If you’re planning a roof replacement, then you know that a trusted professional roofing contractor is crucial in making your project a success. Roof Recovery understands this, which is why we do our jobs according to what our clients want for their roof and give them the best options on how it can be built. We’ll work with you and build your roof to keep your home safe from the elements, but if you’re considering a roof overlay instead of a full tear-off, then we strongly advise against it.
You might think that you’ll save more on your budget when you overlay your roof, but this won’t guarantee its effectiveness over time. Because you’re only installing a new layer of shingles over your old ones, you won’t know for sure if the underlying layers of your old roof have been damaged. You’ll also risk a roof collapse because the damage wasn’t addressed and has already compromised your new layer of shingles. This is why a complete replacement is much better for your home.
A complete roof replacement may cost more upfront, but the benefits you get are much better than just getting an overlay. As a trusted roofing contractor, Roof Recovery shares its insight:
A Simple Roof Overlay Won’t Be Enough
Some homeowners choose to have a roof overlay due to several reasons, but it’s ultimately because it’s cheaper and faster than a full replacement. The construction process is also shorter compared to a full replacement, and this is because less labor and time are involved. However, there are several disadvantages to having an overlay, and these include:
-
Less Visual Appeal – Due to the weathering and deterioration your old roof has experienced throughout its lifespan, some of its shingles might already be lifted or curling. An overlay will just put a new layer over your old roof, and it simply won’t look as good as a completely new roof would.
-
Roof Leaks Won’t Be Fixed – Another reason why a professional roofer recommends a full tear-off is that a roof overlay won’t solve your water leak problems. Doing this will make it harder to determine where the leaks are coming from because you’ll have multiple roofing layers installed. Water can also travel between the layers and then poke through somewhere else, which means it can’t be fixed with just patchwork.
-
More Unnecessary Weight – Since you keep the old roof when you do an overlay, you practically have the weight of two roofs over your home. This can be dangerous since roofs are built with a weight limit capacity. It’s also not recommended for older homes, as the added weight will compromise its overall structural integrity.
-
The Resale Value Becomes Affected – If you’re planning to sell your home in a few years, then your roofer will strongly recommend that you get a full roof replacement. An overlay won’t be appealing to future home buyers as it will be seen as an attempt to “cut corners”. It will only decrease your home’s overall resale value!
-
Installing an Ice Barrier Becomes Impossible – This type of barrier has to adhere directly to the wood decking of your roof. You won’t be able to do this with a roof overlay, which means you have one less layer of protection against the natural elements. When winter comes and you have an ice dam, it will travel easily under the overlay and seep into your old roof.
-
You’ll Need a Replacement Sooner Than You Think – A roof overlay won’t last as long as a full replacement. This means you’ll need to think about another roofing job after a few years, and it will be more expensive. This is because you’ll not have one but two layers of the roof to replace, which means double the labor and debris just to take off the old roofing material.
-
Your Deck’s Condition Isn’t Addressed – A roofing overlay won’t address the condition of your roofing deck. You won’t know if it’s rotted by water leaks, which can be problematic later on when the damage spreads to the walls and ceilings. It will only cost you more as you’ll be forced to make repairs again to prevent further damage.
The Benefits Of Getting a Complete Roof Tear-Off
-
It Will Last Longer Than an Overlay – This is mainly because a brand-new roof traps much less heat than an overlaid roof. Extra heat also causes shingles to curl and break down faster when you get a roof overlay, which won’t happen when you get a complete tear-off. Even the more crucial areas of your roof will be completely replaced, so you can be sure that you’ll stay leak-free for many years!
-
A Full Roof Replacement – A complete tear-off means more upfront costs and may disrupt your daily routine at first, but it will be worth the inconvenience in the long run. Having a full tear-off will mean your old roof has been removed completely and installed with new material. Even your rotted wood decking will be replaced, so you won’t have to worry about water leaks! Your roof repair and replacement contractor will also do a more thorough inspection of your roofing structure and address other issues first before installing your new roof. This is to ensure that your new roof won’t encounter any problems later on.
-
More Room for Options – With a complete tear-off, you’ll also have the option to change or upgrade to better roofing material depending on your budget. During the planning stages, your hired contractor will help you choose which material will best suit your needs and specifications. For instance, you may decide to switch from OSB (oriented strand board) to CDX plywood decking instead or choose a different type of underlayment depending on your preference. Just remember to consider your local weather patterns and climate to make the most out of your budget.
If you want your roof replacement to be worth the investment, it’s recommended that you leave the job to the professionals. And as one of the best contractors in roof repair and replacement, you can count on Roof Recovery to get the job done right. Contact us at (916) 678-9786 or through our convenient online request form to talk about your next roofing project!
