Spray foam roofing costs an average of $11,500
On average, spray foam roofing costs between $7,500 and $18,000, with an average of $11,500.
Material and labor costs are roughly equal, with foam density influencing the overall price.
Routine inspections and maintenance can greatly extend the roof’s lifespan.
Hiring a professional roofer for your spray foam roofing installation ensures a safe, durable result.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing spray foam roofing costs an average of $11,500, with an average range of $7,500 to $18,000, depending on factors such as roof size, foam density, and installation requirements.
If you go for a single-layered installation of low-density foam, you could pay as little as $4,300. If, however, you choose a three-layer, high-density foam installation, you could pay up to $21,500. Set a realistic budget now, and plan for routine maintenance later, so the roof can protect your home for decades. For long-lasting results and a safe installation, hire a professional spray foam roofer.
Labor and material costs are split fairly evenly for spray foam roofing projects. You'll also need to account for removing old roof material, the cost of permits, and an allowance for any unexpected issues.
Roofers cost $2 to $4 per square foot for spray foam installation. If removal of the old roof is required, expect an additional $1 to $3 per square foot.
Material costs swing widely depending on the foam density you choose and the topcoat your roofer applies. Foam costs can range from $0.30 to $1.50 per board foot (depending on whether low-, medium-, or high-density foam is chosen), while topcoat options cost between $0.15 and $2.50 per square foot.
Topcoat costs depend on its composition—here are the costs for two common topcoat types.
Topcoat Material | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Silicone | $1.40–$2.50 |
Acrylic | $0.15–$0.75 |
If you need extra reinforcement, extreme insulation, and durability, you can install a third layer of high-density foam and reinforce the whole roof with a silicone layer, plus a sealant.
Plan on spending $250 to $500 for a building permit, though exact fees vary by city and project scope. Small spot repairs under 100 square feet often skip the permit step, but anything larger almost always needs one. A local roofing pro can confirm the rules and usually handles the paperwork for you.
Set aside an extra 15% to 20% of your budget to cover surprises like hidden water damage, rotten decking, or an unexpected pest issue. Having that cushion ready keeps the job moving and saves you from scrambling for cash during the installation.
The density of the foam you choose is the biggest cost factor for this type of project. Whether you need low-, medium-, or high-density foam depends on the weather and average temperatures in your area.
The more extreme the weather, the more insulation, or the higher the R-value, you need. In very hot or cold environments, and those with heavy rainfall, you need higher-density foam to provide a higher R-value to reduce heating and cooling costs.
The prices below are based on a single standard layer of foam.
Foam Density | Cost Range per Sq. Ft. (Materials Only) |
---|---|
Low | $0.30–$0.65 |
Medium | $0.90–$1.20 |
High | $1–$1.50 |
Low‑density polyurethane spray foam costs an average of $0.30 to $0.65 per square foot before labor. At roughly 0.4 to 1.4 pounds per cubic foot, it’s the budget‑friendly pick, but its R‑value tops out around 3.6 per inch, so you’ll get the least insulation per layer.
Medium-density spray foam costs $0.90 to $1.20 per square foot for materials only. The lower R-value in foam of this type is 5.5 per inch and can cost as little as $0.90 per square foot. At the upper end, the R-value reaches 6.6 per inch and costs up to $1.20 per square foot.
The most popular type of spray foam, medium-density polyurethane, strikes a good balance between budget and efficiency, making it an effective insulator in all but the harshest climates.
High-density spray foam costs $1 to $1.50 per square foot and has the highest R-value of greater than 6.6 per inch. At the lower end, expect to pay an average of $1 per square foot, and at the upper end, $1.50 per square foot, excluding labor costs.
For use in climates with extreme temperatures and heavy rainfall or snowfall, high-density foam is the most expensive but also the most efficient and can significantly reduce a home's carbon footprint and utility costs. It's also much better at withstanding the heaviest rains and resists water damage for longer than the other options.
Spray foam roofing, also known as SPF roofing, is available in open- and closed-cell types. Open-cell foam is the least expensive but also the least water-resistant. Closed-cell foam costs more but is more efficient and waterproof.
Foam Cell Type | Cost Range per Board Ft. (Materials Only) |
---|---|
Open-cell | $0.30–$0.65 |
Closed-cell | $0.90–$1.50 |
Open-cell foam costs an average of $.030 to $0.65 per board foot for materials only. Open-cell foam types have an R-value of 3.7 to 4 per inch, making them less efficient insulators. Another important factor is that open-cell foams are not waterproof. So, if you want this type of foam, you'll also need to install a vapor barrier, which can cost up to $0.50 per square foot.
Because it's comparatively soft and flexible, open-cell foam is a good choice for tight spaces due to its superior expansion capabilities. It's a lightweight choice in temperate climates where insulation isn't a big concern. Additionally, it has effective noise-reducing properties.
On average, closed-cell foam roofing costs $0.90 to $1.50 per board foot without labor. The R-value of this foam ranges from 4.9 to 7.1, making it a highly effective insulator.
The high density of the foam makes it impervious to water and airflow. This makes it a good choice in areas with heavy rain and snowfall, as water can't penetrate, reducing the likelihood of mold problems. Plus, it doesn't need a separate vapor barrier and has a longer lifespan than open-cell foam. An open-cell roof may only last for 10 years, while a closed-cell foam roof can last up to 50 years.
Spray foam roofing calls for specialized equipment and an experienced crew, so it’s rarely a DIY job. Hire a local roofing contractor who’s certified to work with the specific foam product you choose; the right pro will install it correctly, safely, and help the roof reach its full lifespan.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
When it’s applied correctly and recoated on schedule, a spray foam roof lasts 20 to 50 years. Plan to add a fresh topcoat every 10 to 15 years to prevent UV damage and keep the surface watertight. Foam density, layer thickness, and basic upkeep—think annual inspections and quick repairs—make the difference between a roof that barely hits 20 years and one that tops 50.
Yes, you can install solar panels on a spray foam roof. A spray foam roof pairs well with rooftop solar because the lightweight foam adds minimal structural load and its bright, reflective surface helps panels run a little cooler and more efficiently. Your roofer can embed mounting hardware directly into the cured foam, creating a leak‑free seal around every bracket. Just make sure a roofing and solar team coordinates the installation so the warranty on both systems stays intact.
Yes, you can walk on a cured foam roof; its compressive strength is rated for roughly 50 to 60 pounds per square inch. That said, the coating gets slick when wet, and sharp objects can dig into the surface. Wear soft‑soled, non‑slip shoes, avoid dragging tools, and use proper fall protection whenever you step onto the roof for any maintenance or inspection work.