Is your roof signaling that it might be time for a change? A complete roof replacement and a reroof are two options that give homeowners a chance to restore their roof. While you might be familiar with a full roof replacement, reroofing is the process of installing new shingles over the existing roof. Let’s dive into the differences between a roof replacement and a reroofing in order to help decide which option is right for your home.
What Is a Roof Replacement?
Complete roof replacements are meant for roofs with existing problems like leaking, cracking, wind damage and roofs that have met their life expectancy (20-30 years). Roof replacements remove old shingles giving roofing contractors the ability to remedy underlying issues and construct the foundations of a quality roof. Homeowners then have choices of different roofing materials like slate, asphalt and metal. Some of these materials — like slate and metal roofing— have longer lifespans and are much more durable than traditional asphalt shingles. However, asphalt shingles provide an extensive life span, with a more affordable price point.
What About Reroofing?
Reroofing, also known as a recover, is when your roofing company installs a new roof over the existing one. This gives the entire roofing system a new layer of protection and can improve the overall appearance at a cheaper cost than a full roof replacement.
To be eligible for reroofing, you must have a relatively intact roofing system with no underlying problems. If your current system shows signs of deterioration, it might be wiser to choose a full replacement or consider getting a roofing repair to prevent leaks or damages from worsening.
Although a roof recover may be a less expensive option it doesn’t come without tradeoffs. Future repairs are more costly and difficult and the lifespan is typically reduced by 15 to 20%. Additionally, many contractors aren’t educated on the proper installation of a recover leaving many of the vulnerable areas of your house reliant upon the old roof surface to protect your house which is likely going to be a problem in the near future.
Which Option Works for You?
Depending on the roof’s age and condition, a replacement might be a better choice. But how do you decide which option is right for your home? Consider how some of these factors apply to your situation.
Roof Age
A complete replacement is most favorable when the roof has reached the end of its life span. Asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 25 years, and if the roof shingles are curling or missing a recover is not your best option.
Roof Damages
Each option must be done on roofs with good structural integrity and strong bases. If you have any type of water damage, sagging, deck deflection, reroofing won’t solve your problems. If your roof isn’t structurally sound, installing an entirely new system is the best choice to prevent current and future damage from impacting your home.
Your Budget
Reroofing in the short term is cheaper than whole roof replacements: however, in the long term health of the roof and extra costs of removing multiple layers, roof replacements are in fact less costly. Map out a budget and discuss the costs with a professional roofing expert.
Peace of Mind
Some homeowners simply value peace of mind over everything else, and if that applies to you, it might be better to replace your asphalt shingle roof altogether. The entire roof deck is checked
for stability during a replacement to maximize your new roof’s lifespan. This lets you sleep comfortably at night, knowing that your roof is doing its job effectively.
Thinking About a New Roof? Get Help From the Experts at Elegant Exteriors
If it’s time to upgrade your roof, don’t hesitate to contact the pros at Elegant Exteriors. Roofs are an important part of every home; you don’t want to compromise on the contractors you call for service. If you’re looking for a roof replacement in NJ, look no further than Elegant Exteriors! You can greatly benefit from our top-tier roofing services and installers around Monmouth, Ocean, and Burlington Counties. Whether you go for a roof replacement or a reroofing, we are here for you!
