--- title: Is Spray Foam Insulation Bad For Your Roof? description: Will you regret insulating the underside of your roof with spray foam? Discover whether or not spray foam is a safe insulation option for your roof. image: https://scsfoam.com/hubfs/Article%20Title%20Images/Is%20Spray%20Foam%20Bad%20For%20Your%20Roof.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://scsfoam.com/blog/is-spray-foam-bad-for-your-roof#maincontent) [(717) 895-3498](tel:7178953498) [![South Central Services Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/branding/Website%20Logo%20Classic.png?width=900&height=300&name=Website%20Logo%20Classic.png) ![South Central Services Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/branding/Website%20Logo%20White.png?width=900&height=300&name=Website%20Logo%20White.png)](https://scsfoam.com/) [Our Service Areas](https://scsfoam.com/our-services-areas) Pricing - [Our Rates](https://scsfoam.com/our-rates) - [Calculators](https://scsfoam.com/pricing-calculators) - [Financing](https://scsfoam.com/financing-options/) - [Rebates](https://scsfoam.com/rebates) [Our Team](https://scsfoam.com/our-team) Services - Residential Insulation - [Attic Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/attic-insulation) - [Basement Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/basement-insulation) - [Crawl Space Repair](https://scsfoam.com/crawl-space-encapsulation) - [Commercial Spray Foam](https://scsfoam.com/commercial-spray-foam/) - [New Construction Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/new-home-construction-insulation/) - [Pole Building Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/pole-building-insulation) - [Air-Sealing](https://scsfoam.com/air-sealing) - [Blower Door Tests](https://scsfoam.com/blower-door-tests) [Our Products](https://scsfoam.com/our-products) Learning Center - [Learning Center](https://scsfoam.com/learning-center) - [Downloadable Resources](https://scsfoam.com/downloadable-resources) - [FAQ](https://scsfoam.com/faq/) Open Search [Get A Quote](https://scsfoam.com/contact/) Search for topics or resources Enter your search below and hit enter or click the search icon. Search for topics or resources Close Search [Our Service Areas](https://scsfoam.com/our-services-areas) Pricing Pricing [Our Rates](https://scsfoam.com/our-rates) [Calculators](https://scsfoam.com/pricing-calculators) [Financing](https://scsfoam.com/financing-options/) [Rebates](https://scsfoam.com/rebates) [Our Team](https://scsfoam.com/our-team) Services Services Residential Insulation Residential Insulation [Attic Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/attic-insulation) [Basement Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/basement-insulation) [Crawl Space Repair](https://scsfoam.com/crawl-space-encapsulation) [Commercial Spray Foam](https://scsfoam.com/commercial-spray-foam/) [New Construction Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/new-home-construction-insulation/) [Pole Building Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/pole-building-insulation) [Air-Sealing](https://scsfoam.com/air-sealing) [Blower Door Tests](https://scsfoam.com/blower-door-tests) [Our Products](https://scsfoam.com/our-products) Learning Center Learning Center [Learning Center](https://scsfoam.com/learning-center) [Downloadable Resources](https://scsfoam.com/downloadable-resources) [FAQ](https://scsfoam.com/faq/) [(717) 895-3498](tel:7178953498) [Get A Quote](https://scsfoam.com/contact/) [«  View All Posts](https://scsfoam.com/blog) # Is Spray Foam Insulation Bad For Your Roof? January 22nd, 2025 3 min read By [Alexis Dingeldein](https://scsfoam.com/blog/author/alexis-dingeldein) ![](https://scsfoam.com/hubfs/Article%20Title%20Images/Is%20Spray%20Foam%20Bad%20For%20Your%20Roof.jpg) If you're considering insulating your attic with spray foam, you might be worried about your roof. You may have even read some horror stories online about how roofs have failed after installing spray foam insulation. Is spray foam insulation really bad for your roof? South Central Services has insulated hundreds of homes near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Attic insulation is one of our most popular services. When installed correctly, spray foam isn't bad for your roof. When certain variables or factors are not considered, spray foam insulation could contribute to roof problems. By the end of this article, you will understand: - What factors must be considered when installing spray foam against the roof - What risks