Why foam roofs need recoating
Sprayed polyurethane foam is a great roof for Albuquerque's flat and pueblo-style homes: it's seamless, insulates, and sheds water when it's sloped right. But foam can't take sunlight on its own. The coating on top is what blocks UV and keeps water out. At our altitude, the sun wears that coating thinner every year until the tan foam shows through — and once it does, the foam starts to break down.
A recoat puts a fresh, thick layer back on before that happens. Done in time, it costs a fraction of a new roof and resets the clock for years.
Signs it's time
- The roof has gone from bright white to gray or chalky
- Fine cracks, crazing or "alligator" patterns in the coating
- Tan, orange or brown foam showing in spots
- Blisters, peeling sheets, or bare spots around vents and parapets
- It's been more than about 5–10 years since the last coat
More detail in signs your roof needs recoating.
How we recoat a foam roof
- Inspect — walk the whole roof, probe soft spots, check parapets, canales, skylights and vents.
- Wash — pressure-wash dirt, chalk and loose coating so the new coat bonds.
- Repair — cut out wet or damaged foam, fill and re-foam those areas, fix low spots that hold water.
- Detail — seal around vents, skylights, pipes and the wall-to-roof corners.
- Coat — apply the coating at the specified thickness, usually in two passes, with extra at the edges.
- Clean up — protect walls, windows and cars from overspray, and haul everything away.
Which coating?
Acrylic elastomeric
The most common recoat on Albuquerque homes. Bright white, reflective, good value. See elastomeric coating.
Silicone
Handles ponding water better and holds up well to UV. Costs more and needs silicone to recoat later. See silicone coating.
Compare them side by side in silicone vs acrylic.
What it costs
A recoat over sound foam commonly runs about $2–$4 per square foot, depending on roof size, how much foam repair is needed, the coating type and access. See the Albuquerque roof coating cost guide.
Call (505) 886-8732 for a free look at your foam roof and a written recoat price.
Common questions
How long does a recoat last?
Commonly several years to about a decade, depending on the coating, how thick it's applied and how much sun and ponding the roof sees.
Can you recoat if the foam is showing?
Usually yes, if the foam is still firm and dry. Damaged or wet foam gets cut out and replaced first.
Do I need to be home?
No, as long as we can reach the roof. We'll tell you if anyone needs to move cars or patio furniture.