As roofing pros, a question we’re often asked is:
What’s the difference between tear-off and overlay roofs, and which one is best for my home?
A tear-off roofing job is pretty much exactly as it sounds: a contractor removes your existing roof, and installs an entirely new one.
On the other hand, an overlay roofing job is when a contractor keeps your roof intact, but places new roofing materials on top of it.
A difficult decision, we know.
Here are some important factors to consider…
The benefits of a tear-off roof are that it will last longer, add value to your home, and, of course, your roof will be as good as new – because it is.
This, however, is the more expensive option when it comes to a roofing makeover.
With overlay roofs, you achieve a similar effect with a fraction of the money spent, and in a fraction of the time.
Unfortunately, there are some downsides to installing a roof overlay.
You can only do it once, so it's necessary to ensure that the roof hasn’t been overlaid previously.
It also won't last as long – and when you eventually need to replace your shingles again, you’ll have to remove two layers instead of one.
Moreover, roof overlays probably won’t look as aesthetically pleasing, and can also negatively affect your home's resale value.
Finally, having a roof overlay can make it more difficult to track leaks.
If you’re considering giving your home a roof job, we recommend researching both options so you can make an informed decision that best works for your situation.
And never do a large scale roofing job on your own – it's dangerous up there!
If you have any additional questions or want to get a quote for your next roofing job, feel free to reply to this email or give us a call :)
