Top Differences Between A Re Roof vs. Roof Replacement
Your roof is one of the biggest investments in your home. Keeping it in the best shape will not only guarantee your safety but also that of your loved ones. It will also boost your home value. For most homeowners, choosing between a roof repair and roof replacement is a daunting experience.
The consequences of making the wrong choice can be severe. That means every homeowner should have the facts right before making up their mind. If you are contemplating between the two, the right choice for you isn’t always obvious. We’ve covered the differences between reroofing and roof replacement and when to choose either of the two.
Reroofing vs. Roof Replacement
Before we go any further, let’s first see the differences between roof replacement and reroofing. Roof repair or re roof means layering new shingles over an existing one. This technique of fixing your roof is cheaper and faster. But it’s limited to minor or medium damage on a relatively newer or fully-functioning roofing material.
On the other hand, roof replacement means tearing off an old roof before placing a new one. A roof replacement costs more than a roof repair since you incur a higher labor and material cost. It’s, however, a more sure way of fixing all the underlying roof problems.
Before deciding which one to go for, you need to consider a couple of factors. These include the age and condition of the roof and whether there’s roof leakage. An old roof that has suffered storm damage may benefit more from replacing it. But if the roof is relatively new, you may opt for a repair.
A leaky roof is another common problem with most homeowners. Here, a solution is to hire a professional roofer for a thorough roof inspection. This will help uncover the real cause of the problem and the extent of the damage. For example, you may realize that there are more hidden roof issues, such as mold infestation. Other issues could include rooting roof sheathing & framing, damaged ceiling, or destroyed insulation.
When to Reroof and When Not to
If the level of damage on your roof is minor or moderate, a roof repair will do. An example is missing or thorned asphalt shingles due to wind damage. The only issue you could face is trying to match the roofing materials. The colors may not match, giving your home a not-so-appealing look.
Without a proper roof inspection, an outright decision to reroof is almost always a gamble. The reason is that you never know what the deck looks like. If you happen to reroof, but the deck is rooting, you create more problems than you are solving.
Similarly, if a portion of your roof needs repair, a reroof could lead to stability issues. That is because one side of your roof will be heavier—hence higher chances of unbalanced stress on the roof decking.
Another reason to avoid reroofing is when there are two layers of shingles overlying the deck. Here, there are two significant issues. One, the roofing will become thicker and hence heavier than it’s designed to be. Second, it becomes harder to drive the nails through three layers of shingles. That means you won’t correctly fix your new layer in place.
When to Go for a Complete Roof Replacement
When repairing your roof isn’t an option, what’s left is to replace it. Some things to consider when replacing a roof include the quality of material and cost of the entire project.
Before picking a contractor, make sure to get a roof replacement estimate. You may also want to consider your roof replacement financing options. If you are taking a loan or digging into your pocket, you’ll need to strike a delicate balance between cost and quality of services.
That said, the average cost to tear off and replace a roof varies per material, size of the roof, and region. Even then, there are several benefits to installing a new roof. One is that you’ll fix all the underlying issues, so you prolong your roof’s lifespan. Similarly, you’ll boost your home’s aesthetics and curb appeal. And depending on the quality of material, a new roof can increase energy efficiency.
Consult a Roofing Professional
Now that you know when to go for a roof replacement or a roof repair, what’s left is to choose the right roofing contractor for the job. In most cases, going DIY is a cheaper option, but not always the best alternative. This is especially the case when you don’t know the level of damage.
By working with a licensed roofing contractor, you benefit from professional consultation and roofing services. A thorough inspection means all the roofing issues will be dealt with accordingly. If your roof is relatively new, you also minimize the chances of making costly repair mistakes that might see you forfeit your warranty or insurance.
