Flat and low-slope roofs are everywhere in Arizona: over patios and additions, on older ranch homes, on manufactured homes and on many homes in Apache Junction and Mesa. Most are spray polyurethane foam (SPF) with a protective coating, though some use rolled roofing or other membranes. Foam roofs are excellent in desert heat, but only as long as the coating protects them. If yours is leaking, ponding or showing bare foam, call or text (602) 339-9540.
Signs your foam or flat roof needs attention
- Tan, orange or crumbly foam showing through the coating
- Blisters or bubbles in the surface
- Small holes or pecked spots (birds love foam)
- Water that stands for more than a day or two after rain
- Cracks along seams on rolled roofing
- Leaks at parapet walls, scuppers or where a flat section meets a pitched roof
- Soft or spongy areas when the roof is walked by a roofer
How foam roofs work, and why they fail
SPF is sprayed on as a liquid that expands into a seamless, rigid layer of foam. It insulates well, weighs little and has no seams to leak. But foam breaks down in ultraviolet light. That is why every foam roof has an elastomeric or similar coating on top.
When the coating wears thin, the sun degrades the foam underneath. It turns brown, then crumbles, and water can soak in. Arizona roofing pros commonly recommend recoating every 5 to 10 years and inspecting foam roofs at least every five years.
Common foam and flat roof repairs
Bare and UV-damaged foam
Exposed foam is scraped back to sound material, patched with new foam where needed, and recoated.
Blisters
Blisters form when moisture or poor adhesion creates a pocket in the foam or coating. The roofer cuts them out, dries and refills the area, and recoats.
Bird and mechanical damage
Birds peck holes in foam, and foot traffic, dropped tools and AC servicing can puncture it. Holes are cleaned out, filled and coated.
Ponding water
Low spots that hold water speed up coating wear and lead to leaks. Repairs may include adding foam to build up slope or clearing and improving drains and scuppers.
Parapets, scuppers and transitions
Many flat roof leaks start at the edges: cracked stucco on parapet walls, failed scupper flashing, or where a flat patio roof ties into a pitched tile or shingle roof. These areas need careful flashing and sealing.
Rolled roofing repairs
On rolled or modified-bitumen roofs, the roofer repairs split seams, blisters and torn areas and can recommend a coating to extend the roof's life.
Repair, recoat or replace?
| Condition | Typical fix |
|---|---|
| Coating faded but foam intact | Recoat |
| Small areas of bare foam, blisters or holes | Repair + recoat |
| Ponding in one area | Build up slope + recoat |
| Foam wet or soft across large areas | Remove and re-foam |
| Rolled roofing cracked and brittle roof-wide | Replace with foam or new membrane |
A foam roof that is recoated on schedule can last a very long time. One that is neglected until water gets in usually needs replacement, so maintenance pays.
Foam over patios and additions
Many San Tan Valley tile and shingle homes have foam roofs over back patios or additions. These sections are easy to forget, and the joint where they meet the main roof is a common leak point. Have them checked whenever the main roof is inspected.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a foam roof be recoated?
Arizona roofing pros commonly recommend recoating every 5 to 10 years, depending on the coating and exposure. A roofer can tell you during an inspection whether yours is due.
Why is my foam roof turning brown?
Brown or orange foam means the protective coating has worn away and the sun is breaking down the foam. It should be repaired and recoated soon to avoid leaks.
Is standing water on a flat roof normal?
A little water that evaporates within a day or two is common. Water that stands longer speeds up wear and should be corrected by adding slope or improving drainage.
Can birds really damage a foam roof?
Yes. Birds peck at foam, especially where the coating is thin. Small holes are simple to fix if caught early.