December 10, 2019

When you begin to have problems with your roof, such as leaks or lost shingle, it can be easy to panic and immediately start worrying about the cost of having it repaired. You may even be confused about the term ‘re-roofing’ and need some clarification before you begin calling your local roofing experts.

Read on to know more about re-roofing along with its pros and cons:

What does the term re-roofing mean?

Re-roofing applies only to those homes with one or more layers of existing shingles, and then another layer is added on top. When all the old shingle is removed from a roof, this is referred to as a ‘tear off’.

Should you re-roof your home?

It’s not always cut and dried when it comes to re-roofing, so here are a few of the pros and cons for you to consider:

• Pros

It’s simpler…

The contractor simply climbs up onto your roof and puts new shingle over what’s already there, instead of ripping and tearing off all the existing shingle.

It’s cheaper…

Because re-roofing is more straightforward, the labor costs will be less.

• Cons

Roofing detects may be covered over…

If the old shingle is removed, any defects will be easier to spot and repair, which may end up saving you time and money later down the line.

Layered shingles can reduce the life expectancy of a roof…

While some may claim that a roof with several layers of shingle will last a long time and not cause you any problems, that may not always be true. If the shingle beneath the newest layer is not flat, then your new shingles may not last and will heat up more which can cause the layers to break down quicker. It is sometimes said that the lifespan of layered shingles roofs is reduced by up to 40%.

Other points to consider:

It’s important to research local building codes when you’re thinking about re-roofing as opposed to having a new roof fitted, as many municipalities have building and fire codes that place restrictions upon layered shingle.

Think about how your roof will look if you keep adding to the layers of shingle; will it look lumpy over time, and could this reduce the overall aesthetic effect of your property? If you’re looking to sell your property at some point, a re-roofed property may deter some prospective buyers.

For more detailed advice and guidance about re-roofing your home, talk to your local roofing experts. They will help you make a decision that will take your budget into account, while ensuring that your home remains safe.