Should my roofer tear off my old roof before installing a new roof? Peak Roofing and Exteriors is here to answer that question! When it comes time to shed that old roof, there are two big options: you can either tear off the old shingles and start over, or you can overlay your existing roof with a new one. But which is better?
The answer depends on several factors, including your budget and your time frame. Let’s take a closer look at each option so you can make an informed decision about which type of roof replacement is best for you.
What Are the Key Differences Between an Overlay and a Tear-Off?
If you need to replace your roof, you will likely be choosing between a roof tear-off or a roof overlay. Both methods can extend the life of your existing roof but have different advantages and disadvantages.
What is Roof Overlay
If you’re looking to add some new life — and more resale value — to an older home, a roof overlay might be your best bet. With this option, an existing asphalt shingle roof is installed over top of an existing wood shake or asphalt shingle roof. The new shingles must be installed using a counter flashing that protects against water penetration and erosion beneath them. This type of installation is most used on low-slope roofs with minimal overhang (less than 2 feet) and no valleys. Roof overlays are best suited for homeowners who want to extend the life of their existing roof without making a major investment in new materials or labor costs.
Advantages of a Roof Overlay
- Less expensive than a full replacement
- This process can be done in as little as one day, so there’s minimal downtime for your business
- It extends the life of your current roof by protecting it from further damage
Disadvantages of a Roof Overlay
- Added weight
- Compromised structural integrity
- Increased long-term costs
- Don’t look as attractive with an overlay as they would with a new roof
- Difficulty getting an insurance company to cover your home with a roof overlay
- Can make maintenance difficult
- May not last if an entire replacement of your home’s roofing system
What is Roof Tear-Off?
A full tear-off involves removing all your current shingles — including those that are still in good condition — so that you can install new ones from scratch. This process can be messy and more expensive, but with this option, you get rid of all the problems associated with your old roof and start fresh with something new.
Advantages of a Roof Tear-Off
- Complete replacement providing better protection against leaks, wind, and other weather damage.
- A great way to update the look of your home and increase its value by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- High resale value
- Durability
- Upgraded materials
Disadvantages of a Roof Tear-Off
- Can be time consuming and expensive, but if done correctly it will last for decades making it worth the investment in long run.
- Waste disposal
Roof Overlay Vs. Roof Tear-Off: Which is Better for Your Home?
The decision to have a roof replaced can be a tough one. There are many factors that go into this decision, such as the type of roof you have and how old it is, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. If you’re a homeowner who’s on a budget, in a time crunch, or wanting to sell your home quickly, an overlay may be a good choice for you. If you’re a homeowner who takes pride in aesthetics, durability, and a higher resale value of your home, consider having a complete roof tear-off. There’s no right or wrong answer here; whatever option you choose, make sure that it meets your needs and expectations by choosing the right contractor!
If you are looking for more information on how to choose between an overlay or tear-off roof replacement, Peak Roofing and Exteriors today at 866-680-0853. We service areas in Northwest Arkansas, West Texas, and Northeast Louisiana and offer free estimates so you can make informed decisions.
