Recover or Replace? A New Roof Vs. Re-Roofing

Your roof is in bad shape. Shingles are missing, water is leaking into your home, and your utility bills are through the roof. So what are your options? 1- you can tear off the roof completely and replace it with a brand new one, or 2- you can recover your existing roof by laying new shingles over the old ones. Depending on your situation and the condition of your roof, one option is probably makes more sense than the other. In this blog, we’ll discuss the pros and cons to each and which option is best suitable for your home.

Re-Roofing

In some cases, a damaged roof can be repaired by simply laying new shingles over the old ones. If your roof is structurally sound, most building codes allow for at least two layers of asphalt shingles. It’s safe to re-roof over your existing roof when there is only one layer of shingles on your roof and there are no existing problems with the sheathing/roof deck. Consider these items when deciding if a re-roof is right for your home:

• Often times, re-roofing (instead of complete replacement) will save money, as less material, labor, and disposal is needed.
• Some materials are better suited for re-roofing than others. For example, asphalt shingles are more easily used to re-roof than metal roofing. In some cases, depending on the material and condition of the roof, it may end up costing you more to repair the roof than replace it.
• The story and pitch of your home will factor into the price of a re-roof. A single-story home with a low pitch (or angle of your roof) is much easier to repair than a multi-level home with a steep pitch. Again, in a situation like this, completely replacing the roof could be a more economically sound decision than a re-roof.

A New Roof

A new roof generally isn’t cheap, but can be necessary or just a smarter long-term option that re-roofing. If your roof exhibits any of these characteristics, it’s best to completely replace it rather than repair it:

• A re-roof has been done in the past/the roof has more than two or three layers of roofing material.
• Some or all of the roof deck is damaged due to water, rotting, or insects.
• The roof deck is thin (1/4th inch or less) or made of fiberboard.
• Over 25% of shingles are missing or needing repair.

Some experts suggest that a completely new roof has a lifespan that is 25% longer than that of a re-roof, so consider the amount of time you’ll be spending in your home as well. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s best to consult with a professional before making any decisions. At Blackstone Exteriors, we’ll give you an honest opinion and do all that we can to help you make the right decision for your home!