Many commercial and residential roofs include foam as a viable option because of their great benefits. When choosing a foam roof, it is essential to understand that they require different installation, maintenance, and repair standards. These types of roofs also are affected differently by the elements. 

Alligatoring is a common issue with foam roofs. 

Unfortunately, many home and business owners are not aware of this and don’t know what to do when it happens. Craven Construction has been installing and repairing foam roofs for over two decades and has experienced alligatoring over and over again. Below we are going to help you further understand what it is, what causes it, and what you can do should your roof start to show signs of it.

What is Alligatoring? 

Roof alligatoring occurs mostly as a flat roof ages. UV rays from the sun will eventually dry out the membrane or coating on top of the roof and cause it to crack. If you have a coating on your roof and notice alligatoring, you may want to examine it further. This can happen when the coating is applied too thick or when temperatures are not ideal. 

Alligatoring gets its name from the way it looks when it happens. The deep cracks typically resemble the skin of an alligator. If left untreated, a roof that is experiencing alligatoring can compromise the entire roofing structure and likely require a complete replacement.

What Causes Alligatoring? 

• Aging – As any roof ages, its materials can start to break down and a foam roof is no exception. An aging foam roof can start to show its age by alligatoring. 
• Sun Exposure – A roof is exposed to all of the elements, especially the sun here in Arizona. As the roof sits in the sun day in and day out, it absorbs the UV rays and dries out. 
• Expanding & Contracting – Temperature fluctuation can cause a flat roof to expand and contract. This can lead to cracking and alligatoring. 
• Poor Installation – If the foam roof is not installed at the proper time of the year or with favorable temperatures, it will not set as it should. Furthermore, proper installation practices should be followed for the roof to last as long as it should. This includes proper cleaning and material application. Working with a trusted roofer is essential for a foam roof.

More Damage Is Ahead

Alligatoring can lead to significant damage within the entire roofing system and your home or business. A damaged roof cannot properly protect the people and their belongings below it. Choosing to not repair or maintain your roof, alligatoring can also cause: 

• Leaks – Water will easily find its way into the cracks of the alligatoring and seep into the lower layers of the roofing system. The longer the cracks are left unrepaired, the more water is going to find its way into the roof and cause more damage inside the structure. 
• Structural Damage – As we just shared, the more water that finds its way deeper into your structure, the greater the chance of significant structural damage. This could be anything from replacing beams, joists, or the entire roofing system. 
• Aesthetically Unpleasing Looks – A damaged roof can cause the external appearance and image of a house or business to have a negative impact. This is especially important for businesses as the appearance could impact sales. 
• Energy Inefficiency – The roof plays a major role in the efficiency of your HVAC equipment. Alligatoring can lead to increased costs because the insulation is also damaged. If you notice your energy bills increasing month over month, you will want to take a closer look at your roof.

Repair Alligatoring

Luckily, you can repair alligatoring and restore your roof’s integrity. It does require a skilled roofer to fully inspect the damaged area and properly prep it for repair. This roofer should also clean the damaged space and clear it from debris and loose material. A membrane material will likely be applied to create a smooth surface again before applying the protective coating again. 

Once a repair is made, you will want to carefully monitor and maintain the area. Additionally, maintaining the entire roof and properly caring for it will help prevent further damage. 

Craven Construction has been your East Valley foam roofing expert for over 20 years! Whether you have a residential or commercial foam roofing project, we are here for you. Schedule a FREE estimate today and trust your roof will be in good hands. 

Does your roof have sun damage?

About Craven Construction

Craven Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with honest and reliable roofing services. With over two decades of residential and commercial experience, we are here to serve you and all of your roofing needs.

Our team of experienced roofers is licensed and knowledgeable in working with all types of roofing. We offer high quality roofing services and are capable of getting your project completed in a timely, efficient manner.