect UV rays and resist water penetration. By doing so, you’re maintaining the integrity of the roof, ensuring it continues to perform as it should.

Recoating: Maintenance or Repair?

When it comes to whether recoating is maintenance or repair, it’s important to understand that recoating is considered maintenance. Regular recoating is necessary to keep the roof in good condition and to prevent more serious issues from developing. Since this is a preventative measure, it falls under the category of maintenance.

However, if a foam roof has gone too long without recoating and the protective layer has worn away, the foam underneath can start to break down. Once the foam begins to disintegrate and pathways for water to enter the home are formed, any work done to address these issues is considered a repair. At this point, the damage has progressed beyond what regular maintenance would cover, requiring more extensive work to restore the roof.

Acts of Nature, as we have seen in the last month here in Phoenix, also cause damage which require repairs. These include hail and tree limbs falling on the roof. It's important to have your professional roofer out right away to inspect the roof after something has fallen on your roof.

The Long-Term Value of Maintenance

A properly maintained foam roof can last a lifetime. Regular recoating is a small investment compared to the cost of repairs or even a full roof replacement. By staying on top of maintenance, you’re not only protecting your home from potential water damage but also preserving the value of your property.

Final Thoughts

If you’re unsure whether your foam roof needs recoating or if you’re wondering about the difference between maintenance and repair, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional roofing contractor. They can assess the condition of your roof and provide guidance on the best course of action.

Remember, when it comes to foam roofs, prevention is key. Regular recoating is essential maintenance that will keep your roof in top condition, protecting your home from Arizona’s harsh elements for years to come. If it’s time for your roof’s next maintenance coat, don’t hesitate—take action now to ensure your roof continues to serve you well into the future.

For this and all of your roofing needs, call the professionals at TraVek Roofing in Scottsdale at 480-367-1171. We're happy to come inspect your roof.

It's not just any roof; it's a TraVek Roof!