No one wants to find out their roof is failing. Repairing or replacing a roof can get very costly and most Omaha-area homeowners look for ways to keep the costs down as much as possible while still getting a quality job done. If your roof has failed beyond the point of a few simple repairs, you have two options: a reroofing job and a total roof replacement. Here’s the difference between the two and how to choose which one is right for you.
Total Roof Replacement
When you have a total roof replacement done, everything is torn off your roof down to the deck. Once this is complete, new felt paper and shingles are put on. A roof replacement is possible no matter how many layers of shingles are already on the roof. There is more labor involved in a roof replacement, and therefore it is almost always more expensive. However, it can sometimes be the only option when reroofing is not advisable.
Reroofing
A reroofing project involves putting a new set of shingles over the existing shingles. This is a process that can only be done once. If you’ve already had your roof reroofed and there are more than two layers of shingles, this is no longer an option. If you have not had a reroofing performed, this process goes faster and is less expensive than a total roof replacement because there is no tear-off involved.
Considering a Reroofing Project
For those homeowners who have a roof that is nearing the end of its lifespan but is still in good shape, a reroofing project can be a viable alternative to a roof replacement. It’s usually recommended when there are some minor leaks or other damage but no major issues such as extensive water damage, lots of mildew, or a number of missing shingles. Reroofing projects are most successful when you have the entire roof redone rather than having only parts of it worked on. As stated above, a reroofing can only be done once.
When a Roof Replacement is the Better Option
If you have major damage to your roof or if there are already multiple layers of shingles on your roof, you should not consider a reroofing project. You should also not consider it if you suspect there are sagging or rotted areas that are hidden beneath the singles. Though most quality roofing experts can determine how much damage your roof has, they cannot know for certain what shape the roof deck is in. If a reroofing project is done over extensive damage, the problem is only being covered up and it will compromise your roof.
Reroofing should also not be done on some parts of the roof and not on others. If this is done, some sections of the roof will be thicker than others which can cause structural and aesthetic issues.
Reroofing should not be done on roofs that have multiple layers of shingles because nails may not drive through the layers and attach the singles properly. In addition, the more layers of shingles you have on your roof, the more likely that there is damage hidden beneath them.
Knowing for Sure
There’s only one way to know for sure if a reroofing project will suffice or if you need a full roof replacement: have an inspection performed by a roofing expert from A&A Roofing & Exteriors. While some contractors will perform a reroofing project under less than ideal circumstances, the experts at A&A will always be honest with you about the safest and best option. Schedule your inspection today to get your project done before winter.
