What is reroofing?
Reroofing is the process of laying new shingles on top of already existing shingles. It is not something that everyone can do. Some roof types won’t allow for you to do it.
There are a few things you should know before you decide to have your roof redone. I was looking at roofing options when I can across this so I decided to share my notes with you.
We will walk through the pros and cons of reroofing after you learn exactly what it takes to do the reroofing in. By the end of this article, you will be able to decide if reroofing is your best option.
How reroofing works
If you are missing a few shingles or need a new roof, then reroofing may be perfect for you. The contractor will lay down the new shingles over the old ones, that’s in a nutshell.
They will not remove any part of the old roof. There are a few ways that this is beneficial. However there are also some reasons why it is not a good idea.
As you read through the pros and cons think about what you feel is your biggest challenge was when picking out roofing options, we will discuss that next.
The Pros of Reroofing
- Cost – Since you don’t have to have the old roof removed, you will save money on both trash haul off and demolition expenses.
- Time – When you choose to reroof, it can be installed quickly. That means that you will have a new roof in about half the time.
- Environmental Benefits – You are putting less roofing material in the landfill which means that you are saving the environment. You can also look at recycling options. There are new materials available that you can recycle rather than throw away.
The Cons of Reroofing
- Detection – You will not be able to detect any problems. The way that reroofing works mean that you will not uncover the decking. Any potential problems will be left undiscovered because they are not uncovered.
- Lifespan – you will not get much of a lifespan when you choose to reroof. It usually must be redone in less than five years. The lifespan is about two years.
- Limited Choices – you will not be able to change your roofing type or color. In most cases, you will have to choose an option that will match your current roof in density and color. This can limit your options and may make you rethink reroofing.
When Reroofing isn’t an option
There are times when you may want to ditch your old roof completely. You will not want to look at reroofing if you have done it in the past. After you have done it once, you will need to get a new roof.
If you have unexplained leaks or weak patches in your roof, then you may have a problem with your decking, and it will need o to be invested in a new roof.
If you want to change your roofing type or pitch, you will not be able to reroof your home. There are some types, like metal, that will allow you to keep your shingles in place, but there are certain criteria that have to be met before this can be a viable option for most homeowners.
The obstacles of choosing a roof
Your roof is probably the biggest investment you will make in your home. It can affect your resale value, curb appeal, energy costs, and the feel of your home.
There are a few obstacles that you will have to overcome to get the roof that you love. We will go through them one by one and answer the questions that you might have.
All of them are easy to fix once you know what you are looking at.
- Contractors
There are a lot of options when choosing a local roofing contractor. And yes. You should go local. It is always best to go with someone who lives and works in your area because they will know what your best option will be.
They will also be able to perform maintenance on your roof. You build a relationship with them, and you know you can trust them when a big problem comes up.
- Budget
Your budget will greatly decide what you can do with your roof. The best thing that you can do is sit down with a contractor that can explain all your options and work with your budget.
You will probably find that you have more options than you thought.
- Storm Chasers
I ran across this several times when I was looking at options. Storm Chasers are contractors that will come into an area seasonally. They follow the storms so that when damage is done, they can catch it when the insurance money comes in.
They are usually cheaper, but you get less quality work. They are not usually familiar with local laws and will not pull permits which can cause you trouble as the homeowner.
This is another important reason to choose your contractor from someone local, even if it stretches your budget some.
- Permits
You will need to make sure that you get all the permits that are needed before you choose your roof.
This is the most important thing you can do. If your contractor does not pull permits, you will have to contact the city and do it yourself. A lot of times, a contractor will seem budget friendly because they do not obtain the necessary permits.
The city can fine you or condemn your house if you don’t have the permits that you need.
When you start looking for roofing options, like reroofing, there are some things you should not compromise. You should keep the look to your home that you love.
You should feel confident in your decision. You should trust your contractor and their ability to provide you with quality work and a beautifully finished final product.
If you have all of that, then you will be happy with your choice for many years to come.
