Roof Replacement vs Re-Roofing: Pros and Cons

When a roof is damaged, many homeowners think that if it can’t be repaired, replacement is the only option. What they’re overlooking is re-roofing. This might sound a lot like roof replacement, but there are some significant differences, and they add up to a big difference in costs. Here, we’ll look at the pros and cons of different ways to address a damaged roof.

Can’t Your Roof Just Be Repaired?

If you have a specific, localized issue, like missing shingles or a small leak, it can be repaired. In fact, calling in a professional roofing company to make small repairs is one of the best ways to keep your roof in good shape and avoid having to replace it. When timely repairs are not made, little problems can escalate into major issues, so proper roof repair and maintenance are both cost-effective and efficient. However, even if you do your best to keep it in good shape, there will come a time in the life of your roof when it should be replaced, whether that’s the result of accidental damage or simply the wear and tear of aging.

When Do You Need Roof Replacement in Utah?

This brings us to roof replacement vs re-roofing. Strictly speaking, re-roofing is a form of roof replacement that is less costly and can be done more quickly. This is because with traditional roof replacement, the entire roof is removed, in a process known as a tear off, and replaced. With re-roofing, new shingles are simply added over the old roof, with very little demolition needed. The benefits of spending less time and money are obvious, but there are also some drawbacks to re-roofing. First, it may void your roof’s warranty and negatively impact future inspections. Beyond that, though, adding shingles over your existing roof makes it heavier, and more prone to ice dams. And because shingles are not designed to be installed over other shingles, the old shingles may not be a good footing for the new shingles, and the new shingles may not have a sufficient seal once they are installed. Finally, your roof may simply not be a candidate for re-roofing, for any of the following reasons.

• Re-roofing over multiple layers of shingles may be against code. Too many layers of shingles can be dangerous, making your roof excessively heavy and threatening your home’s structural integrity. That is why, in many areas, a second re-roofing is against building regulations.
• If your roof decking is damaged, re-roofing is not a good option. The roof decking is the support for the shingles and underlayment, acting as a foundation for your entire roof. A tear-off allows the roofing contractor to see the condition of your decking, and if there are issues, they can be addressed.
• In some cases, the roof may be in such poor shape that it won’t support a re-roofing. If the roof is noticeably damaged, with leaks and curling shingles, or is sagging, it will need to be replaced. Putting new shingles over significant damage will not address the problem, and it’s better to fix what is wrong and put on a new roof.
• A roof that is already near the end of its lifespan should not be re-roofed. It’s better, in that case, to replace the roof, to extend its longevity and increase your property value. When you go with a tear off and roof replacement, you have a clean slate, and your roof will last for many years.

Affordable Roofing Upgrades vs Tear-offs in Logan, UT

Before you decide between re-roofing and replacement, talk to a roofing professional. Sometimes, there’s no way around a complete tear-off and roof replacement, but there are many benefits to replacing your roof. First, you can have confidence in the durability, safety, and performance of a new, professionally installed roof. Once you’ve replaced your roof, you will have a roof that serves you well for a number of years, with better aesthetic appeal than an old roof. Further, a new roof improves the energy efficiency of your home in a way that a re-roofing cannot, because a layered over roof is unlikely to have good ventilation and insulation. A new roof is a worthwhile investment because it improves your home’s value.

For Roof Replacement and Other Emergency Roofing, Logan UT Residents Trust Skabelund Roofing

At Skabelund Roofing, we recognize that a new roof isn’t always in a homeowner’s budget, and that’s why we provide roofing finance options to Logan and Layton, UT residents. Our financing offers are some of the best around, designed to give our valued clients a wide range of options. For over 30 years, we have been providing quality roofs and excellent customer service to the Logan and Layton, UT area, and each member of our team approaches roofing like an art. Our team of licensed roofers has experience in all types of residential and commercial roofing, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We’re proud to serve the residents of the Cache Valley, so contact us for more information.