BUR vs SPF Roofing

Flat Roof Replacement You Can Count On

As a homeowner considering their flat roof options, two systems you'll want to compare are built up roofing (BUR) and spray foam polyurethane roofing (SPF).

At Mikku and Sons Roofing, we want to ensure that our customers have the best information to make the best possible choice. So, let’s compare the pluses and minuses of each of these flat roofing systems.

Built Up Roofing – For more than 100 years, BUR systems have been installed on residential flat roofs. for over 100 years. A term that is often used for these types of roofs is "tar and gravel". They are installed with layers of tar and asphalt alternating them to apply the fabrics directly on the roof. The homeowner can pick how many layers will be installed. Finally, a layer of stone or gravel is placed on top.

Spray Foam Polyurethane Roofing – SPF is in a liquid form sprayed on top of the existing roof that quickly expands into a foam that covers all the nooks and crannies of the existing roof. This type of roofing was introduced in the 60's and is not the most common type of material chosen, although, that is quickly evolving.

Installation Comparisons

Built Up – The initial layer of a BUR roof is applied straight onto the roof substrate. To create a safe space to complete the installation, a base sheet can be fastened to the roof first. Then, you begin alternating layers of reinforced fabric and bitumen. Depending on your budget and needs you can choose to apply 3, 4 or 5 layers. To protect the system from extreme temperature ranges and wind, a final layer of rock or stone is applied on top. This layer will also make the roof more architecturally and esthetically appealing.

SPF Roofing – Previous to installing an SPF roof, you need to prep the existing one. You won't need to strip off the existing materials, but it will need to be cleaned of all contaminants, dust and dirt. The polyurethane foam is applied first by mixing 2 liquids together and spraying them on the roof. As it’s sprayed on, it quickly expands and forms its solid surface. Afterwards, a silicone or acrylic coating is applied to help reflect heat and protect it from the elements.

Expense Comparisons

BUR roofing systems typically will cost anywhere from about $5 per sq ft on the low end and $9 per square ft on the high end. This can vary, of course, depending on your choice of materials.

SPF systems will typically cost between $4 per sq ft and $7 per sq ft, making them slightly more economical.

The Advantages of Each System

Built Up Roofing Systems

• If a built up roof is correctly installed and maintained  over time, it can last as long as 40 years. These are some of the other pluses for BUR roofing systems:
• They require little maintenance after installed.
• They proved UV ray protection by reflecting the sun's rays.
• No joints or seams, which makes for a continuous, seamless waterproof system.

SPF Roofing Systems

• An SPF roof, when installed correctly can last as long as 50 years. Here are some of SPF roofing's other pluses:
• No material to dispose of from the old roof, making it environmentally friendly.
• Its seamless and waterproof due to its sealing all the vulnerable areas of your roof with a continuous, solid surface.
• It can expand and contract with the structure, which means less cracking or splitting, making it extremely durable.
• The barriers it supplies delivers a very high R-value per inch, making it very energy efficient.

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The Disadvantages of Each System

Built Up Roofing

• BUR roofs have been around quite a while, but they will only last with the proper maintenance. Her are some of the minuses to BUR:
• Its installation cost is higher.
• Its heavier and adds significant weight to the top of your structure.
• The time to install is longer – making it more inconvenient.
• There will be hazardous vapors and fumes while it’s being installed, so safety measures must be taken.

SPF Roofing

• There are also a few minuses regarding SPF roofing you need to be aware of:
• They need more inspections – preferably twice a year.
• Overspray – you need to protect cars and personal property around your home as the overspray of the material could damage them.
• Contractor experience – you need a roofing contractor that specializes in this type of application.
• Limited times for installation – cold, windy or rainy weather won't work for installing SPF systems.

Mikku and Sons Roofing (623) 465-1068 provides quality flat roof repair, flat roof installation, flat roof replacement and other roof repair services to Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding Phoenix area communities. We’ve been a reputable, quality roofing contractor since 2001. When you need advice on your decision regarding your flat roof, give us a call.

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The Effects of Cool Roofing

Foam Roof Installation You Can Trust

There's a lot of chatter in recent years about white or "cool" roofing options for roofing. The main premise is that dark colors, roofs constructed of asphalt or tar materials, take in heat, which increases the utility bills for the property they are installed on, opposed to white, or light colored materials which reflect the heat.