are present if the spray foam is installed incorrectly > Don't have time to read right now? Check out [everything you need to know at a glance](https://scsfoam.com/hubfs/At%20A%20Glance/Is%20Spray%20Foam%20Insulation%20Bad%20For%20Your%20Roof.pdf). ## When Installed Correctly, Spray Foam Is Not Bad For Your Roof. Spray foam insulation is not inherently bad for roofs. As long as the product is installed correctly, spray foam insulation will not cause any harm. > [          View this post on Instagram                      ](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGWPiB7idWy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) > > [A post shared by South Central Services Insulation (@scsfoam)](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGWPiB7idWy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) Some of the factors that qualified contractors keep in mind are: - The correct foam thickness - The correct foam application - The correct type of foam - The climate zone implications If spray foam insulation is installed at the wrong depth, or if the wrong [type of foam](https://scsfoam.com/blog/closed-cell-open-cell-spray-foam-insulation-differences) is used, the installation could cause issues for the roof. ![A new construction roof insulated with closed cell spray foam insulation. Located in Myersville, Maryland.](https://scsfoam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Article%20Graphics/Roof%20with%20Closed%20Cell.jpg?width=533&height=400&name=Roof%20with%20Closed%20Cell.jpg) This is why working with a qualified spray foam contractor is vital. Qualified professionals understand the implications of [your climate zone](https://basc.pnnl.gov/images/iecc-climate-zone-map) and are well-versed in building science. The right contractor will know how the installation of spray foam will impact the rest of the home, including the roof deck. If installed incorrectly, spray foam could be a contributing factor to a roof rotting or failing. If installed correctly, those risks should be mitigated. ## What Are The Risks To Using Spray Foam On A Roof? If the spray foam is installed incorrectly, what are some of the risks for the roof? When spray foam is installed incorrectly, it could contribute to the following: - Shingle failure - Deck failure - Deck warping - Condensation issues Let’s examine each of these in more detail. ### Spray Foam Insulation Should Not Cause Shingle Failure. If spray foam was installed incorrectly, it could contribute to shingle failure. An improper application of spray foam could trap moisture in the wood [substrate](https://scsfoam.com/blog/spray-foam-insulation-glossary#substrate-definition) it was sprayed against. If the wood roof deck holds onto moisture, shingles could fail. ![The shingles of a roof.](https://scsfoam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Article%20Graphics/Shingles.jpg?width=534&height=400&name=Shingles.jpg) When installed correctly, spray foam insulation will not trap moisture in the substrate. ### Spray Foam Insulation Should Not Cause Deck Failure. The same conditions that could cause shingle failure can also lead to deck failure. If the wood roof deck holds onto moisture for an extended period of time, [it could begin to rot](https://scsfoam.com/blog/will-spray-foam-rot-my-roof). ![A roof deck of a home that's under construction.](https://scsfoam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Article%20Graphics/Roof%20Deck.jpg?width=533&height=400&name=Roof%20Deck.jpg) ### Spray Foam Insulation Should Not Warp Your Deck. Another consequence of the roof deck holding onto moisture could be warping. The trapped moisture, combined with varying temperatures outside, could warp the decking. ### Spray Foam Insulation Should Not Create Condensation Issues. When a qualified professional installs spray foam, there should be no risk of condensation issues. A qualified professional knows how [vapor barriers](https://scsfoam.com/blog/what-is-a-vapor-barrier) and your climate zone interact together to create a healthy roof. If the foam is installed by someone who is not qualified, there is the risk of condensation build-up in the attic and the roof deck. ## Spray Foam Installed By A Qualified Contractor Is Safe For Your Roof. The idea of finding a [qualified spray foam contractor](https://scsfoam.