ImproveIT! of Atlanta

Planning a roofing replacement can be both fun and tedious at times. But if you think that you can save more by having an overlay instead of a complete tear-off, then this can be a good choice depending on your current roof’s condition. However, this isn’t recommended by professional roofing experts, as this won’t guarantee its effectiveness over time. 

A re-roof may help you cut costs for now, but installing a new layer of shingles over your old ones will only cover up the other issues beneath your roofing system. You may already have leaks and other problems on some of the layers beneath your roof, and its unseen damage can slowly compromise your new roofing system and force you to get an even more costly replacement.

The Drawbacks of a Roofing Overlay

While you may have your reasons about why you’re leaning more on getting a roofing overlay, it’s important to understand why a complete tear-off for your roofing system is better for you in the long run. You may benefit from a faster and cheaper roof installation, but let’s understand what can happen when you decide to get an overlay instead of a full replacement:

• The roof leaks won’t be fixed. As we mentioned earlier, any existing water leaks and other problems you have on your current roof won’t be addressed with just a simple overlay. For instance, you won’t know the full condition of your roof underlayment, which can give you more problems later on if it’s not properly addressed.

It will also become harder to find the origin of the leaks when you have multiple layers of roofing material installed. Patchwork is also difficult to do since the water leaks can travel in between the layers. 

• It will be almost twice as heavy. Since you’re essentially installing a new roofing system over your old one, it can be dangerous especially if you have an old home that isn’t structurally sound. The added weight can easily compromise its overall structural integrity, so you’ll risk roof sagging or a collapse later on.
• Your roof won’t have a good visual appeal. This is mainly due to the weathering and deterioration your old roof has experienced throughout its lifespan with some of its shingles already curling or loose. Since an overlay will just put a new layer over your old roof, it won’t look as good as a full roof replacement.
• You’ll need another replacement sooner than anticipated. This is mainly because a roof overlay doesn’t last as long as a full replacement. In just a few years, you’ll need to consider getting another roofing job, which will be more expensive since you don’t have just one but two layers of the roof to replace! This means double the labor and debris just to take off the old roofing material.
• The resale value of your home is decreased. A roof overlay isn’t very appealing to potential buyers, as they’ll think that you’re cutting corners with the renovation. If you’re planning to sell your home in a few years, we strongly recommend that you get a full roof replacement instead!
• Installing an ice barrier won’t be possible anymore. Ice barriers need to adhere directly to the wood decking of your roof. If you choose to get a roof overlay, you have one less layer of protection against the natural elements. When winter comes and you have an ice dam, the ice and melted water will travel under the overlay and seep into your old roof, creating rot and mold that can compromise its structural integrity.

How You’ll Benefit With a Full Replacement

While a full roof replacement may be more expensive upfront and can disrupt your daily routine at home, it will also be more beneficial in the long run. With a full tear-off, you’ll have a completely new roof, with each material installed being brand-new and ready to keep your home safe, dry, and secure. Keep in mind that a full tear-off will mean your old roof has been removed completely and installed with new material. All of its materials will be replaced, even your rotted wood decking and rafters. You won’t have to worry about mold, rot, and water leaks! 

Your hired roofing contractor will also do a thorough inspection of your roofing system and address other issues first before they proceed to ensure that your new roof won’t encounter any problems later on. Other benefits of a complete tear-off include: 

• Better warranty and longer lifespan. Extra heat causes shingles to curl and break down faster when you get a roof overlay, but that won’t be a problem when you get a complete tear-off. A brand-new roof won’t trap as much heat as a roof overlay, which helps extend its expected lifespan much longer. Other areas of your roof will be completely replaced as well, so you can be sure that your home stays leak-free for years to come. Just make sure to have it routinely inspected and maintained by your trusted roofing company!
• You’ll have better options to consider. With a complete tear-off, you’ll also have the option to change or upgrade to better roofing material. During the initial design stages, you can discuss with your hired contractor which material will best suit your needs and preferences.

Whether you wish to switch from OSB (oriented strand board) to CDX plywood decking or change your old underlayment to something more premium, your choice will depend on what you’re looking for as well as your budget. But when you plan to use different materials for your roofing project, don’t forget to consider your local climate and weather patterns. Make sure you choose the right materials for your environment.

• Increased property value. With a full roofing replacement, your home’s resale value will increase significantly. And if you’re planning to sell your home soon, a completely new roof becomes an attractive selling point to potential buyers.

With a complete tear-off, you’ll get better benefits that last you years than a simple roof overlay. You’ll even enjoy its durability because all the materials installed on your roof replacement are brand-new! So, if you want your project done by an experienced contractor, the best roofing company in the area has got you covered. Call ImproveIT! of Atlanta today at (770) 612-5635 or contact us through our convenient online form. We serve Sandy Springs, Marietta, Alpharetta, and nearby GA areas.