The main point being that lighter colored materials, like white spray foam, will help the occupants save money over time in reduced energy costs. The government has encouraged property owners to install these cool roofs on their properties, even suggesting that all future roofing be lighter or white in color.

One thing that is a factor, however, is where your property is located. In areas like Phoenix or Tucson, for example, where AC systems are used for a great portion of a calendar year, it would seem like an easy choice. And, there are some states, like California, that are forcing commercial buildings to only install white roofs.

But, in cooler areas of the country, Like let’s say Minneapolis or Chicago, it’s a little more complicated. There are some studies that show in the colder winter months, white roofing might actually increase heating expenses. The debate is about how much it actually does. The question is whether the decrease in cooling costs in the summer months will compensate for a possible increase in heating costs in the winter. Studies have disputed this, showing that the energy savings through air conditioning bills outweighs any negatives, even in colder climates like Chicago.

The other main factor is how cool roofing is, or can have,  on slowing down the effects of global warming. One major study found that the heat reflected off of white, cool roofing does affect climate change by putting more heat into the atmosphere, which absorbs more carbon emissions. Past studies had made claims that white roofing have a cooling effect, not a warming one.

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So, you should know all the factors involved in the particular area where you reside before making the decision to install a white foam roof on your property. You should way all the pros and cons of your options and choose the one that best fits your locality and budget. There are several types of reflective materials to make your choice from.

There could also be some local financial incentives from your governing bodies to investigate. There are states that offer their citizens rebates if they install white, cool roofing. There could also be incentives offered by the various utilities in your city, county or state. On a roof with a dark surface, the temperature can get as hot as 180 degrees. on a warm sunny day. If your roof heats up like this, it will impact your property's interior, which might be great in Chicago during a winter month, but not so much in Arizona during the summer, as heat will get inside and rise. You'll need to use more air conditioning as the temperature inside increases as a result.

Also, a dark roof will disperse heat back into the air, increasing a city's heat island affect. The cumulative effect is  the planet's solar reflectance by absorbing the heat from the sun and its rays. Scientists believe that this is having an impact on global warming and climate change.

This has created a movement towards government agencies recommending white, reflective roofing. For reflecting heat, white roofs are a great solutions due to their smooth exterior. Several major tests that have been completed have shown that dark materials, like shingles, asphalt and tar, only reflect 5-10% of the sun's rays, with their temperatures rising 70 to 90 degrees more than the air around them, while white roofing materials will reflect as much as 25% of the suns rays with a 50 to 70 degree difference in the surrounding air. Some materials will reflect as much as 35% and only 60 degree differences.

Mikku and Sons Roofing (623) 465-1068 provides quality foam roof repair, foam roof installation, foam roof replacement and other roof repair services to the surrounding Phoenix area communities. We’ve been a reputable, quality roofing contractor since 2001. Call us when you have any questions about installing or repairing a foam roof on your property.

Keep Up Roof Maintenance in Winter

Roof Inspections You Can Trust

Maintaining Your Roof in Winter

Here in the Southwest, we tend to ignore our roof, one of the most critical features of our home, because we have so many days of sunshine every year. But, then the monsoon season comes and all of a sudden we regret not doing our routine maintenance because we have a big, expensive roofing problem.

You can only expect your roof to last about half as long as it should if you don't regularly maintain it. Your roof accumulates damage every day from the elements – rain, the hot sun, even pests and people walking on it. Pile on to that the even more intense heat and periodic heavy rains from the monsoon season and it’s a disaster waiting to happen. You could have a big roof repair just waiting to happen and you're completely ignorant of it.

So, what do you do to maintain your roof in the winter to prepare it? What should you be looking for? Who should you call?

There are 3 main things to do to extend your roof's lifespan – properly maintain it when needed, get it inspected regularly and get repairs done quickly when they're needed.

Roof Maintenenace You Can Count On

Get Your Roof Inspected

Before the monsoon season begins, at least once every year, you should have your roof inspected – especially if its a flat roof and its over 15 years old. Our roofs here in Arizona get hit the hardest during the winter rain between December and February and the monsoon season between June and September. When it rains here, we have drops in temperature that happen suddenly, causing thermal shock, compromising your roof's surface.

