Roof Tear-Off & Recover

We'll help you understand your options

A trusted partner for commercial roof replacement

Professional Tradecraft

Transparent communication during every step of the job from start to finish.

Trusted Contractors

Expert and proficient work since 1969 in the Metro Detroit area and beyond.

Dependable Experience

An employee-owned business that Michigan knows, trusts, and depends on for great roofing services.

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When do you need a commercial roof replacement?

Constant exposure to the elements, acts of God, material degradation, freeze/thaw cycles, and just the general weather in Michigan all play a role in the wear and tear on your roof. There are many options to repair or restore a roof, but at some point, the cost of roof repairs outweigh the cost of replacement. To determine whether your roof has reached the end of its lifespan, Schena Roofing conducts a full inspection of the existing roof condition, repair and leak history, and any code related issues.

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Commercial roof recover vs. replacement

Many factors may play into whether a roof can be recovered or replaced, so it is important to discuss the options with a roofing professional. Although each roof must be evaluated individually, a few guidelines can help you make an informed decision on whether a roof recover or complete tear off is the right solution.

Roof recover is a stop-gap solution that can extend the life of a commercial roof without requiring a complete replacement. It involves installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof without removing the existing roof. Cost savings associated with not having to remove and dispose of the existing roof makes this option attractive. Additionally, it is an opportunity to improve the thermal performance of the roof system because most recovers include the installation of insulation or other material to separate the new roof membrane from the existing roof membrane.

Commercial roof re-cover considerations

The new roofing material is compatible with the older sub-layers
Extent of any wet areas is minimal
Has roof been recovered in the past

A complete replacement (tear-off) involves the removal of the existing roof covering, repairing any damaged substrate and installing a new roof covering. Many times the subsurface moisture damage is extensive – 30-35% or more of the entire roof. If this is the case, it may be more practical and cost effective to remove the entire roof system and replace it rather than attempting to recover. Also, if your commercial building already has two roofs on it, and it is not practical to tear off only one of them, building code prohibits using more than two roofs on any type of commercial building.

Commercial roof replacement considerations

Extensive moisture below the membrane
Significant deterioration to the underlying structural deck
Code-related issues such as wind up-lift and fire resistance cannot be met with recover

A professional inspection by Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal can help answer any additional questions.

Roof replacement from inception to completion

We take a proactive approach to every replacement job and maintain a high level of communication with our clients to keep things moving as quickly as possible.

Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal's experienced estimating team will assess the needs that are specific to your project goals. Our staff can help with installation and/or design details with a mind toward a quality and cost-efficient roof system. We can also work with your consultant or architect to bring the project to completion, as quickly and efficiently as possible.

We've been installing and replacing commercial roofs for over 50 years, so we understand how disruptive a roof replacement can be. We strive to keep daily business operations running for commercial tenants, deal with the environmental needs of a tear off, protecting inventory and more. We'll work fast on your roof replacement so your business can get back up to full speed as quickly as possible.

Services include:

Thorough inspection and roof analysis
Pre-job planning and coordination
Demolition and removal
Deck replacement as needed
Insulation
Professional roof installation
Manufacturer material and labor warranties
Annual roof maintenance services

The attention and details to accuracy, safety, workmanship, timelines, customer needs, and final cleanup were all spectacular.

David FlattExecutive Director Board of Trustees

Installing a new roof?
Let the IRS help with Section 179

Section 179 as modified for 2023 allows deductions of roof replacements and improvements up to $1,160,000. If you have plans to invest in your building, the time may be right for it. A building owner or business is allowed to deduct up to $1,160,000 of reinvestment rather than amortizing over an extended period.

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Work with experience and expertise

You may have some water damage to your roof already. You might be wanting to replace the old roof so that you can re-sell the property for a better price on the market. No matter what your reason for wanting a commercial tear off and replacement, Schena Roofing is ready to work with you. We handle tear offs, material disposal and replacement for many types of roofs: 

Single Ply
Modified Bitumen
Slate
Copper
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Metal
Tile
Cedar

Get a professional roof inspection and estimate that includes a full breakdown of costs and services.