Reuse flat roof insulation
Save $1000s by Reusing Your Roof’s Insulation
If your existing insulation is dry and structurally sound, you do not need a full tear off. We can pull a core sample and replace sections of your roof at a fraction of the cost.
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TESTING YOUR ROOF's Insulation
Three steps to see if your insulation is reusable
Inspection
We walk the roof, top and bottom. Up top we look for blisters, soft spots, and failed seams. Inside the building we check the deck for staining and rust around fasteners.
Core Sample
We pull a 2-inch plug down to the deck to confirm insulation type, thickness, dryness, and condition. We seal the cut before we leave.
Condition Report
You get a clear answer in writing within 24 hours: what can stay, what needs replacing, and where any isolated repairs are required, with photos to back it up.
THE MATH IS CLEAR
What reusable insulation saves you
| Full Tear-Off | Insulation Reuse |
|---|---|
| ~22 disposal bins | ~6 disposal bins |
| ~$22,000 in disposal costs | ~$6,000 in disposal costs |
| Full insulation replacement | Isolated sections only |
| Longer project timeline | Shorter project timeline |
| All polyiso sent to landfill | Almost none sent to landfill |
RE-ROOFING IN Burlington
Cutting More Than $16,000 in Costs by Reusing Insulation
A 2-inch core cut showed the existing insulation was dry, stable, and installed in uniform 4×4 sections. We removed only the membrane, replaced a few isolated contaminated pieces, and installed a complete modern roof system over top.
The savings came from what we did not have to do. Less insulation to remove meant fewer crew hours, fewer disposal bins, and fewer days on-site. This is how help all our clients cut costs without cutting corners.
CHECK IT YOURSELF
Is Your Insulation a Candidate for Reuse?
If you can answer yes to most of these, your insulation is likely reusable. If you cannot, a full tear-off is probably the right call.
WHEN WE REFUSE TO REUSE INSULATION
If we find any of these, we will tell you upfront.
At Videl Roofing, we only reuse insulation if its sound. These are the conditions that take it off the table.
Moisture, stains, or dark spots
If this exists, your insulation has absorbed water and lost its structural integrity.
Soft, spongy, or crumbling areas
The insulation has lost its compressive strength and will not support a new membrane or hold fasteners reliably.
Mold, odour, or organic growth
A health and air quality risk if reused, and a sign that moisture has been sitting in the assembly long enough to compromise the deck below.
Fire or chemical damage
Fire-rating is compromised and the material may off-gas under heat. These sections always come out.
OTHER WAYS WE CAN HELP
More Services to Maximize Your Roof Life
Flat Roof Replacement
If reuse isn't a fit, a full replacement may be needed. We match the new system to your building, your budget, and how long you plan to hold the property.
Replacement Services
Tapered Insulation
Reusing insulation works best when drainage works with it. If your roof has flat spots or ponding, tapered insulation corrects the slope and protects whatever sits on top of it.
Tapered Insulation
Preventative Roof Maintenance Plan
A new membrane lasts longer when someone is watching it. Our PRMP catches small issues early to maximize your roof's life.
Maintenance Plans
Can my existing insulation actually be reused?
Yes, if it passes inspection. We look for insulation that is dry, structurally sound, and mechanically fastened to the deck. If it has not absorbed moisture and the fasteners are still holding, it can usually stay in place. The only way to know for sure is a free assessment and a 2-inch core sample.
How much will I actually save by reusing?
On a 20,000 sq. ft. roof, reuse can cut disposal costs alone by more than $16,000. Total savings depend on the condition of your insulation and how much of it stays, but reuse typically reduces a re-roof project's cost by up to two-thirds. The savings come from less material to remove, fewer disposal bins, and a shorter project timeline.
What happens if parts of the insulation are damaged?
We only remove the sections that are compromised. Each 4×4 piece of polyiso is self-contained, so damaged areas can be cut out cleanly and replaced with new material. We document every removal with photos and measurements, so you know exactly what was replaced and why.
Will reusing insulation affect the lifespan of my new roof?
No. Polyiso holds its R-value for decades and often outlasts the membrane above it. If the insulation is dry, stable, and firmly fastened to the deck, it will continue to perform exactly as intended. The new flat roof system installed over top performs the same as it would on fresh insulation.