Compare repair, recover and replacement using roof condition, moisture, drainage and business disruption, with real before-and-after photos.
A leak does not automatically mean the whole roof needs replacement. The useful question is whether the existing system is sound enough for a repair that addresses the cause.
Start with evidence
| Finding | Possible direction | Verify first |
|---|---|---|
| One isolated flashing or seam problem | Targeted repair | Surrounding membrane, substrate and insulation condition. |
| Recurring leaks in several areas | Broader investigation | Moisture extent, prior repairs and drainage. |
| Wet insulation or deteriorated decking | Remove affected materials | Extent of concealed damage and repair boundaries. |
| Widespread roof deterioration | Replacement comparison | Full scope, attachment, drainage and building access. |
| Sound existing roof proposed for recover | Evaluate an approved recover assembly | Moisture, existing layers, structural capacity and applicable requirements. |
High Horse Lounge before the 2021 modified-bitumen project.
Repair, recover and replacement
| Approach | What it changes | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | A defined damaged area or detail | Does not renew the entire roof. |
| Recover | An approved new assembly over suitable existing material | Not a way to conceal wet or unsuitable material. |
| Replacement | Removal and installation within the agreed scope | Requires planning for tear-off, weather and building operations. |
Completed modified-bitumen work at High Horse Lounge. This example is not a diagnosis of another building.
Keep your business in the plan
Before work starts, agree on access, material staging, occupied areas, equipment coordination and daily protection. Ask which activities may affect customers or tenants and how changes will be communicated.
Finished roof details from the High Horse Lounge project.
Ask for a decision-ready estimate
Request roof photos, the likely leak source, repair boundaries, replacement alternatives when appropriate, concealed-damage allowances and written warranty terms. Compare like-for-like scopes instead of choosing by the lowest total alone.
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View the High Horse Lounge project