In your roof's warranty, it probably has a clause that voids the warranty if you're not properly maintaining it, so its critical to keep up with regular maintenance, schedule routine inspections and fix any necessary problems as soon as possible.

Regularly Maintaining Your Roof

If you're not scared of getting up on your roof and checking it out, here's a couple things you can do help your roof's lifespan. Take the correct safety steps if you do, because one of the leading causes of serious accidents around a home is falling off a ladder. Also, be careful walking on it, especially if its older, because it can cause some serious damage and weaken your roof if you do.

• Prevent your gutters from clogging and water from ponding by removing andy debris that accumulates – any small branches, leaves or organic material.
• Check if there is any water ponding  if your roof is flat.
• Check your chimney, vents or skylights for any leaks around their edges.
• If you find any cracks or splits, they can be sealed with asphalt emulsion mixtures.
• If you have any trees or branches hanging over your roof, trim them back.

Promptly Repair and Inspect

There are some roofing issues that you should leave to a professional roofing contractor. Find an experienced, licensed, professional roofer like Mikku and Sons Roofing if you find any of these problems:

• If you find pests like insects, birds or bees.
• Leaks in your interior ceilings or damage from a storm.
• Tiles or shingles that are broken or missing.
• Damage after a serious hail storm.
• Buying a new home – get a professional inspection every time.

Mikku and Sons Roofing, (623) 465-1068, has been providing quality roof replacement, roof installation and roof repair services, including shingle, tile and flat roof repair, to Phoenix and the surrounding communities. We’ve been a reputable, quality roofing contractor since 2001. If you need your roof to be inspected, or need rooutine maintenance to be performed on your roof before the upcoming storm season, give us a call.

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Is Spray Foam Roofing Right For You?

Flat Roof Replacement You Can Count On

It’s not easy to choose the type of roof you want if you're looking to replace your existing one. However, there is one clear choice, especially if you have a flat roof, from all the options out there. – a spray foam roofing system. Here, we'll go over the main pluses of spray foam roofing and why it’s a great choice.

Easily Repaired – If they are minor repairs that are needed, you may not even need to call a pro. You can fix small punctures or cuts with a tube of exterior polyurethane caulk. Fill the cut or puncture with caulking, texture it to match the roof, and voila!, you just repaired your roof yourself! Unlike other roofing systems – you don't have to have a professional flat roof repair contractor make these minor repairs.

Easily Works With Your Drainage Configuration – If they aren't installed properly, a flat roof can have serious drainage issues during heavy rains, which can damage your roof's structure. You can get proper drainage with a foam roof by applying several layers with different thicknesses to make the water flow to the right areas for proper drainage. By applying the foam strategically in this way, you can virtually eliminate the drainage issues associated with other flat roofing systems.

Saves Money – You will have less leaking issues with spray foam roofing. because it is seamless and has no gaps. It has no overlapping materials and zero seams. This means it has a surface that is pretty much impermeable because of its membrane comprised of polymers. This makes it a much more secure roofing system because you will have fewer issues and their corresponding costs from repairs and water damage.

Energy Efficiency – Spray Foam roofing is an excellent insulator. It will save you money due to its outstanding R values of R-6 to R-7 per inch. much better than fiberglass insulation. This will save you money through your utility bills. You could save as much as 30% or more over other flat roofing systems. As a result, you should be able to pay for your new spray foam roof over about the first five years of its lifespan.

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Weathers Storms Well – In high wind situations,  your roof and its materials are usually the most vulnerable components of your home. In high wind situations, metal roof panels, shingles and tiles can be blown loose and become dangerous being blown through the air at high velocity. Spray foam roofing adheres to the roof because of its seamless application. Which means there isn't anything to be blown off the top of the roof and traveling through the air. Also, as other debris is flying through the air and hitting your roof, it will resist damage when its struck by them. There is also less chance that you will experience flooding and water damage due to its ability to withstand storms. By having greater resistance to these extreme conditions, you'll save time and resources through insurance premiums and less claims.

Good For the Environment – When you tear off old roofing systems, they create a lot of waste that ends up in landfills or recycling centers. Spray foam roofing can be applied directly on top of your existing roof, leaving little to  no waste material. Also, you won't ever need to completely replace your roof again. You just periodically and routinely maintain the roof by using sealant on problem spots and you're good to go.

