Early detection, big savings: The financial benefits of VILPE Sense
Moisture damage in roof structures is one of the most costly and challenging issues for property owners. Roof repairs caused by leaks or structural moisture typically cost tens of thousands of euros, though the exact amount varies significantly depending on the severity of the damage, roof design, accessibility, and local labor and material costs. In most cases, the faster the response, the smaller the repair area and overall expense. This is where VILPE Sense provides value. By constantly monitoring for elevated moisture levels and alerting users in real-time, the system enables swift action. Avoiding even one larger repair is enough to generate substantial savings.
To illustrate this potential, we evaluated three VILPE Sense solutions for a hypothetical 2,000 m² low-slope bitumen roof: (1) a leak detection system, (2) a humidity control system, and (3) a combined system, using humidity control on one part of the roof and leak detection on the other.
A fraction of the roof’s value
The VILPE Sense product family includes two distinct systems:
- VILPE Sense Leak Detection continuously monitors the roof, instantly alerting users if moisture infiltration occurs. The system provides a humidity map pinpointing the affected area, enabling quick repairs.
- VILPE Sense Humidity Control also provides real-time moisture monitoring and alerts. Additionally, this system includes a roof fan that actively ventilates and dries the insulation layers. As a result, insulation materials exposed to moisture during construction or due to condensation might not require costly replacements. For optimal performance, adequate airflow within the structures is essential, for example, through insulation designed with ventilation grooves.
Both systems can be used separately or combined depending on specific requirements. Typically, investment costs range between 3% and 8% of the new roof’s cost, varying based on complexity and monitoring needs.
Real-world repair costs
Moisture damage on roofs generally falls into two categories: leaks and structural moisture damage. A leak refers to a direct infiltration, such as a detached seam, whereas structural damage arises when moisture accumulates due to insufficient ventilation or condensation.
Repairing a minor leak typically involves patching and replacing up to 11 f² of insulation, costing approximately 1,700 dollars. More extensive damage, requiring the replacement of insulation and surface materials, rapidly escalates costs:
- Replacing 1,100 f² of roof area costs about $17,000.
- Replacing 2,200 f² costs around $35,000.
- Replacing 11,000 f² costs at least $80,000.
It’s important to note that roof repair costs do not increase linearly; rather, unit costs typically decrease as repair areas become larger. Although precise data on moisture damage prevalence is limited (as moisture damage isn’t typically covered by insurance and thus undocumented), anecdotal evidence from roofing experts confirms these issues are common.
Calculations illustrate that preventing even one minor leak from escalating to extensive moisture damage generates substantial savings:
- $15,300 for a 1,100 f² area.
- $33,300 for a 2,200 f² area.
- $78,300 for a 11,000 f² area.
These savings figures are net of the basic repair cost (1,700 dollars). Moreover, secondary damages such as increased energy consumption or interior water damage are not included in these calculations, suggesting the actual savings potential is even greater.
Return on investment (ROI)
The ROI for the three evaluated VILPE Sense systems ranges from 50% to over 1,200%, depending on the scale of damage prevented. This significantly exceeds the typical yield requirement for cost-saving investments (12–15%). Even in the most conservative scenario (saving only 1,100 f² from damage), the investment clearly pays off.
Summary
VILPE Sense provides measurable financial value by enabling early intervention and preventing costly moisture damage. Despite its modest initial investment, VILPE Sense consistently delivers substantial ROI. In virtually every analyzed scenario, VILPE Sense costs are outweighed by savings generated from avoiding just a single moderate repair. For property owners aiming to reduce maintenance expenses, protect their assets, and enhance building longevity, VILPE Sense offers a practical, data-driven solution.