Sensors in existing roofs: perfectly logical

Why sensors in the existing roof are pure logic

Most flat roofs in the Netherlands are existing structures. They are often at the end of their planned cycle and therefore ready for replacement according to the long-term maintenance plan. However, replacement is not always necessary.

The real value lies in the existing roof package. If it is dry and performs well, it can last for years longer and even serve as a foundation for additional insulation.Sensors reveal whether this is the case. They prove whether a roof is suitable for extending its lifespan and can serve as a basis for making it more sustainable.

That is why sensors in the existing roof are pure logic.

Take action where necessary, save where possible

Sensors allow you to see where abnormalities occur: moisture in the roof, humidity rising in bad weather, an abnormal temperature profile. And that's where you take action. You leave the rest of the roof alone.

Result: lower costs, less material loss, greater certainty. 

Extend service life

An existing roof rarely needs to be completely replaced as soon as the MJOP (Long-Term Maintenance Plan) says so. Sensors show whether the roof is still dry and stable. If so, the roof can often last for years to come. Instead of making large investments, you buy time. Time during which the roof continues to function normally and during which you can plan maintenance when it is really needed.

Those extra years of life are pure profit. Every extension means postponing major investments, lower costs, and less inconvenience for users or residents. At the same time, you are making a significant contribution to sustainability: the existing material remains in use, CO₂ emissions from the production and transport of new materials are postponed, and the total environmental impact of the building is reduced.

Our IoT sensors and LoRa make your roof smarter. Problems are detected faster, allowing you to take action before they become bigger. Whether you are responsible for a single building or an entire portfolio, make risk management easier.

Additional insulation as a logical next step

When an existing roof is dry and stable, it provides an excellent basis for sustainability. Instead of replacing everything, the existing package can remain in place and be fitted with an extra layer of insulation. This process—additional insulation—prevents unnecessary demolition and makes smart use of what is already there. Sensors provide certainty that this can be done responsibly: they prove that no moisture will be trapped and that the structure can handle the new layer.

The advantages of additional insulation are considerable. It is significantly cheaper than complete replacement, because labor and material use are limited. It is also faster: the building remains in use and disruption is minimal. And it is demonstrably more sustainable, because existing materials are retained and CO₂ emissions from production, transport, and waste processing are drastically reduced. This makes sustainability not only possible, but also smart, affordable, and responsible.

Investment versus savings

A frequently asked question is: "Do the costs of sensors outweigh the benefits?" The answer is simple: yes. The investment in sensors is only a fraction of the savings you achieve with them.

Preventing a single leak can save thousands of dollars in damage and failure costs. Postponing a complete roof replacement often saves tons of money. And reusing the existing package when adding insulation not only saves costs, but also time and CO₂. Compared to that, the costs for sensors are negligible—while the value they deliver is structural and demonstrable.