Commercial Roof Recover & Overlay in Wausau, WI
A recover, or overlay, puts a new roof over the existing one instead of tearing it off. On the right building it saves a large share of the cost of replacement, keeps the building closed to the weather during the work, and keeps tons of old roofing out of the landfill. On the wrong building it buries a problem. Building codes based on the International Building Code, which Wisconsin's commercial code adopts, generally don't allow a recover over a roof that is water-soaked or deteriorated, or one that already has two or more roof layers. So every recover starts with core cuts and a moisture survey. Wet areas are cut out and replaced, a cover board or new insulation goes down, and a new EPDM, TPO or PVC membrane is installed with new flashings at every wall, curb and edge.
What's included
- Core cuts and moisture survey to confirm eligibility
- Wet insulation cut out and replaced
- Gravel removed from built-up roofs before recover
- Cover board or new insulation over the old roof
- New EPDM, TPO or PVC membrane
- New flashings at walls, curbs, pipes and drains
- Edge metal and copings raised to the new roof height
- Drain bowls extended and re-clamped
- Manufacturer warranty options explained in writing
Sound like your roof?
Not sure what is wrong or what it should cost? If any of these sound familiar, tell us about the roof. We'll tell you what it probably is, then confirm it on the roof and give you a written price before any work starts.
- The roof is aging but mostly dry
- Only one existing roof layer
- You want a new roof without the cost of tear-off
- The building needs to stay weathertight during the work
- A coating isn't enough but replacement is over budget
Leaking right now? Protect the inside first
Move inventory, files and electronics away from the drip, shut off power to any light fixture or panel that is getting wet, and put down buckets or plastic. Keep people out from under a ceiling that is sagging with water above it. Don't send staff onto the roof during a storm, in the dark, or when it is icy or snow-covered. Low-slope roofs have skylights, open edges and slick membranes. Then request service: an active leak can usually be dried in temporarily until a permanent repair is possible.
From the first call to a dry roof
Tell Us About the Roof
The building, the roof type if you know it, and what is happening: an active leak, a stain, ponding water, storm damage, or a roof that is just getting old. Active leaks go to the front of the line.
Roof Assessment
We walk the roof, trace the problem, check the drains and flashings, and take core samples or moisture readings where the insulation might be wet.
Written Options and Price
You get a written scope and price. When more than one approach makes sense, repair, coating and replacement are laid out side by side with what each one buys you.
Work Done and Documented
The work is done to the manufacturer's specification, and you get a photo report and any warranty paperwork for your files.
You may also need
Leak Detection & Moisture Surveys
Finding where water actually gets into the roof, and how much wet insulation it has left behind, using visual tracing, moisture meters, core cuts and infrared scans.
Learn moreReplacement & Installation
New EPDM, TPO, PVC and modified bitumen roofs for warehouses, plants, offices, retail, churches, schools and apartment buildings, as a full tear-off or a code-compliant recover, with drainage fixed while the roof is open.
Learn moreRoof Coatings & Restoration
Silicone and acrylic coating systems that add years to an aging but dry roof, on single-ply, modified bitumen and metal, for a fraction of the cost of replacement when the roof qualifies.
Learn moreRoof Recover & Overlay — FAQs
Generally when the existing roof is a single layer, is not water-soaked or deteriorated, and the deck can carry the added weight. Two existing layers usually means tear-off. See recover vs. replacement.
Typically about $4–$8 per square foot, depending on the membrane, insulation, the amount of wet material replaced and the flashing work.
Many manufacturers warranty recover systems when the existing roof meets their requirements. Warranty terms are explained in writing with the quote.