When a property needs a new roof, generally there are two options. They can choose to tear off the old roof and have it completely replaced, or they can have a roof overlay installed, also known as “re-roofing.” Continue reading to learn the difference between the two, including whether or not re-roofing is an accepted roof installation practice.
Choosing Between Roof Replacement and a Roof Overlay
There are many factors that come into play when making the decision to tear off or overlay, which is why it is so vital to hire a dependable Indianapolis roofing company for professionalism and workmanship you can trust. As for installing a new roof, most properties have the option of either ripping off their old roofs and replacing them entirely, or re-roofing right on top of the existing roof.
Tear Offs
Many home and property owners opt to have their entire roof stripped down to the wooden beams. This is known as a “tear off” in the roofing industry. Many roofers firmly believe that the only true method of locating and repairing vulnerable areas of a roof is to strip it down to the plywood sheathing and start over. These are common areas where hidden water damage is discovered. These same roofers caution that there is a possibility that overlays add too much additional weight to a rooftop, which can increase even more with snow fall.
Re-Roofing
Re-roofing refers to roof overlays, which entail installing new roofing directly over the existing roofing. There are many debates on whether or not this is a good practice, but according to both the National Roofing Contractors Association and the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer’s Association, re-roofing overlays are a approve as a general practice when permitted by local building codes. Furthermore, it is suggested that property owners can save up to 25% in installation and materials costs by opting for a roof overlay.
What General Contractors Recommend
Roofers are more on the side of tear offs than overlays, and for many good reasons. As mentioned, several roofing contractors believe that an overlay is just a waste of time and money since underlying damages cannot be seen or repaired. At the same time, roofers that are willing to provide overlays even warn that the job is more difficult and may take longer, especially for roofs that need flashing installed around chimneys and other potential entry points for water.
Are you interested in learning about the benefits of rubber roofing? Contact Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable rubber roof general contractor service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also provide residential and commercial siding work.
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