When your roof has many leaks and still the same number of shingles, it may be time for a roof replacement. Roofs unfortunately do not last forever and it is almost inevitable that you will have to replace your roof at some point. When that time comes, do you know whether you want a roof overlay or a roof tear-off?
A roof company can help you with that decision; however, it should be your final decision as to whether you will have a roof overly or tear-off. To make the best choice, you need to know more about both options and how each one could benefit or take away from your next .
Roof Overlay Considerations
Sometimes when a roof company inspects your roof to see what kind of work should be done, they may tell you that it is possible to do an overlay instead of doing a tear-off and a complete new roof installation. An overlay is when a roofer puts new roofing on top of the current one. So yes, that means new shingles are laid on top of the existing ones.
Saving money is one of the main advantages of roof overlays. Installing a new roof over your existing one can cost about 25% less than a completely fresh installation that includes tearing off the old material. You may run into problems as you are essentially doing a roof replacement over existing problems and either ignoring them or doing some minor repair.
In the long term, you might end up with more problems. If the new roof is installed over undetected moisture, you may end up with moisture damage and mold or mildew growth. This can compromise your roof’s integrity over time, leading to bigger problems.
Roof overlay is a viable option when your decking is in good condition and your home’s infrastructure can handle the extra weight. Don’t decide on an overlay if your home’s structure cannot handle the weight. It’s also important to know that putting another layer of shingles on top of existing ones can trap in heat, making your home less energy efficient while at the same time more rapidly aging your roof.
Tear-Off Considerations
An experienced roof company will usually recommend tearing your old roof off completely before your new roof installation. Once everything is removed, the roof company can then inspect the decking and entire roof structure of your home. Repairs are made where needed before your roof replacement is done.
Although it is approximately 25% more expensive, you actually might end up saving more in the long term because you are not patching over existing problems. You will most likely have better confidence with this option, since you will be getting a completely new, reliable roof.
Deciding on whether you want a roof tear-off or a roof overlay is not that easy of a decision to make. The best way to make the right choice is with guidance from a qualified roof company. As long as you keep in mind the choices associated with both options for your roof replacement, you should be able to make the right decision. Just make sure you get a good estimate for your new roof installation!
