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Should You Re-Roof or Replace Your Roof?

August 26, 2022

Roof materials don't last forever – they'll need replacement by the end of their lifespan. Some roofers may recommend re-roofing over roof replacement, a quick roof replacement that takes a few days. However, many roofers disagree with re-roofing and vouch for a complete replacement option. 

Should you re-roof or replace your roof? Let us at Turbo Roofing help you figure out the best for your home.

What Does Re-Roofing Involve?

Re-roofing is faster than roof replacement because roofers will only nail new asphalt shingles over your worn-out roofing material. Many local codes allow re-roofing only once per residence. 

Many roofers recommend re-roofing because it's fast. Roofers will only install over your old asphalt shingles and won't tear off your old roof. Plus, most re-roofing projects take less than a week to install.

Unfortunately, re-roofing shortens your new roof's lifespan. Old shingles underneath the new layer will have absorbed moisture from years of protecting your home. It will rise and infiltrate the new asphalt shingle layer, leaving it susceptible to blisters, cracking, and splitting.

Re-roofing leaves no chance to inspect your underlayment and sheathing. These two components support the roof's structure and protect the attic's wooden components. Over time, they can suffer from wood rot and need replacement with the roof material.

Why Use Roof Replacement Instead?

With roof replacement, roofers will tear off your old roof and check the underlayment and sheathing's condition. They will replace those suffering from severe wood rot. Next, they will lay your new asphalt shingles and nail them against the underlayment and sheathing material.

Many roofing manufacturers and certified roofers only replace roofs and never re-roof them. Completely replacing the roof ensures it lasts longer and protects your home for decades. If you re-roof your home, most manufacturers wouldn't provide a labor and material warranty.

Roof replacement will cost and take more time and materials to accomplish. It will take even longer if your roof needs sheathing and truss replacements. However, the result is a roof that lasts for decades with warranties.

Factors That Increase Roof Replacement Costs

To prepare you financially, take note of the following factors that increase roofing costs.

  • Roof Slope: A two-story home with a steep slope has more roof area. The slope's traversal difficulty and added roof space will increase replacement costs.
  • Wideness: A wide roof area takes more time to replace. Plus, you'll need more roof material to cover everything.
  • Roof Material: Slate and clay tiles require special handling, sheathing and truss updates, and longer labor hours. 
  • Underlayment, Sheathing, and Truss Damage: Any presence of wood rot and water damage will weaken the roof's structure, requiring replacement (and adding to your costs).
  • Waste Disposal: Bigger roofs will need more dumpsters to remove waste material properly.

Don't settle for re-roofing to have long-term roofing protection. We strongly recommend working with a top roofing specialist in your area for roof repairs and replacement. Call us at Turbo Roofing to provide top-notch services suitable for your needs.