Can I re-roof or do I have to tear off my existing commercial roof?

If you only have one roof on your building that is in good shape, chance are you can save money by installing a new roof without removing the existing roof.

Unfortunately, there are instances where a roof tear-off is required:

 

  • Your facility already has two roofs: According to law, commercial buildings may not have more than two roofing layers. This is to prevent excess weight and stress on the structure of the building.
  • Your facility has an unsafe roof: If your roof is damaged, saturated or unstable, your contractor will need to strip the existing roof to install a new working roof.

How do I know if my business needs a new roof?

Our experts will perform a free roof assessment to determine the quality of your existing roof. Internal damage you may spot such as roof leaks or mold, are indicators that your commercial roof could be unstable and need replacing.

When should I schedule my roof survey?

The earlier the better! As soon as warm weather comes, contractors are up on roofing starting projects. It’s best to contact a contractor in The later summer to schedule a survey as soon as the spring comes to your area. That way, they can start your project as soon as roofing season starts.

How much will my new roof cost?

Each situation has its own unique challenges that cause the prices to fluctuate. We compete with all the viable and high performing commercial roofing systems. There are many factors that contribute to the price of your new commercial roof.

 

Some of these factors include:

 

  • The size of your roof
  • Condition of the existing roof
  • Roof access
  • Insulation choice
  • Membrane choice
  • Installation choice
  • Roof penetrations
  • Type of Warranty

 

We can help you create a budget after one of our roofing experts performs a free roof assessment and creates a roof survey report for your facility.

 

How long can I expect my commercial roof system to last?

The longevity of your commercial is dependent on many factors, from weather conditions to roof type.

 

 There are averages for common roof systems:

 

  • Spray Polyurethane Foam: 30 – 50 Years
  • Single-Ply Membrane TPO: 15 – 20 Years
  • Single-Ply Membrane EPDM: 20 – 25 Years
  • Metal: 30 – 45 Years
  • Built-Up: 10 – 15 Years

 

What is Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing? Is it a new product?

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is a roofing system that is installed by spraying a chemical mixture onto the existing structure and allowing it to expand into a seamless foam surface.  This foam is then coated with a silicone layer for protection. SPF roofing received it’s first UL rating in 1964, years before the more traditional roof systems.

Why is a Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing system better than the others?

SPF roof systems are sustainable and renewable.  Independent third party Life Cycle Analysis indicates that SPF provides the best return on investment.  It has no seams, creates a monolithic blanket of insulation and waterproofing.  Ultra-high energy efficient insulation reduces energy demand and equipment maintenance expenses.  Environmentally responsible low VOC protective coatings and zero-ozone depleting with ultra-low GWP products.

Does Spray Polyurethane Foam work in the north?

Yes, we have been installing SPF roofs successfully in the northern regions of the country since 1979.  There is no scientific evidence to suggest that properly installed SPF roof systems do not work in the north.

Can you walk on Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing?

Yes, typical SPF used for roofing develops 40-50 pounds per square inch (psi) compressive strength.  This is twice the compressive strength used in other insulation boards.  Your residential refrigerator exerts 50 psi per support, so the SPF used for roofing is designed to accommodate moderate roof traffic.

Do birds eat Spray Polyurethane Foam?

Early Spray Polyurethane Foam roof designs were susceptible to occasional mechanical damage by birds (crows and seagulls).  This phenomenon has been stopped with the inclusion of granule surfacing embedded into the top coat.

How much does Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing cost?

Each situation has its unique challenges that cause the prices to fluctuate. We compete with all the viable and high performing commercial roofing systems. Many factors contribute to the cost of your new commercial roof.

 

Some of these factors include:

  • The size of your roof
  • Condition of the existing roof
  • Roof access
  • Insulation choice
  • Membrane choice
  • Installation choice
  • Roof penetrations
  • Type of Warranty

 

We can help you create a budget after one of our roofing experts performs a free roof assessment and creates a roof survey report for your facility.

How long does Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing last?

Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing Systems is the only truly renewable and sustainable roof system available. A well maintained SPF roof can last up to 50 years. And you can even restore your SPF roof with a silicone restoration to keep your roof in working order. The original and preceding warranties can be extended with a simple roof renewal process that costs a fraction of the initial investment.

What are the advantages to a Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof?

The benefits of installing a spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing system, rather than another roof type, are numerous regarding installation, performance, cost, and longevity.

 

  • Energy Efficient – SPF delivers thermal, air, and moisture barriers to provide the highest R-value per inch, which means the material provides better insulation for the building.
  • Durability – The foam material can expand and contract with the building in accordance with outside temperatures, decreasing the likelihood of cracks and splitting.
  • Seamless and Waterproof – Since the SPF mixture is applied as a liquid, it can fill gaps, seams, and cracks in the existing roof and substrate.
  • Environmentally Friendly – Unlike other roofing systems, installing an SPF roof does not produce waste, and when properly maintained, SPF roofing systems stay out of landfills.

What are the disadvantages to a Spray Polyurethane Foam Roof?

While the advantages of an SPF roofing system outweigh the disadvantages, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

 

  • Hire the Right Professional – The application of the spray is a process that needs to be done correctly from the beginning.
  • Timing is Everything – Installation of an SPF roofing system cannot be performed during cold, windy, or rainy weather. In addition, the existing roof needs to be completely dry and pass an infrared moisture survey.
  • Prone to Mechanical Damage – SPF does not have as high of resistance to punctures, from mechanical damage and in some regions, can be prone to birds pecking, as other roof systems; the repair process is straightforward with a standard cartridge of caulk, unlike other system repairs.

Do birds eat Spray Polyurethane Foam?

Early Spray Polyurethane Foam roof designs were susceptible to occasional mechanical damage by birds (crows and seagulls).  This phenomenon has been stopped with the inclusion of granule surfacing embedded into the top coat.

What kind of experience does Roofs Etc have?

We are members of the NRCA with certifications as:

  • EPDM Installer
  • Thermoplastic System Installer
  • Asphalt Shingles Installer
  • Roofing Foreman

We are also member of the North/East Roofing Contractors Association.

Where are we located? Where do we work?

We are located in Mamaroneck, NY which allows us to work both in NY as well as CT. We service a 50 mile radius of Mamaroneck as well as the New York City.

What services do we provide?

At Roofs Etc, we offer a variety of roof installation and maintenance services to keep your facility in good shape.

 

In addition to the installing top of the time roofing systems (see below), we also provide:

What type of commercial roofing systems do we service?

While our most popular roofing type is TPO roofing we also offer EPDM, Industrial Roofing, Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing, we also install asphalt shingles.