Making the Choice Between Roof Replacement vs Re-Roofing
A home is not cheap, and when you have to do repairs or replace things, it only makes it more expensive. The roof is possibly the biggest investment you can make for your home–and the most important. Your home's roof provides you with essential protection, of course, but it can greatly increase your home's resale value. Because of these facts, you never want to let roof issues go unattended, especially if you need a replacement. But, do you really need a roof replacement, or could a re-roofing be enough?
Knowing what's best can be difficult, so here's a guide to help you decide between roof replacement vs re-roofing.
What Happens With Roof Replacements?
During a roof replacement, the entire roof gets replaced: the old shingles are stripped entirely, exposing the deck underneath. If the deck is damaged, you may need to repair that as well. From there, a new underlayment is applied to the deck to protect your home from the elements. Finally, new shingles are placed on top.
The Pros and Cons of Roof Replacement
The biggest benefit to a roof replacement is that it is a long-lasting option that can be done regardless of how many layers of shingles your roof has. Roof replacements also help to reveal any damage that may be hiding under the shingles, such as rot. Also, while replacing your roof is more expensive initially, you will save money in the long run as you'll be able to eliminate any damage that exists.
However, while it saves money in the long run, it requires more time, materials, and labor, which makes it more expensive.
What Happens in a Re-Roofing?
During the re-roofing process, a new shingle overlay is placed on top of your worn shingles. Replacing these worn shingles helps to serve two purposes. The first is to help restore the physical appearance of your roof. Replacing the worn shingles is also important to prevent leakages from occurring and damaging your home. Compared to roof replacements, re-roofing is a quicker and more inexpensive way to improve the look and function of your roof. However, the best re-roofing candidates are homes with roofs that have only a single layer of shingles.
Re-Roofing Pros and Cons
One major advantage to keep in mind is that, unlike a roof replacement, re-roofing doesn't require an extensive timeline for the repairs. It also doesn't require as much labor or materials to get the job done. Both of these factors make re-roofing a cheaper repair option.
Additionally, re-roofing doesn't mean you have to replace the entire roof if only part of it is damaged. This makes re-roofing a faster method of restoration.
On the other hand, one disadvantage of re-roofing is that if your roof already has two layers, you may not be allowed to add a third. It also doesn't last as long as a full roof replacement. It also doesn't work with metal roofing.
The biggest problem, however, is that because you're not removing the old shingles, there is no way to know how much damage may be under the existing roof. So, re-roofing may just hide damage rather than fix anything.
Deciding between Roof Replacement vs Re-Roofing
Knowing the differences between a roof replacement and re-roofing is essential in deciding which is best for your home. If your home only has minor issues, like leaks, but otherwise appears in good shape, re-roofing could be the solution. However, it is only worth considering if you don't have more than one layer of shingles. If you only need to repair a small section of your roof, re-roofing could cause it to become noticeably uneven. However, if your roof already has two layers of shingles, you cannot add a third–while it is possible to remove those existing layers to re-roof, it adds to the cost.
If the damage is more extensive, or the decking is damaged, a re-roofing would only cover it all up, not fix anything. A complete replacement is also the choice to consider if you have deeper concerns about your roof, beyond the physical appearance. However, it is a more costly option, which is important to remember.
In the end, it depends on the extensiveness of the damage and your budget. It’s critical to take the time to consider both roof replacement vs re-roofing, and which is best for your home.
Your roof is important, so it isn't something you want to leave unchecked. A small amount of damage has the potential to become something more significant, something that needs more than basic repairs. In some cases, you may need to decide between a re-roofing or total replacement. Knowing the difference between a roof replacement vs. re-roofing can help you decide which is best. That way, your roof can always be in top shape.
