Recover vs. tear-off is one of the first big decisions on a low-slope roofing project. Recover means installing a new system over the existing roof. Tear-off means removing the existing roof down to the deck or substrate before building the new system.
The five questions that decide it
- How many roof layers are already there? Code and manufacturer requirements may limit the options.
- Is there trapped moisture? Covering wet insulation is usually buying trouble.
- What is the deck condition? A bad deck needs to be found, not buried.
- What warranty is expected? Warranty goals can change the assembly.
- How long will the owner hold the building? Short-term budget and long-term value are not always the same decision.
Lowest price is not always lowest cost
A recover can be the right move, but only if the roof is a good candidate. If the system traps existing problems, the lower price can turn into leak calls, warranty issues, and another project sooner than expected.