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-spray-foam-insulation-contractor) may seem daunting. The stakes are high for the health of your roof. The reality is that no matter where spray foam is being installed in your home, you must work with a professional contractor. Spray foam insulation is a unique product that is [manufactured on-site through a chemical reaction](https://scsfoam.com/blog/how-spray-foam-insulation-is-made). Even without the concerns of trapping moisture in your roof deck, you would need to find a qualified installer. ![South Central Services' brothers and owners, Zeshan and Kilian Agha.](https://scsfoam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Team%20Photos/Owners%20(2).jpg?width=666&height=500&name=Owners%20(2).jpg) Our team created [this checklist](https://scsfoam.com/downloadable-resources#checklist) to help homeowners evaluate their local contractor options. Working with a contractor you trust can mitigate the risks of improperly installed spray foam in your roof. ## The Bottom Line About The Risks Related To Roof Spray Foam Spray foam insulation can be an effective insulation option for your attic that has no ill effects on the health of your roof. As long as you work with a qualified contractor who knows the implications of your climate zone and the type and thickness of the foam, your roof should not experience any condensation issues or failures. Now that you understand why spray foam isn’t bad for roofs when installed correctly, your next step is to: - [Decide if you want to insulate your attic floor or the underside of your roof](https://scsfoam.com/blog/insulate-attic-floor-or-ceiling) - [Compare spray foam insulation to blown-in cellulose](https://scsfoam.com/blog/spray-foam-insulation-vs-blown-in-cellulose) - [Estimate the cost of insulating your attic with spray foam](https://scsfoam.com/blog/spray-foam-insulation-cost-attic-pa) [![SCHEDULE MY FREE SITE VISIT](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/39735758/interactive-183808884397.png)](https://scsfoam.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLBq3jDuKTswc5YjQWegfLNkts5Gql0TH8miMHhXqc4fjaewgX7fdmB%2BN0r13U1VDAbAisppFnerWQZIsjvanrDFlVZQn3KHGxHaAaXuQNZ2qqLACO1DGLFwntk3ougp2OV46AABd2EQkEs9wmBBAQ%2F4ZZtAEfpgq4sk7H2l8SMY%2FKe5RFWtSIyM1J7Sw%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=183808884397&portalId=39735758) *Disclaimer: While we strive to publish information accurate to building science, local building codes and standards supersede our recommendations.* [Alexis Dingeldein](https://scsfoam.com/blog/author/alexis-dingeldein) Alexis has been fascinated by spray foam insulation since 2018. When she isn’t thinking about insulation, Alexis is geeking out over storytelling and spreadsheets. Topics: [Product Reviews](https://scsfoam.com/blog/topic/product-reviews) [Attic](https://scsfoam.com/blog/topic/attic) Don't forget to share this post: ## Related Articles ### [Will Spray Foam Insulation Keep Pipes From Freezing? April 21st, 2025|3 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/will-spray-foam-keep-pipes-from-freezing) ### [Is Spray Foam Insulation Better Than Fiberglass? February 27th, 2025|4 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/is-spray-foam-better-than-fiberglass) ### [Pros & Cons Of Building A New Home February 26th, 2025|7 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/building-a-new-home-pros-cons) ### [Does Spray Foam Insulation Reduce Noise? February 19th, 2025|3 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/does-spray-foam-reduce-noise) ### [Best Insulation For Your Walls January 17th, 2025|5 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/best-insulation-for-walls) ### [Is Spray Foam Insulation Bad For The Environment? November 25th, 2024|3 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/is-spray-foam-bad-for-the-environment) ### [Best Insulation For Older Homes November 22nd, 2024|3 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/best-insulation-for-older-homes) ### [Pros And Cons Of Dense Pack Cellulose November 15th, 2024|4 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/dense-pack-cellulose-pros-cons) ### [Does Blown-In Insulation Reduce Noise? November 13th, 2024|2 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/does-blown-in-reduce-noise) ### [Does Spray Foam Insulation Lose Its R-Value? September 11th, 2024|4 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/does-spray-foam-lose-r-value) ### [Does Pest Control Insulation Work? September 9th, 2024|3 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/does-pest-control-insulation-work) ### [Does Blown-In Insulation Settle? July 22nd, 2024|3 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/does-blown-in-insulation-settle) ### [Pros