ImproveIT! of Atlanta

As a homeowner, it’s your prime responsibility to ensure that your roof is in good working condition for it to stay durable and energy-efficient to protect your family against the elements. If necessary, you should contact your roofing company for assistance on repairs, inspections, replacement, or maintenance. This also applies to other components of your home, such as your doors, windows and exterior siding.

This is why it’s important to protect one of your home’s most important components, which is the roofing system. This can be done by having it repaired, inspected, or replaced if necessary. However, there is one option on the table that some homeowners take, which is nailing a new roof over their existing roofing system, which is also known as a “roof-over”. Keep in mind that a roof replacement project is a significant investment that requires a lot of work and resources to pull off successfully.

In this post, your trusted roof replacement expert, ImproveIT! of Atlanta, explains why conducting roof-overs isn’t a wise investment.

What Is a Roof-Over?

In simpler terms, a roof-over is when you let your roofing contractor place your new roofing system over your old shingles. There are many reasons as to why homeowners choose to conduct roof-overs over roof replacements. Some of these reasons include personal preference, but most of them choose to do so since it’s a more affordable option. In turn, they can save more on the project to focus on other aspects of their home. 

It doesn’t require as many materials as a complete roof tear-off where your old roof is removed before a new roof is installed. It’s also quicker to do and doesn’t create as much clutter. However, they might later find out that the savings that they get will outweigh the long-term benefits of having a complete roof replacement project.

Drawbacks of Roof-Overs

One of the most important things your roofing contractor needs to check is underneath the shingles, which are the decking and the other structural components of your roofing system. This isn’t simply possible if you’re conducting a roof-over since they can’t see what lies underneath. In turn, this lets stealthy problems such as leaks, mold, rot, cracking, flashing damage, and other structural issues go unnoticed. This can present its fair share of problems in the long run which is not only costly to repair but also endangers your family’s safety.

Aside from letting other roofing issues go unnoticed, it also adds a ton of weight to your roofing system. In turn, this puts more stress on your structural system which could be already struggling due to the unresolved issues beforehand. It also results in poor ventilation since the air and humidity will have difficulty escaping through the multiple layers of shingles. Additionally, it traps a lot of heat and moisture in your attic which can cause your shingles to deteriorate prematurely. Before making this decision, you should consult your roofing contractor regarding your roof’s condition, or better yet, save up for a budget to conduct a full-blown roof replacement project.

Enjoy the Benefits of a Brand-New Roof

Opting for a complete roof tear-off or replacement lets you maximize the benefits of having a completely new roof over your head. It’s akin to that of giving your home a new lease on life. Because your entire roof is being replaced, this allows your roofing contractors to take a closer look at the situation beneath your roofing system. It allows them to have a clear idea as to if your home is structurally stable, and what kind of repairs, replacement, or maintenance needs to be done before the project can move forward.

In turn, this gives you peace of mind when moving forward with the roofing project since you’re fully aware of your roof’s true condition. In fact, they can take care of portions of your home that are afflicted by rot and mold spores due to moisture caused by your old roofing system. 

Improves Your Home’s Resale Value and Curb Appeal

When you have your roof replaced, you’re doing your home a favor since it makes it look brand-new since your roofing system is a prominent spot that is easily noticed by neighbors and prospective buyers alike. In turn, this bodes well for you if you plan to sell your home in the future since it’s enticing for buyers to purchase a home that is well-kept for them to move in soon. This won’t be the case when you have a roof-over since they tend to wear down quickly and won’t last as long as a roof that is completely replaced. It could actually be seen as a band-aid solution, more than a long-term fix.

It also improves your home’s architectural style since you have a great degree of flexibility when it comes to your roofing materials. You can choose to install a metal roof, an asphalt roof, a slate roof, or your previous roofing system with a new shade of color to give your home some bright pop. In fact, you can install new flashing to help improve your home’s appeal, energy efficiency and help prolong its lifespan.

Trust Us For Your Future Roof Replacement Projects

When you’re having your old roof torn-off, you can expect your home to last longer, compared to having a roof overlay which is a short-term solution. However, you’ll need to choose a qualified roofing contractor to work with. Worry not as ImproveIT! of Atlanta is here to help you with all of your roofing needs. We take an integrated approach to roof replacement projects to make sure the job is done properly the first time around. We only use the best materials that carry strong warranties for your peace of mind. For instance, we’re a CertainTeed-certified Select Shingle Master in Georgia, which allows us to have access to top-tier roofing systems, such as the CertainTeed Integrity Roof System. This roofing system is designed with additional waterproofing underlayments and leak barriers that can’t be found on other roofing options on the market. We cover all the bases of your roofing project, from installation, ventilation, flashing, to sealants. Trust in our certified contractors to bring out the best of your home!

ImproveIT! of Atlanta is a factory-certified roofing company offering high-level services, from roof installations, replacements, and emergency repairs. Call us today at (770) 612-5635 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve homeowners in Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Alpharetta, GA.