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What Is The Difference Between a New Roof and a Re-roof?

When it comes to owning a home, it’s no secret that your roof is one of the biggest financial investments you will make – and for good reason. When in good shape, your roof is the first line of defense between the inside of your home and the elements. If your roof is in poor shape, you are likely at risk of having rainwater and debris as unwanted house guests.

When it comes to something this important, knowing your options for roof repair is critical. Should you splurge on a new roof or opt for a re-roof? 

Having worked on thousands of homes in Central Florida, we’ve seen both the benefits of proper roof maintenance and the consequences of poor roof care. 

Read on, and we’ll explain the pros and cons of hiring a professional to install a brand new roof vs. opting for a re-roof to help you understand what’s best for your home. 

Table of Contents

What is Involved in a Re-Roof?

In the world of roofing maintenance and repairs, re-roofing is a cost-effective solution to repair your roof’s appearance. The end result is a new shingle overlay placed over your home’s existing, worn shingles. This new layer helps to provide additional protection from leaks while reinforcing the barrier that stands between the inside of your home and other exterior elements. 

It’s important to consult with a licensed and credentialed professional to ensure that your home is a good candidate for this type of work. 

Re-roofing Pros

The most obvious benefit of a re-roof is the reduced cost compared to the installation of an entirely new roof. Because the process of re-roofing requires less labor and materials, it can be a cheaper option for individuals with a limited budget. For roofs with minor water damage, the cost alone can be reason enough to opt for a re-roof.  Another thing to consider is the amount of time the project will take to complete. Remember that a re-roof is adding an additional layer of shingles to a roof, which means it’s a faster way to restore your roof. 

Re-roofing Cons

It’s true that re-roofing is cheaper and faster compared to replacing your whole roof, but is it always the best option? It depends. Not every roof is a candidate for re-roofing. If your roof deck has significant water damage, mold, mildew, or is sagging, opting for a re-roof is off the table. If your roof has minor damage, there are a few more things to consider. Metal roofing or having more than one layer of shingles will immediately disqualify your home for re-roofing. Building codes prevent this type of work on roofs with more than one layer of shingles. Even if you qualify, there are a few things to consider when deciding if re-roofing is right for you. 

Because re-roofing involves adding an additional layer of shingles instead of repairing the roof, it may not last as long as a wholly replaced roof. This is one of the reasons why we recommend consulting with experts at Janney to help you make the right decision for your home. It’s also worth noting that because the existing shingles are not lifted, there’s no guaranteed way to know if there are any major issues lying underneath. As the new layer of shingles is installed, things like sagging and or rot may go unnoticed and remain unresolved. 

What is Involved in a Roof Replacement?

A roof replacement means the entire protective layer of a roof is removed before being replaced with a new layer of shingles. In cases where there is severe damage to the deck underneath the shingles, repairs must be made to prevent even more damage. Once that is complete, the existing shingles are stripped before a protective layer is applied to the exposed deck to protect it from moisture. The new shingles are installed on top of this protective layer resulting in a new, sturdy roof that can last for two decades or more!

Roof Replacement Pros

Completely replacing your roof means that you will have peace of mind knowing it will last a long time. During the replacement process, any existing damage is exposed, allowing for complete repair and preventing severe, costly issues down the road. Unlike re-roofing, there are no limitations on who is a candidate. By choosing this route, homeowners can save more money in the long run by catching issues early while also increasing the value of their home and yielding up to a 60 percent return on investment, according to some reports.

Roof Replacement Cons

Replacing a roof is no quick project. More labor, materials, and time are needed to replace a roof compared to re-roofing. This means the cost is notably higher, which is enough to make anyone think twice before agreeing to this type of repair. In addition to the cost, the project will take longer. In some cases, a roof replacement can 3 to 4 days to complete. Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, it could take even longer. 

Should You Get a New Roof or a Re-roof?

There is a lot to consider when deciding how to repair your roof. For roofs with minor issues that are otherwise in good shape, a re-roof may be a good option if there is only one layer of shingles. In instances where significant water damage is present, or more than one layer of shingles is present, the best option is always to replace the entire roof to thoroughly address issues and prevent them from getting worse.

If you’re a homeowner who is a good candidate for both options, weighing the pros and cons of each can help you determine which repair is best for your situation. No matter what option you think is best, involving a professional Florida roofer in the decision-making process can help you feel confident that you’ve made the best choice for your home. Don’t put off this decision a day longer, and receive your free quote from one of our experienced professionals in the next 48 hours.

Retail Roof, Insurance roof repair, roof repair
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