We need a new roof.

October 18, 2009 | by Brooke Tansley

Don’t worry – this is no surprise. We knew this one going in.

Since we’re getting rid of the interior ceiling and exposing the redwood, we need an insulated roofing system. Enter SPF – Spray Polyurethane Foam.

The Ex-El Company in Albuquerque has a really informative website about this stuff. Too bad they’re not in SoCal. Check out their FAQ page.

From their site:

In the 1970s, Texas A&M got tired of the leaks and maintenance issues they had to deal with on over 7-million square feet of conventional BUR roofing. After conducting extensive research, the university decided to install a foam roofing system on campus. Between 1980 and 1984, the university monitored the energy savings on buildings with SPF roofing and learned that the spray-on roofing completely paid for itself over a period of 4.5 years (on average). Today, the university has many buildings with a foam roofing system that are well over 30-years old; these building continue to be leak free and energy efficient.

It costs a little more up front than conventional roofing, but last 30+ years, is also insulation, and heating and cooling costs drop an average of 30% to 50%. Yes please!

Also, white roofing is an energy saver. Home owners can expect to save 25% – 43% on air conditioning costs just by painting their roof white.

The Earth Institute at Columbia University has undertaken the Global Rural Urban Mapping Project (GRUMP). Its results show that roughly 3 per cent of the Earth’s land surface is covered with buildings.

The Earth has an albedo of 0.29, meaning that it reflects 29 per cent of the sunlight that falls upon it. With an albedo of 0.1, towns absorb more sunlight than the global average. Painting all roofs white could nudge the Earth’s albedo from 0.29 towards 0.30. According to a very simple “zero-dimensional” model of the Earth, this would lead to a drop in global temperature of up to 1 °C, almost exactly cancelling out the global warming that has taken place since the start of the industrial revolution.

Ours will cost approximately $5700 to install. Why hello, first time home buyer tax credit.

Here’s a pic from the Ex-El site:
spray foam roofing

2 Comments

Roof Contractor Oklahoma City
November 3, 2009 at 4:59 pm

I am in the process of scheduling interviews for a roofing contractor.
I know the basics (i.e. proof of insurance, license, written price, schedule) but are there any other questions
I should be asking that would effect the outcome of the roof? Is it ok to flat out as for referrals?
Do you think it is important to actually meet the foreman who will be on the job?
Any insight would help!! Thanks!
Brooke
November 3, 2009 at 10:20 pm

Well, I’m a rookie here, and it sounds like you know what to ask. I’d say that anyone who’s built a solid, respectable business would be glad to give references.

I’d read the contract very closely and determine whether the quote your given is the actual price of the job or just an estimate. You don’t want to go in expecting to pay one thing and then get hit with change orders mid-job.

I’d google everyone. Reviews seem to be everywhere nowadays, and chances are someone will have posted their experience somewhere.

Also, listen to your gut. If you have a bad feeling about someone, don’t ignore that. Conversely, go with who you feel good about provided you’ve done your due diligence.

Hope this helps, and good luck!