Most signs of damage such as warping and damaged shingles are too small to be detected easily, so you may find out too late that there is a problem with the roof. The roof starts to fail and if you do not take action right away, the entire structure will collapse. As you research your options to find a solution that best fits your needs, you will discover that both re-roofing and roof replacement provides significant savings in the long-term. So, the question now is, what is right for you?   

Re-roofing, explained  

Re-roofing implies adding a new set of shingles over the existing ones, which function as additional protection. If the roof is in relatively good shape and there are no signs of water damage or missing shingles, you can have it redone. The job can be carried out regardless of how many layers of shingles there are on the top of the house. Re-roofing does not necessitate extensive time, labor, or materials. It is a low-cost option as opposed to roof replacement. Re-roofing is not recommended for homes covered in tile, metal, or slate. 

Roof replacement explained  

As the name clearly suggests, roof replacement implies installing a new roof. The shingles are stripped down to the roof jacks. An underlayment is applied to help protect the deck from water and other harmful elements. The new shingles are installed on top of the underlayment. When the time comes to change your roof, you will want to change the material. The most common choices include wood shakes, composition slate, and ceramic tile. Having the roof replaced is a costly upgrade, but the new roof will last 20 years, so it is a worthwhile investment. 

How to decide which is the right option 

Before you decide what approach you want to take, it is advised to take as much time as necessary to understand them before making a decision. Keep in mind the following considerations with regard to the resolution. Do not rush into making a decision. 

Age of the roof 

The age of the roof is the most important fact to uncover. If you do not know exactly when the roof was installed, reach out to a roofing contractor. They will be able to determine how old the roof is, within a reasonable margin of error. If the roof is 20 years or older, it is a good idea to have it replaced because it has withstood enough abuse from Mother Nature. It makes no difference is you plan to stay in the home for a long time or sell it in the near future. Roof replacement is a good investment that offers several advantages such as keeping your family safe. 

The extent of the damage 

If you find it impossible to decide between re-roofing and roof replacement, take into account the extent of the damage. More exactly, has the roof suffered great physical damage because of harsh weather or aging? If the answer is yes, you should opt for roof replacement. If the issue is of an aesthetic nature, re-roofing will do. You will simply have a part of the roof done. 

Geographical area 

The geographical details of your region in the country determine your needs. If you live in a place that is susceptible to storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes, it is paramount to replace the missing shingles immediately after the disaster – in other words, to re-roof. If the damage is so bad that it affects the long-term performance of the roof, install a new roof. If the shingles and the roof are in a very bad condition, the problem cannot be covered up. 

 

 

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