High & Dry

Spray Foam Magazine – Summer 2025 – Fifth Avenue Lofts, located in downtown Oklahoma City (OKC), faced serious leaking issues, and updating the roof was crucial. If water enters the roofing system in any way, the damage could be substantial. It was imperative that the leak be fixed, and the roof updated before water started to seep into the apartments below.

If the leak had been left any longer, there was great risk of it infiltrating electrical wiring or any lights fixed onto the roof. The water could also seep into the apartments below, causing damage to the paint and drenching the attic insulation, making it less effective and leading to mold growth. Mold can then cause air quality concerns, even causing asthma issues or allergic reactions in the people living there. Dampness can also elevate the risk of viruses, bacteria, dust mites, and pests.

The Roofing Contractors

Trace Bailey is the owner of Draper Construction and Commercial Roofing, Inc. in Oklahoma City, OK. A well-regarded roofing contractor with over 30 years of experience, his journey began in roofing at the age of seven when he helped his father roll on a roof coating to a metal roof using only a bucket and roller. Since then, he has not stopped learning and growing in the roofing industry. His expertise in spray foam and coatings has earned him numerous accolades and recognition throughout his career.

Today, Trace applies this extensive experience to run roofing companies and consult with other contractors. Additionally, his company manufactures spray foam and coating equipment, which enhances the roofing and application process for each project his company completes. Draper prides itself on quality, consistency, and supreme service. Its team of highly skilled and knowledgeable staff is on hand to offer expert advice and support, every step of the way, and for this project, their skilled crew and team consisted of seven members including:

• Trace Bailey: Owner, SPFA PCP-accredited company
  
• Juan Montante: SPFA PCP Project Manager
  
• Miguel Montante: SPFA PCP Master Installer
  
• Steven Montante: SPFA PCP Master Installer
  
• Michael Montante: Apprentice
  
• Trayden Bailey: Onsite Safety and Support
  
• Dustyn Francis: Drone-Certified Operator

Fifth Avenue Lofts roof at different stages during the installation. 

Specification

Fifth Avenue Lofts 15,128 sq. ft. roof was facing some severe leaking issues due to a deteriorating built-up gravel roof over a concrete substrate. Because the substrate is concrete and therefore absorbs moisture over time, after the Draper crew vacuumed the gravel with a ballast truck, they concluded that the best option would be a spray foam roof restoration. 

Spray foam was chosen because of its very distinct advantages such as its longevity, weight, seamlessness, renewability, and its significantly decreased impact on landfills. Along with Draper Construction and Commercial Roofing, Everest Systems specified spray foam for this project. Rick Murphy, Head of Technical and Warranty at Everest Systems, was the primary point of contact for the technical specifications.

Equipment

Before they headed to the site, the Draper crew ensured their equipment was all in order. This consisted of:

• Multiple Graco Fixed Ratio Hydro-Cats (Proportioners)
  
• Multiple Graco GH733s (Hydraulic Sprayer)
  
• Werner Ladders
  
• Max-X Foam Guns
  
• Graco Mastic Pistol Grip Gun

The crew always double-checks that they have the correct PPE before even leaving the shop. They utilized the following PPE to ensure safety throughout the project:

• 3M Respirators
  
• Firm Grip Gloves
  
• Miller Harnesses and Ropes
  
• Tyvek Suits
  
• 3M SureFitt Safety Glasses

Prep Work Process

Arriving on-site in the downtown location, the crew became aware that their roofing project would be near a neighboring construction crew. Therefore, they had to be extra careful and aware of their surroundings. The crew first coordinated safety measures with the building’s owner and marked any penetrations for removal. They removed trash, including multiple BBQ grills, a homemade above-roof deck, and debris.

After the roof was cleared of all major pieces of trash, they vacuumed the roof to remove rocks and other debris. To guarantee the roof was a clean and safe workspace for the foam installation, they used a power broom and blower to clear all dirt from the roof surface.

Installing the Foam

Once the roof was fully cleaned, and the crew’s PPE was on, it was time to install the foam. Their foam of choice for this project was an Evercell closed-cell roof foam supplied by Everest Systems. Using their Max-X foam guns and Graco Mastic Pistol Grip Gun, they applied 1.5 inches of foam directly onto the BUR (Built-Up Roof) substrate across the entire roof including flashing around roof penetrations, 20 HVAC units, parapet walls, and other areas. The crew used a total of nine and a half sets of Everest Evercell foam for the project. 

On top of the foam, the crew then applied Everest Systems coatings which consisted of one and one half gallons per square of dark grey base coat (24 wet mils, 13.2 dry mils) followed by one and one half gallons per square of white topcoat (24 wet mils, 13.2 dry mils). This multi-layered approach will ensure durability, energy efficiency, and long-lasting protection.

Once everything was installed, the crew cleaned up and hauled away all remaining roof debris. To keep the client informed and document everything, they provided updates and photos throughout the re-roofing process. They finished off by performing a final inspection before packing up their rig. The entire project spanned seven days onsite, with two days dedicated to gravel removal and five days for the spray foam installation.

Overcoming Challenges

Due to the Fifth Avenue Lofts being an apartment building, there were individuals coming in and out throughout the week. This and its downtown location led to a high volume of foot traffic, which the crew had to navigate. The crew was therefore mindful that all the time on the project was to be used intentionally. Since it was a multi-family complex, they also had 20 A/C units to work around, and multiple tenants to navigate during the reroof process. They also made sure that any cars nearby were covered to avoid any potential overspray. With this roof being in downtown Oklahoma City, the potential for overspray was extremely high, and with lots of cars around, the crew made sure they had a preventative and proactive plan in place.

Draper Construction and Commercial Roofing approaches every job with a plan, safety in mind, quality, and focus on meeting and exceeding their customers' needs. They also ensure to highlight the longevity and renewability of fluid-applied roofing. Their strong roofing system combining spray foam insulation and a comprehensive waterproofing solution, will not only protect Fifth Avenue Lofts from water ingress but also enhance its thermal performance for years to come.

This commitment to service is embedded in the culture of Draper Construction, where the team’s motto is “Happy to Do It.” With this mindset and the exceptional performance of materials like spray foam, the roofing industry will continue to evolve—driving technological progress and empowering roofers with cutting-edge solutions.  

Published by Spray Foam Magazine

SprayFoam / Spray Foam Insulation