Buyer comparison

TOR coating vs full roof replacement

A weathered commercial roof does not always need stripping back to the deck. A compatible coating system may retain a sound underlying roof, subject to survey and manufacturer specification.

Option 01

TOR coating overlay

A manufacturer-specified liquid coating system applied over a compatible existing roof. Primer and coating build follow the selected product data sheets.

Where it wins

Keeps a suitable existing roof build-up in place
Roof stays operational during application
No tear off cost or landfill
Avoids replacement work where the existing system remains suitable
Suitable for felt, single ply, asphalt, metal profile

Trade offs

Underlying membrane has to be sound. Failures get flagged at survey
Weather window required for application
Won't fix structural deck problems

Indicative cost: Priced at survey from substrate condition, preparation, access and system build-up
Service life: Depends on the selected manufacturer system and surveyed substrate

Option 02

Full roof replacement

Strip the existing roof to deck. New insulation, new membrane, new flashings. Full BBA certified system from scratch.

Where it wins

Brand new system specified for the full roof build-up
Opportunity to upgrade insulation, falls, drainage
New system carries its own manufacturer terms

Trade offs

Higher capital cost than a compatible coating overlay
Roof out of use during works. Significant disruption
Tear off generates landfill cost
Often requires scaffold and edge protection upgrades
Long programme on bigger roofs

Indicative cost: Specialist replacement quote required, including access, waste and insulation
Service life: Per the selected roof system's documented design and warranty terms

The honest answer

Which one is right for your scheme?

Pick a coating overlay if the underlying roof is structurally sound and a manufacturer supports a compatible system. Pick replacement if the system has failed, insulation is wet, or the falls and drainage need redesigning. The route is decided after a roof walk, moisture test and substrate condition record, not on price alone.

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Send us the drawings or a few photos.

Where we can, we check access and the state of the surfaces before we price, so the quote matches the real job. Email drawings to office@astardecorators.com, or send photos on WhatsApp.

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