The roof is the most important protection component of any building or home. Eventually, it deteriorates due to factors like natural aging materials and weather elements making it necessary to replace it. Here is where the concept of re-roofing comes into play.
At this point, you may be wondering what re-roofing is and how it works. Next, we’ll provide all the key data to effectively answer this question so you can fully understand this process.
This process basically consists of adding a new layer of roofing material over an existing layer; for that reason it is also known as overlay. While a full roof replacement requires tearing off the old roof to install a new one, re-roofing is far less invasive and more cost-effective. It is ideal for roofs with a single layer of roofing material if they haven’t suffered significant damage.
Due to its simplicity, re-roofing is far less expensive than a full replacement. It requires less labor and fewer materials, and since there is no need to tear off the old roof, it also optimizes time.
Since this process involves layering a new roofing material layer over the existing one, it is quicker than a complete roof replacement which minimizes disruption to homeowners’ daily routine.
In many cases, a fresh layer of new roofing materials can significantly increase the aesthetic appeal of your home by making it more polished and attractive.
Re-roofing also provides additional protection to your roof from weather elements and natural wear and tear, contributing to extending its lifespan for many years.
Although it offers many advantages, re-roofing is not always the best option. Next, we’ll expose some situations where re-roofing may not be viable.
Building codes generally allow only two layers of shingles, so, if your roof already has two layers, you’ll need a complete replacement instead of a re-roofing.
Re-roofing is a viable option for healthy roofs that don’t have significant damage or structural issues. For a roof with problems such as water damage or rooting wood, a complete replacement, rather than a re-roofing, may be required.
On the other hand, although a roof shows signs of aging but is generally in good condition, re-roofing can be a very good option to extend its lifespan.
The re-roofing process consists of five steps to ensure long-lasting results effectively. These steps are:
First, a roofing professional will inspect the roof to confirm if re-roofing is viable. During this inspection, this professional will check for structural integrity, the condition of the shingles and any potential issue the roof may have.
The second step is cleaning the roof to remove debris, dirt and loose shingles and ensure the proper adhesion of the new layer.
After cleaning the old roof, the contractor laid the new shingles directly, starting at the bottom edge and working his way up, overlapping the shingles to create a watertight seal.
After placing the new layer, seal the edges and check for gaps or loose areas. This step is crucial to prevent leaks and ensure the roof will resist strong winds.
Once the installation is finished, a final inspection is necessary to ensure the roof meets all safety requirements and quality standards.
Although offering multiple advantages, re-roofing has some significant limitations that need to be considered to make an intelligent decision.
A new layer of shingles will increase the weight your roof holds, and, over time, this extra weight can stress the structure, becoming a significant risk, especially for older structures.
While re-roofing can significantly extend the lifespan of your roof, it doesn’t last as long as a full replacement. Its durability highly depends on the conditions of the old, existing roof.
Even though re-roofing is a good and functional option. It doesn’t address the hidden problems the old, existing roof may have. Quite the opposite, these problems can get worse over time and require expensive repairs if not timely and properly addressed.
Now, you’d probably be wondering which one is the best option for your roof between re-roofing or full replacement but there is no answer for that question since it depends on many factors like the condition of the old roof and your budget. For that reason, it is essential to consider aspects such as:
If your roof is already too damaged or has many layers of shingles, a complete replacement would be better than a re-roofing
If your roof has underlying issues that haven’t been properly addressed, re-roofing may not be very cost-effective in the long run even if it seems to be a very affordable option at the beginning.
Suppose you are planning to sell your home soon. In that case, re-roofing may be the ideal option to improve the appeal of your property and increase its general value since it is highly cost-effective and its installation process is pretty quick. However, if you plan to stay in your home for a long term, replacement may be a better choice.
Whether choosing re-roofing or full roof replacement, you need a trustworthy and reputable roofing professional to help you during the process.
These are some of the most important aspects to consider when choosing the roofing contractor or company for this matter:
Choosing a professional with a solid reputation and a good record, especially in re-roofing and roof replacement.
Always make sure that the contractor you hire is licensed to work in your area and also carries adequate insurance to protect you in case of property damage or accidents.
Before choosing your roofing contractor, check online reviews and, if possible, ask for references from previous clients, neighbors, or friends.
A trustworthy and professional contractor will always offer you a good warranty on his work, providing you with peace of mind.
Re-roofing is a functional and cost-effective option to extend the lifespan of your roof and improve the appeal of your property. However it is not always the best choice and is essential to understand its limitations to make a wise decision according to your specific situation.
Professional help is crucial to making an intelligent, informed decision that ensures optimal results for your roof and also suits your budget.
However, since its appearance in the roofing scene, re-roofing has transformed the way homeowners conceive of roof enhancement. It is not only quick and easy, but also pretty effective in improving your roof’s appeal and increasing the general value of your property.
At Atlantic Roofing, we are honored to provide quality roofing services to the Gainesville, Florida area and its surroundings. We pride ourselves on Quality, Integrity, and Good Old-Fashioned Service, offering free estimates for a variety of services, including roof replacement, roof installation, roof repair, siding, and more.
Let us bring our trusted expertise to your next project!