When it comes to roof replacement, you might be tempted to install a new roof over your old one. After all, this option is a lot faster and cheaper than tearing the old roofing materials, including the underlayment. While it can help you save money, choosing this method can end up costing you in the long run. Local roofing services contractor Empire Roofing & More takes a closer look at re-roofing and its drawbacks.
About Re-Roofing
A re-roof, which is also known as a roof overlay, is a process in which a set of new shingles is installed over existing ones. It is usually done once, so if your home already has two layers of shingles, you can’t go with the same roofing option again. There’s no tear-off involved, making it a much faster and less expensive choice than your typical roof replacement.
Disadvantages of Re-Roofing
Every professional roofing contractor is required to perform a tear-off before installing new shingles, either legally or in keeping up with manufacturer warranties. Unless your current roof is near the end of its lifespan but is generally in good overall condition, a roof overlay isn’t recommended most of the time due to several reasons:
- Underlying Issues – With a re-roof, the roofers won’t know for sure if the decking is still in good condition or not. While most issues can be identified before tearing the old shingles, signs of rot, mold or water damage might not be apparent. Covering your old roof with a new one doesn’t get rid of the problems that the structure might have.
- Excess Roof Load – A re-roof can worsen the problems that your old roof might have. Laying new shingles on top of the old ones only adds to the weight that the roof is already carrying. It is likely for the roof to cave in and collapse if it can no longer bear the additional load.
- Shorter Serviceable Life – An overlay roof will have a shorter lifespan than a newly-installed asphalt shingle roof. Because it is composed of two layers, the roof will trap much more heat. This can lead to problems like curling and buckling.
For your roof replacement and siding installation needs, turn to Empire Roofing & More. To learn more about our services, give us a call at (412) 999-7135 (Allison Park) or (412) 414-1570 (Cranberry Township). You may also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve homeowners in Pittsburgh and Township, PA.