And Cons Of Blown-In Cellulose July 17th, 2024|5 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/blown-in-cellulose-pros-cons) ### [Why We Sometimes Don’t Recommend Batt Insulation In Exterior Walls July 12th, 2024|6 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/why-not-to-install-batt-insulation-in-exterior-walls) ### [Is Insulating A Basement Ceiling Worth It? June 26th, 2024|5 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/is-basement-ceiling-insulation-worth-it) ### [What Kind Of Insulation Do You Use In A Crawl Space? June 17th, 2024|4 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/types-of-insulation-for-crawl-spaces) ### [What To Expect From An Insulation Upgrade June 12th, 2024|5 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/what-to-expect-from-an-insulation-upgrade) ### [What Type Of Insulation Is Best For Basements? May 31st, 2024|6 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/best-basement-insulations) ### [Best Way To Insulate Your Basement Walls April 29th, 2024|4 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/best-way-to-insulate-basement-walls) ### [Is It Hard To Sell A House With Spray Foam Insulation? April 19th, 2024|4 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/is-it-hard-to-sell-a-house-with-spray-foam-insulation) ### [Best Insulation For Crawl Spaces April 17th, 2024|5 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/best-insulation-for-crawl-spaces) ### [Best Respirator Brands For Spray Foam Insulation Contractors April 1st, 2024|4 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/best-respirator-brands-for-spray-foam-insulation-contractors) ### [Is There A Downside To Spray Foam Insulation? March 29th, 2024|4 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/is-there-a-downside-to-spray-foam-insulation) ### [Best Insulations For Basement Ceilings March 22nd, 2024|3 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/best-insulations-for-basement-ceilings) Location 1574 Buchanan Trail East, Greencastle, PA 17225 Phone: [(717) 895-3498](tel:7178953498) Connect With Us - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/p/South-Central-Services-Insulation-100057064885687/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/scsfoam/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@scsfoam) - [info@scsfoam.com](mailto:info@scsfoam.com) Services - [Attic Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/attic-insulation) - [Basement Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/basement-insulation) - [Crawl Space Repair](https://scsfoam.com/crawl-space-encapsulation) - [Commercial Spray Foam](https://scsfoam.com/commercial-spray-foam/) - [New Home Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/new-home-construction-insulation/) - [Pole Building Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/pole-building-insulation) - [Air-Sealing](https://scsfoam.com/air-sealing) - [Blower Door Tests](https://scsfoam.com/blower-door-tests) Pricing Information - [Our Rates](https://scsfoam.com/our-rates) - [Calculators](https://scsfoam.com/pricing-calculators) - [Financing Options](https://scsfoam.com/financing-options/) - [Rebate Information](https://scsfoam.com/rebates) - [Pricing Articles](https://scsfoam.com/blog/tag/product-pricing) Proud Member of Cumberland Valley Business Alliance     Company - [Our Service Areas](https://scsfoam.com/our-services-areas) - [Our Products](https://scsfoam.com/our-products) - [Our Team](https://scsfoam.com/our-team) - [Contact Us](https://scsfoam.com/contact/) - [Join Our Team](https://scsfoam.com/our-team#hiring) - [Privacy Policy](https://scsfoam.com/privacy-policy) Learn More - [FAQ](https://scsfoam.com/faq/) - [Learning Center](https://scsfoam.com/learning-center) - [Downloadable Resources](https://scsfoam.com/downloadable-resources) © 2026 South Central Services All Rights Reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Alexis Dingeldein", "url" : "https://scsfoam.com/blog/author/alexis-dingeldein" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-01T12:38:41.525Z", "datePublished" : "2025-01-22T17:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Is Spray Foam Insulation Bad For Your Roof?", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://scsfoam.com/blog/is-spray-foam-bad-for-your-roof", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://scsfoam.com/hubfs/branding/SCS-Updated-Logo_Horizontal-2048x397.png" }, "name" : "South Central Services" } } ```