Retrofit and Recover Metal Roofing

Most roofs need to be replaced at some point. If faced with the need to replace or retrofit a roof, you need to know the available options. In many cases, recovering the existing roof is a viable option that offers many benefits over a complete removal and replacement of the existing roof.

The two most common metal roof retrofit and recover options are metal over metal and single-ply over metal. Both options allow for the original roof to remain in place rather than be removed. As a result, the building does not experience changes to operations, and continues to use the existing insulation. Retrofitting also cuts down on landfill waste because the original roof is not removed and can reduce construction costs (no labor or disposal costs associated with roof removal). However, not all projects can safely accommodate a single-ply retrofit over an existing metal roof, so you need to consult an expert to help you make the right decision.

Other issues that must be taken into consideration when determining which retrofit option is best include the building code requirements and design expectations. For instance, single-ply retrofits can result in ponding water which can have catastrophic consequences.

One valuable resource to review is the full Comparison of Retrofit System Over Existing Metal Roofs whitepaper. Click here to learn more.

Other benefits of retrofit and recover include:

• Reduced time to a new roof
• Savings of energy compared to the worn-out roof
• Safer to retrofit and recover than to remove and replace
• Increased property values with a lower roof investment cost

Studies by the Department of Energy show that 35% of energy costs for the average building is spent on heating, cooling, and ventilation. When recovering a roof, building owners can opt to add insulation and see an increase in terms of heating and cooling savings every month.

Types of Metal Retrofit Roofing Systems Offered by McElroy Metal

• 138T Shingle Recover – 138T systems are installed over existing roof, eliminating the need for removing and disposing existing shingles
• 238T Metal-Over-Metal Recover – an excellent solution for metal-over-metal recover situations that lasts 2-4 times longer than a single-ply recover system.
• Low Slope to Steep Slope – This retrofit option allows building owners to convert their existing, worn-out flat roof into a long-lasting, steep metal roof.

138T Shingle Recover

The 138T shingle recover system delivers all of the benefits of metal roofing while saving labor and material costs associated with tearing off and disposing of existing shingles. The 138T also features a patented clip system that creates an above sheathing ventilation airspace that increases energy efficiency and lowers utility expenses.

You can check out an example of a recover project that used the 138T shingle recover system here.

238T Metal-Over-Metal Recover

The 238T metal-over-metal recover system is a cost-effective recover solution for buildings that already have an existing exposed fastened R-Panel metal roofing system. This system utilizes McElroy's easy to repair symmetrical 238T standing seam panel, making it easy to update any panel that might get damaged.

The 238T will also last 2-4 times as long as a single-ply recover system with an investment that is less than a remove and replace solution.

Please review an example of a recover project that used the 238T metal-over-metal recover system here.

Low to Steep Slope Recover

Our low to steep slope recover system is a straight-forward to erect retrofit assembly that is a proven way to convert worn out flat roofs into functional and highly attractive steep slope roofs.

Check out our retrofit and recover roof applications page here to see the variety of results available when you need to replace a worn-out roof.

Retrofit and Recover Webinar On Demand

Learn more about retrofit and recover roofing by watching our free on-demand webinar linked below.