Project Requirements

It is best to begin by determining the most appropriate roof systems or repair/maintenance methods for your building. For existing roofs, the three main options are to coat the roof, recover the roof with a new waterproofing surface, or tear off the existing roof and replace it with a new roof. If your roof is in poor condition or near the end of its life, it is usually best to re-cover, replace, or retrofit the roof. In some cases it is possible to build a second roof on top of an existing old roof, but this depends on building codes and the structural integrity of your roof. If, instead, your roof is in moderate condition and needs only minor repairs, a coating can be used after any repairs have been made.

For new or replacement roofs, you should talk with your roofing contractor or consultant to decide which roof types make sense for your building. Knowing which roof types to consider will make it easier to determine if a cool roof makes sense.