Commercial Roof Work
Roof Recover and Overlay with scope notes, photos, and next steps.
Roof Recover and Overlay for commercial buildings across Fort Lauderdale.
Roof Recover and Overlay in Fort Lauderdale, FL is a code-compliant option when the existing roof membrane is structurally sound, the insulation beneath it is dry, and the building currently carries only one membrane layer. Most building codes based on the IBC allow a maximum of two total membrane layers on a low-slope roof. Before any roof recover and overlay work begins in Fort Lauderdale, we require a moisture scan — infrared or nuclear — to confirm that insulation saturation is below the threshold where a new membrane would trap retained moisture and compromise the new assembly from underneath.
Weight and structural load are the first technical checkpoint for roof recover and overlay. A recover assembly typically adds 1.5 to 3.5 pounds per square foot depending on cover board thickness, membrane weight, and insulation added for energy code compliance. For roof recover and overlay projects in Fort Lauderdale, the structural engineer of record or an existing load calculation must confirm that the deck and framing can carry the added weight before the specification is finalized.
Cost savings compared to full tear-off are typically 30 to 40 percent for a roof recover and overlay because tear-off labor, disposal fees, and debris management are eliminated. That savings is real, but only when the substrate genuinely qualifies. A roof recover and overlay installed over wet insulation, a deteriorated deck, or poor drainage will fail early and leave the owner with a tear-off bill on top of the failed recover cost. Commercial Roofing will not recommend roof recover and overlay unless the moisture scan and field assessment support it.
FM Global and UL ratings must be maintained through the recover assembly for properties where rated systems are required by the insurance carrier or lease terms. We review applicable ratings, confirm that the proposed cover board, insulation, and membrane combination maintains the required classification, and provide the specification documentation that the insurance carrier or property manager needs to confirm compliance after the roof recover and overlay is complete. Call or email to find out if your Fort Lauderdale roof is a candidate.
Questions Owners Ask
How do I know if my roof qualifies for recover and overlay?
The roof must have only one existing membrane layer, a dry insulation assembly confirmed by moisture scan, adequate structural capacity for the added weight, and drainage that supports the new assembly's performance.
What does a moisture scan show before roof recover and overlay?
Infrared or nuclear moisture scanning maps wet insulation areas that must be removed and replaced before the recover membrane is installed. We will not recover over wet material regardless of cost pressure.
How much does roof recover and overlay save compared to full tear-off?
Typically 30 to 40 percent, primarily by eliminating tear-off labor and disposal costs. The savings are real but only when the substrate genuinely qualifies.
Does roof recover and overlay maintain FM or UL ratings?
It can, if the specified cover board, insulation, and membrane combination is listed as a rated assembly. We confirm the rating classification before finalizing the specification.