Roof replacement or re-roofing may be necessary if your roof is damaged, outdated, or does not have the same quality look it once had. For many homeowners, choosing between roof replacement and re-roofing can be a challenge.
This review discusses the differences between roof replacement and re-roofing, offering insights into what each one is exactly, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose which one is right for your roofing needs.
What Is Roof Replacement?
Roof replacement involves stripping away worn down, damaged, or outdated shingles and re-applying a new set of shingles for an improved look and optimal protection from bad weather. A complete roof replacement can last for more than twenty years and increase your home’s resale value.
The Roof Replacement Process And Timeline
Roof replacement starts by stripping away the existing shingles. This can take up to several days depending on the size of the roof and the number of shingles. After the shingles are stripped away, then the roof deck should be exposed.
If the roof deck is in poor condition, then it may need repair before one can apply the shingles. An underlayment (also called “felt paper”) is then applied to the deck of the roof. This offers added protection of the roof deck from water and other weather elements.
Fixing any issues with the roof deck can take a day to several days, although this step is not always required. The underlayment can be laid relatively quickly once the deck is determined to be in ideal condition. Lastly, new shingles are applied to the roof, which can take up to several days to complete as well. The timeline for a complete roof replacement is anywhere from two days to more than a week.
The Benefits Of Roof Replacement
Roof replacement offers a variety of benefits that re-roofing is unable to offer to the same extent. It also allows you to completely restore the function and appearance of your roof and provides long-term durability and damage resistance. The full list of benefits of roof replacement includes:
- Roof replacement lasts longer than re-roofing — Re-roofing is often seen as essentially putting a band-aid over a problem. Roof replacement, however, restores all aspects of the roof to ensure your roof remains in good condition long-term.
- Roof replacement is always an option — Re-roofing is not always available, particularly if the roof already has two shingles. Roof replacement is always an available option, no matter the condition of the roof or the number of shingles.
- You can address all issues with your roof at once. As discussed, the roof replacement process addresses any damage or wear and tear to the shingles and the roof deck. This ensures no concerns are left undetected that could potentially cause concerns in the near future.
- You can reduce the long-term cost of roof repairs. As mentioned, repairs are often necessary when choosing re-roofing. Since repairs are less necessary with roof replacement, you can save money long-term from not having to pay for costly repairs.
- Roof replacement increases the value of your home. According to Home Advisor, a new roof can increase your home value by an average of $12,000. In most cases, homeowners see a 60% or more return on their investment into a new roof once they sell their home.
If you are less concerned with the total initial budget and prefer a long-term solution for your roofing needs, then roof replacement offers benefits that may appeal to you more than is the case with re-roofing.
The Drawbacks Of Roof Replacement
The downside to roof replacement is, of course, the initial cost. As discussed, the time it takes to install a new roof is longer and requires more resources. Here is a more complete review of the two most notable drawbacks.
- The initial costs of roof replacement are higher. A replacement takes longer and requires more materials, so the cost of roof replacement is higher on average than re-roofing. However, the long-term cost may not be much more since fewer repairs will be required.
- Roof replacement can be a longer and more disruptive process. Roofing professionals are great at working in the least disruptive and most efficient manner possible, but it could cause a minor inconvenience for several days while the contractors are at work.
It is always a good idea to save money when you can for home repairs, which can make a roof replacement less of a financial burden. Also, consider notifying neighbors and scheduling your roof replacement at an opportune time to avoid causing a distraction during the installation process.
When Roof Replacement Is Recommended
Roof replacement is recommended when re-roofing is not an option either because the roof already has two sets of shingles or the roof is damaged beyond what re-roofing can address. When both are an option, roof replacement may be preferable for those who want more of a long-term solution to avoid constant repair costs.
What Is Re-Roofing?
Re-roofing involves applying a second layer of shingles over an existing layer to restore the appearance of your roof and the protection your roof provides. Building codes typically restrict the application of a third layer of shingles, so homeowners that already have two layers of shingles on their roof are not a candidate for re-roofing.
The Re-Roofing Process And Timeline
Re-roofing takes notably less time than roof replacement. In most cases, re-roofing only takes a day or two for a professional roofing contractor to complete.
Rather than stripping away the existing shingles and making any necessary repairs to the roof deck, re-roofing involves applying a new layer of shingles over the existing layer. Since the contractor does not have to use as many resources or spend as much time on the project, re-roofing is typically more affordable, although there are some notable drawbacks (see below).
The Benefits Of Re-Roofing
Re-roofing is a more affordable alternative to roof replacement when the roof only has one set of shingles and is in relatively good condition overall. The most notable benefits of re-roofing include:
- Re-roofing is more affordable for homeowners on a budget. Re-roofing does not require as much time or materials for roofing contractors. This makes the overall cost for the job notably less expensive than a complete roof replacement.
- Re-roofing is not as disruptive as a roof replacement. Re-roofing is a quick and relatively quiet job. On the other hand, a roof replacement can take time and cause a minor disruption to your family and possibly your close neighbors.
- You can extend the life of your roof. The purpose of re-roofing is to restore the condition of your roof and prevent the need for roof replacement. If your roof is in fair condition overall, then you can keep it that way with a re-roofing project.
- You can prepare your home for a home sale. You may need a roof replacement if your roof is more severely worn-down or damaged before a home sale. However, for minor concerns, a re-roofing project may be all that is necessary.
Re-roofing may be the best solution for homeowners who only require a simple repair for their roof damage or wear and tear and are interested in saving money initially.
The Drawbacks Of Re-Roofing
There are two primary issues with re-roofing when comparing it with a complete roof replacement. These concerns are as follows:
- More frequent repairs may be required. Re-roofing does not always address underlying concerns, such as damage to the roof deck. It also does not fix all parts of the roof. This means that more frequent repairs may be required in the future.
- Re-roofing is not always an option. Re-roofing is not an option if the existing roof already has two layers of shingles. In this case, roof replacement is likely the necessary solution to restore the condition and appearance of the roof.
While re-roofing may require more frequent repairs and is not always an option, it is a much better alternative to leaving your roof the way it is when there is only one set of shingles currently installed.
When Re-Roofing Is Recommended
As mentioned, homeowners that already have two layers of shingles on their roof are not eligible for re-roofing, and they will instead require a full roof replacement.
However, homeowners that only have one layer of shingles that is mild to moderately damaged (not severe) may be a good candidate for re-roofing. Of course, a roof inspection is the best way to determine if you are a candidate for re-roofing or if a roof replacement is a better solution.
When Should I Hire A Professional Roof Inspection?
A professional roof inspection is necessary anytime there are possible concerns with your roof. Inspections are encouraged annually so that any minor concerns can be promptly detected and resolved before they worsen and require a complete roof replacement, which is far more costly.
A professional roof inspection is also encouraged after heavy storms that have the potential to cause roof damage. This is particularly necessary as inspecting a roof after a storm is not a DIY job due to the various injury risks involved. If you are unsure if you are in need of a professional roof inspection, then discuss the status of your roof with a professional contractor.
Schedule An Inspection With Adelphia Exteriors For More Information
If your roof is damaged, shows signs of wear and tear or does not look the way you desire, then call our roofing professionals at Adelphia Exteriors today. We can inspect your roof and recommend whether roof replacement or re-roofing is the most appropriate solution for your roof restoration needs. So why wait? Get in touch with us online to start the process today.