SOME ROOFING SYSTEMS ARE MORE COMPLEX THAN OTHERS
Traditional roofing systems are often made up of many layers, and many different roofing materials. They have multiple components that can fail at any time. As they have more opportunities for failure, they become more likely to fail. These complex systems with more points of failure therefore are more expensive to maintain as they’re more likely to require roof repairs. It stands to reason that a simple system would require fewer repairs and save you money. Will even a system that is installed directly over top of the old one save you money?
Cover Up the Old Mess
The old roof might be more complex and require more roof repairs, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be helped by covering it up. Adding a simple roofing system, spray foam or a coating, will completely encapsulate the old roof. This encapsulation can prevent the failure of the roof beneath by keeping everything protected and covered up. The roof beneath can shift and move, but the more simple roof system above can flex with it. As both roofs move, no leaks or seams are created from the movement. So, even though your existing roof is more complex, installing a simpler system on top can reduce roof repairs by encapsulating the existing system.
Problems Are No Longer Problems
When you install a simpler system with fewer points of failure, things that were once problems no longer are. In a metal roof, for instance, the screws can back out of the roof during expansion and contraction. If the screws are exposed to the elements, that can lead to serious leaks. If the roof is covered with a coating or foam, this is no longer a problem as water can’t access the holes left by the screws. Of course, fasteners don’t back out with a silicone coating or spray foam over top of them as there’s nowhere for them to go, but you get the idea. Things that were once problems are now nothing to worry about with a simple roofing system installed over the old one.
Conclusion
Installing a simpler roofing system is one of the most effective ways to reduce roof repairs on your building. Old, complex roofing systems that are prone to leaks and problems can be renewed quite simply and effectively.