Re-Roof Versus Roof Replacement

A roof is a large investment in your home that has a big return. A new roof can bring more than 80% of its original cost when you resell your home. In fact, realtors agree that a new roof translates into selling more quickly than a house with an old or unrepaired roof. 

There are several ways you can restore your roof–from complete new roof installation to repairing what needs to be corrected. However, there is also something called “re-roofing” that can be a good option as well. At Allied Roofing Solutions, your New Jersey roofers, we are experts at repairing and replacing roofs. In this article, we define what the term “re-roof” is, how it differs from roof replacement, when you should consider re-roofing, and the costs for re-roofing.

What is Re-Roofing?

Re-roofing is an alternative to completely removing and replacing a roof in that it recovers or replaces an existing roof covering. Unlike a full roof replacement, re-roofing does not involve the same labor, materials, and time. This makes the re-roofing option less expensive than a roof replacement. Re-roofing doesn’t require removing your original roofing material, so it is a much faster process. In fact, it is the fastest way to restore a roof. 

Re-roofing is a great option if your roof is in good shape overall and doesn’t have any missing or soggy shingles or major water damage. It is advised to re-roof the entire roof rather than small portions. If you discover that you have sagging or rotting underneath the shingles, re-roofing is not an option; you will need a roof replacement instead.

What Does Re-Roofing Entail?

During re-roofing, a new shingle overlay is placed over your shingles to restore the look of your roof. Re-roofing provides a protective layer to help prevent leaks. If you have only one layer of shingles on your roof, then you can re-roof with no problems. But, if you have a roof that already has two layers of shingles installed, you are prohibited by building codes from installing a third layer. If this is the case, you will need to get a full roof replacement.

Roof Replacement

If you are looking at longevity then replacing your roof is a better option than re-roofing. We recommend replacing a roof when it is older than 20 years, has significant damage, or has missing shingles. A roof replacement will strip all of the old shingles from the roof and then replace them with new shingles. Before installing the shingles, a roofing contractor will install a new underlayment. This helps protect the roof deck from exposure to the elements.

Differences Between Re-Roofing and Replacing a Roof

Re-roofing and replacing a roof aren’t vastly different, but each has its advantages. If you can get by with a simple repair and want to save money, a re-roofing job may be the right option. However, if your roof has serious damage, you should look at the longer-term investment and have the entire roof replaced.

How Do You Know If You Need to Replace Your Roof?

You need to be proactive where your roof is concerned. Continually look for early signs that your roof may need to be replaced in order to minimize repair costs and property damage. By keeping up with the state of your house, you ensure that it will stay in good condition and continue to protect you and your family. Here are some warning signs that you have roof damage and it’s time to replace your roof.

Water Damage

When you see moisture marks, stains, and peeling paint on walls and/or ceilings, you may have a leaking roof. Look in the attic to ascertain if there are damp rafters or leaks. If so, you may have a damaged roof. A professional roofer can perform a roof inspection and see much more than you may be able to see from the inside. It’s a good idea to get an inspection done each year so damage doesn’t get away from you.

Moss, Mold, or Fungi Are Growing

If you see moss, mold, and fungi (like mushrooms) growing on the roof, you more than likely have trapped moisture from damaged or missing shingles. This can ruin a roof over time. You can attempt to remove moss that is collected in shaded corners by using a stiff brush but, if you notice underlying issues, contact a professional immediately to properly inspect the roof.

Curling Shingles

Shingles that are curling or buckling is a sign that they are no longer properly attached. These shingles are damaged and need to be addressed quickly. The uneven and curved surface can be caught by a strong wind, which leads to further damage when it rains. A qualified roof repair company may be able to replace specific shingles, but you may have more significant problems that need to be fixed.

Missing Granules or Shingles

If you notice granules from the shingles in your downspout or in the yard or that there are places on the roof where shingles are missing, you may need to consider replacing your roof. The granules that coat the shingles are critical in the proper functioning of your roof. With missing shingles, depending on the location of the missing shingle(s) and the condition of the shingles around it, you may or may not be able to simple replace the shingles that are damaged or missing. You should contact a roofing professional to determine whether a roof replacement is necessary.

Sagging Roof

A sagging roof signals that moisture has been trapped and, as a result, has rotted boards under the roof. If you see your roof is sagging, you can be certain that you need to replace it as soon as possible before more damage is done. You can see evidence of sagging when you stand back from the house and look at the roof from different angles. The roof should appear to be straight along its lines. Anything other than straight indicates that the roof is sagging and needs to be dealt with.

An Old Roof

It’s important to know when your roof was installed so you can estimate the lifespan. The lifespan of a roof depends on the materials used and the quality of those materials. In New Jersey, asphalt shingles last anywhere from 25 to 30 years, with architectural shingles coming in at 25 to 30 years on average, while standard three-tab asphalt shingles last between 12 and 20 years. Metal roofs last 30 to 50 years and require very few repairs. Clay tiles can last forever, well up to 100 years anyway if properly maintained. If the roof was installed over another layer and it is older than 20 years, it’s a safe guess that it needs to be replaced.

Contact Allied Roofing Solutions for Replacing or Repairing Your Roof

When you are searching for the best roofing contractor for either a roof inspection, roof replacement, or a roof repair, call our professional, licensed, and experienced team at Allied Roofing Solutions. We serve New Jersey residents in Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Somerset County. Call us at  (201) 773-0633 or complete the free estimate form to schedule an appointment. We can help you correct roof problems and protect your home.