Your roof is one of the first lines of defense for your home. But most roofs will eventually need to be replaced. When that time comes, you'll have the option of tearing off your roof or installing a new roof over an existing one.
Understand How Reroofing Works
If you opt to reroof your home, the contractor will overlay new roofing materials on the existing roof. An expert roofer will only choose this option if your current roof needs to be replaced but is in good condition.
Talk to a Roofing Contractor First
The first thing you should do is to speak with a residential roof replacement contractor. They will explain whether installing a new roof over an existing one is feasible. However, even if you can install a new roof over an existing one, there are downsides.
While installing a new roof over an existing one is less expensive, a contractor cannot inspect the following underneath the shingles:
It's also important to check the water leak barrier.
Make Sure You Have a Protective Barrier
The purpose of the water leak barrier is to provide an extra layer of protection. However, if your roof is ancient, it may have never had a water leak barrier installed. Even if a roofer installed one, it might be compromised.
By replacing the roof, the contractor can confirm that the water and ice barriers are in place and undamaged.
Keep in Mind the Capacity of Your Building
Your home can only support so much weight, and adding another layer of roofing materials can cause the roof to sag. For this reason, you can only choose this option once. You must replace a roof that a previous contractor has already reroofed.
Save Money Be Reroofing Your Home
Replacing your roof might save you more money than you think. Even the most skilled roofer can find it challenging to install a new roof over an existing one.
Even a perfectly installed roof will not last as long as a replaced roof. A roofer can help you calculate how much money you will save by reroofing.
Choose a New Roof
There is an assortment of roofing options available to you. Replace your asphalt shingles with architectural asphalt shingles or another material like metal. A newer roofing material might look better, require less maintenance, and save you money by lasting longer before you eventually need to replace it.