Fact or fiction- spray foam can damage roof shingles and void warranties.
This myth is a fabrication that dates back to the early days of insulating attics. Insulation was once believed to be a heat source. This myth is rooted in the past.
Some contractors still believe this is the gospel, and claim that spraying the roof deck can void any warranty on the Shingles.
Sunlight Contractors has over 18 years of experience in insulating attics. We’ve heard homeowners concerns about their shingles. Once homeowners feel and see the benefits of an attic air seal, they can also be relieved of their fears.
My experience in residential roofing is extensive and I can assure you that spray foam insulation won’t cause damage to your shingles or rot your roof. Although I don’t claim to be an expert, there is ample research that supports my claims.
Is spray foam bad for Shingles?
The first time I encountered this was when I spoke to a homeowner who had done extensive research before asking for an estimate.
Unfortunately, the spray foam made her shingles curl due to overheating. I explained to her where this misconception came from when people believed insulation was a heat source and were concerned about having a hot roof.
Hot roof is a term that dates back to the early days of insulation attics.
Spray foam insulation acts as a barrier between two temperatures. Your attic will be the same temperature inside your house as the rest.
The hot roof is a term that I’m certain you have heard before. Your attic space will now be part of your home’s conditioned space if your roof deck is insulated. Insulating your attic with this method is good for your roof, as it prevents ice dams.
Although the unvented system can raise your roof’s temperature, I discovered that it won’t harm your shingles.
A study was done by the Florida Solar Energy Center a few years back during peak summer months in Florida. It measured the temperature of roof shingles over an attic with radiant barriers.
The study revealed that shingle’s peak temperatures varied depending on their color. It was between 2 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than shingles without a radiant barrier.
This study shows that you can insulate your roof deck with foam insulation, without affecting your shingles.
Foam insulation acts as an air seal to keep the heat out in summer and the cool air inside.
A home energy audit will help you to account for your consumption and make corrections. This will help you save significant money over the long-term. Your entire house will be inspected visually and diagnosed.
Spray foam insulation for your attic
The square footage of your attic will be the most important determinant of how much spray foam will cost. Spray foam insulation can help you save on your energy bills. those savings can range anywhere from 15 – 50 percent.
This method will not cause damage to roof shingles but some contractors may still void your warranty if they continue to think the same way. It’s a good idea to talk to them about this to make sure they are on the same page.
You might be interested in the benefits of foam insulation for your attic. Spray foam insulation can make an airtight seal that is 24 times more resistant to air infiltration.
Will spray foam void my roof shingle warranty?
Many companies that make shingles have different warranties and spray foam insulation policies.
Spray foam can be applied to roof decks by some companies. Others will approve spray foam products, while others will void warranties.
Companies recommend spraying the attic flat rather than the roof deck in most cases.
It is best to check your roof warranty and see if spray foam might void it.
Although we are confident that our product won’t harm your shingles it is still subject to the policies of each manufacturer. Spray foam may not be the best choice for your attic, but could cause damage to your warranty. Instead, spray the floor of your attic instead.
This will completely cut your attic from the rest of the house but it will prevent you from losing any air through the roof and attic.