Spray Foam Used as Insulation in Green Roof Assembly Project in Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA–April 23, 2013–Although restricted to certain climates, flat residential roofs can be versatile in terms of the types of roofing systems with which they're installed. Green roofs, or garden roofs as they're sometimes known, fit the bill as one of the more unique systems being installed on flat residential roofs. AM Construction was brought on board to one such project, being called upon to apply spray foam insulation to the roof decking of a residential garage in Santa Monica, California, prior to the building's green roof being fully assembled.

Green roof assemblies are basically roofs topped with plants. As simplistic as that sounds, green roof assemblies are actually extremely efficient means of minimizing storm water runoff and mitigating heat retention on roof surfaces.

American Hydrotech produced the green roof assembly, which was an extensive green roof system, which aren't designed for recreational use. Taylor Syfan Consulting Engineers, Inc. from Pasadena, California developed the plans for the garage's green roof assembly, which a specification for closed-cell spray foam to be used as a vapor barrier to prevent condensation.

AM applied WallFoam 183, a 2 lb. closed-cell foam made by Gaco Western, directly to the plywood decking that formed the ceiling of the garage. The builders installed rip-strips that were pitched toward the center of the roof; the joists at five inches high at the parapet and sloping down to about one inch at the center to allow for drainage. The foam was sprayed between the rip-strips and was leveled off to be flush with their surface.

After AM finished the foam application, the project's general contractor, Taslimi Construction Company, Inc., installed plywood across the surface of the newly foamed roof, and then covered the plywood with an impermeable membrane. Then, the drainage system was installed in advance of the upper parts of the garden roof assembly.

AM reported that the client was most appreciative of the company's careful work, which contributed to the overall success of the project.

About AM Construction Spray Foam Co.: Based in Santa Monica, California, AM Construction specializes in spray foam insulation and roofing systems. AM Construction's service area includes the Southern California region, from Santa Barbara to San Diego. For more information, please use the contact details and links provided below.