When it comes time to replace your roof, you may be wondering whether you should opt for a roof overlay or a complete tear-off. Both options have their pros and cons, so how do you know which is the right choice for your home? In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between roof overlays and tear-offs, so you can make an informed decision about which option is best for you!
What Is A Roof Tear Off?
A roof tear-off is exactly what it sounds like – the old roofing materials are completely removed, and new materials are installed in their place. This means that each section of the roof will be replaced, from the decking to the shingles.
Pros of A Roof Tear Off
This option is typically more expensive than a roof overlay, but it also offers a few advantages, including:
Easier To Maintain
One of the most significant benefits of a complete roof tear-off is that it is much easier to maintain. With an overlay, you may still have some old materials on your roof that can degrade over time and cause problems. However, with all new materials, you won’t have to worry about this issue.
Finds Any Unknown Structural Issues
An overlay will not allow you to inspect the roof deck for any potential problems. If there are any issues with the structure of your roof, they will be hidden beneath the new materials. With a complete tear-off, however, you will be able to identify and repair any structural issues before installing new materials.
Brand New Materials
An obvious advantage of a complete roof tear-off is that you will have brand-new materials on your roof. This option also gives you the opportunity to upgrade your roofing materials if you so choose to do so.
Increases Your Home Value
Last but not least, a complete roof tear-off will likely increase the value of your home. If you plan on selling your home in the future, this is an excellent way to add some extra value, as potential buyers will appreciate having a brand-new roof.
Cons of A Roof Tear Off
While it might sound like there are no drawbacks to a complete roof tear-off, there are actually a few things to keep in mind before you decide on this option, including:
More Expensive
Investing in a complete roof tear-off will be more expensive than an overlay since all new materials will need to be purchased. If you are working with a tight budget, this might not be the best option for you.
Creates More Waste
Another downside to a roof tear-off is that it creates more waste since all of the old materials will need to be disposed of. If you are looking for a more environmentally-friendly option, an overlay might be a better choice.
More Time Consuming
A complete roof tear-off will also take longer to install than an overlay since every section of the roof needs to be replaced. This means that your home will be without a roof for a longer period of time, which could be an issue if there is bad weather in the forecast.
What Is A Roof Overlay?
A roof overlay is when new roofing materials are installed over the existing materials. This means that the old shingles will remain in place, and new shingles will be installed on top of them.
Pros of A Roof Overlay
There are several advantages to choosing a roof overlay, including:
Quicker Installation
One of the biggest benefits of an overlay is that it can be installed much more quickly than a complete tear-off. This is because the old materials do not need to be removed, so the installation process is much simpler.