Direct re-cover opens new possibilities for aging roofs

By Jesse Sanchez.

Giving contractors a way to re-cover qualifying existing roofs while reducing labor, disruption and tear-off requirements.

As aging roofing systems reach the end of their service life, contractors and building owners do not always have to turn immediately to a full tear-off. Jesse Sutton,Product Manager for VersiFleece membranes at Versico Roofing Systems, says fleece-backed membranes can provide another option by allowing crews to install a new roofing system directly over qualifying existing assemblies.

VersiFleece includes Versico’s standard EPDM, TPO, PVC and KEE HP PVC membranes with 55- mils of polyester fleece laminated to the back. Adding fleece can increase puncture, hail and tear resistance compared with standard bare-back membranes while also supporting strong wind uplift performance when installed with a two-part urethane low-rise adhesive. Jesse explained the value of the system in re-cover applications, saying, “That’s kind of where VersiFleece really shines is you can go direct over the existing roofing system and then get another 20-year warranty.”

Before beginning a re-cover, contractors first need to evaluate the condition of the existing roof. Areas containing wet or damaged insulation may need to be cut out and replaced, while extensive moisture could make a complete tear-off necessary. For suitable aged TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen or built-up roofing, preparation can be relatively straightforward. Jesse described the process, saying, “It’s really just a pressure wash and you want to get that existing roof free of dirt and loose debris and that kind of thing.”

Avoiding tear-off can also substantially reduce labor. Instead of removing and a full system, crews can clean the existing surface, dispense adhesive and roll the VersiFleece membrane into place. Jesse emphasized the field impact, noting, “It’s an amazing labor savings.” The approach can be particularly valuable on occupied facilities where minimizing disruption is important because crews are not removing large portions of the existing assembly.

The installation method can also help contractors work later into colder weather. Versico’s two-part low-rise urethane adhesive can be used with heated equipment down to 25 degrees and rising. Another option, Rapid Lock, uses a hook-and-loop attachment system rather than traditional adhesive, providing another installation method when temperatures drop.

Cover boards may still be necessary when existing substrates are especially rough, contain materials such as pea gravel, have questionable coatings or present compatibility concerns. Evaluating those conditions before installation helps determine whether a direct re-cover or additional separation layer is appropriate.

With large amounts of aging single-ply roofing reaching the end of their useful service lives, VersiFleece recover systems offer contractors another way to approach reroofing while reducing tear-off, labor and disruption when existing conditions allow.

Learn more about how direct recover systems can help contractors reroof qualifying existing assemblies with less labor and disruption!