Time for a new roof?
Consider tearing off rather than recover
Here are some things to think about:
If it's time to replace your old asphalt shingle roof, one of the decisions you may be facing is whether to put new roofing shingles over your existing roof (a "recover") or tear off the original and start afresh. A recovery option is one way to reduce your short-term financial cost but is not always the best long-term overall investment.
A recovery option is not always available, for example, if your roof already has multiple layers, curled shingles on your existing surface, or the existence of any rot or mold a recovery option is simply not viable. If a roofing contractor recommends recovering a roof in very bad condition - always get a second opinion. It is possible the contractor is seeking to cut corners with your job and install a roof that will only be, at best, a temporary curb appeal boost.
At Roofer Pros, we always do an extensive site visit to get a good idea of the quality and existing condition of your roof. If your existing roof does not suffer these issues then recovery could you considerable money in the short term, yet there are still downsides to consider. For example, recovered roofs have a negative impact on your property's resale value and carry certain risks.
As experienced roofing contractors, we consider it our job to help homeowners come to the best solution for their budget and their roof - and each roof will be different, so don't hesitate to contact us for a free evaluation. With that in mind, here are some general pros and cons to help you understand the issues that will impact your decisions.
Tearing off your old roof
Pros
Your roof deck can be thoroughly inspected, and any damaged and rotten sections can be replaced. Your home will have greater value at resale with the fewer roofing layers it has. High-risk areas like valleys, eaves, rakes, sidewalls, and chimneys can be checked. New flashing assemblies can be installed. A tear-off will typically outlast a recovery by a number of years. This is mostly due to the fact that less heat gets trapped in the roof (due to no additional insulating "layers" of roofing). This heat will curl and damage your shingles over time. At Roofer Pros we take time to prepare your home for debris as removals can be quite messy. We take time to cover all plants and shrubs around the home and drop clothes to catch falling debris. We recommend not be home during this time due to noise and potential hazards falling from above. We remove the roof and gutters completely to expose a clean dry deck and inspect thoroughly for dry rot or any damage. Upon completion, we do a complete site cleanup guaranteed to your satisfaction and instead of county refuge disposal, we recycle all composition shingle products.
Recovering your roof
Pros
It's a less costly option.
The roofing job will run more quickly as less labor is involved.
Cons
At some point, time will come to replace your new roof and there will be an additional layer to remove, and your costs will be higher as a result.
You lose the opportunity to have your roofing deck checked for possible damage due to leakage (that may not show inside the house).
Leaks are more difficult to track through the extra layers of shingles.
If old shingles are curling/lifting, this can telegraph through new shingles and affect the appearance of the new roof.
Heat build-up from the mass of shingles can shorten the lifetime of the new shingles.
The resale of the house may be impacted if there are multiple roof layers.
A tear-off will typically outlast a recovery by a number of years. This is mostly due to the fact that less heat gets trapped in the roof (due to no additional insulating "layers" of roofing). This heat will curl and damage your shingles over time.
Garner Roofing also offers Roof Repair Services that come with a “leak-free” guarantee!
We also bring to you the power of the Sun through our Solar division. Get in touch and claim the incredible discounts we offer, when you bundle Roofing and Solar.