You Can Walk On It – Spray foam roofing is very durable and safe to walk on. This allows you to have access to your roof, making you able to check on problem issues yourself if needed and have easy access to the vents, pipes and ac units. There are also no overlapping seams or materials, as stated earlier, that you can trip over. Its safer for homeowners and roofing contractors alike due to its smooth, textured and even surface.

You Won't Need a New Roof Again – As we've mentioned, spray foam roofs have long lifespans, they're easy to maintain and less expensive to repair and update. You can just apply an update to the membrane about every 20 years at around 50% of what it would cost for a new foam roof, unlike  other roofing systems that need to be completely torn off and replaced when they're useful life is over. The cost savings involved with these two scenarios is substantial. You won't have to spend your money on expensive roof replacements ever again due to its long lifespan and ease of repair and maintenance.

Mikku and Sons Roofing (623) 465-1068 provides quality foam roof repair, foam roof installation, foam roof replacement and other roof repair services to the surrounding Phoenix area communities. We’ve been a reputable, quality roofing contractor since 2001. When you need advice on any type of flat roof repair or replacement from a reliable, experienced roofing contractor, give us a call.

 

Options For a Flat Roof

Flat Roof Replacement You Can Count On

Flat roof systems are more low-slope than completely flat. They have just enough slope to make water move toward gutter and drains to keep it from ponding on the roof. There are several options available when you're deciding on whether to replace your roof. What we feel is the best solution, sprayed-on polyurethane foam, should be used more than it is and pushed more by roofers in the industry. Here are your options if you've decided to replace your flat roof:

Option One – Modified Bitumen

This material is rolled on top of your roof's surface in a single ply. Most previous installations were completed by placing it on the roof and then using a blowtorch to heat it. This poses some risks, so newer materials have been created that stick to the roof after they are peeled off, making it safer. It’s good for the environment due to its ability to reflect the heat and rays from the sun, which will lower your cooling expenses. However, it does have a major negative feature – walking on it can tear the material and cause scuffing.

Option Two – Built Up Roofing (BUR)

This material is very affordable, which entices homeowners to use it often as everyone likes to save money. It has a nice, attractive look which usually has gravel on top covering the material. Its constructed of several layers, so it provides more than adequate insulation for your home. But, due to these multiple layers, it weighs more tan other flat systems,. which means you may have to make some structural additions to your framing or structure in order to support it, meaning you'll have additional expense when choosing to install it. One other drawback is you should not be occupying the property while its being installed, interrupting your families routine and schedule. There is plenty of info to be found online regarding BUR roofing if you need it.

Option Three – Sprayed-on Roof Coatings

Silicone is the material most often used for sprayed-on applications. And, because its sprayed onto the roof, it is seamless, making it work great in resisting moisture and deflecting the heat from the sun. Since it reflects the sun's heat and rays, it lowers your utility costs, saving you money. Another big benefit is its contribution to the environment because its applied directly on top of the old system. No need for the occupants to be removed during installation and no need to tear off the old roofing and dispose of it before its applied. There are a few negatives, though – the biggest one being its price, as its more expensive than the other flat options. However, that should be expected from something of high quality with so many positives. Depending on your roof's configuration and your location, silicone roofing will usually be the most expensive option to choose from.

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Option Four – Single Ply EPDM

Its similar to PVC, because of its single ply, but the main material is not plastic, but rubber. Its extremely durable, but it has a few drawbacks. Adhesives are used to close the seams, which can make them vulnerable to the elements over time, letting moisture get through and causing maintenance and repair issues. Asa result, you will have to pay more attention to routine maintenance and minor repairs than some of your other options.

Option Five – PVC

This material is very reflective and durable, extremely water resistant (keeping moisture from pooling) has an easy installation process, making it one of the best choices for your flat roof. It may sound like it is similar to spray applied coatings because they do have a lot in common. But, the biggest difference from the other materials, including sprayed-on materials, is the seams that are used when its rolled on, which can lead to its failing. Glue or tape is used to connect the seams, and they will deteriorate over time, allowing more more water over time to enter your home than a seamless system would. 

Mikku and Sons Roofing (623) 465-1068 provides quality flat roof repair, flat roof installation, flat roof replacement and other roof repair services to Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding Phoenix area communities. We’ve been a reputable, quality roofing contractor since 2001. When you need advice on your flat roofing options, give us a call.