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Roof Replacement vs Reroof: What's the Right Choice for You?

Construction worker installing a roof replacement. Learn more about the pros and cons of a roof replacement vs reroof in this article.

Roof deterioration occurs over time, reducing the effectiveness of your roof in protecting your family and keeping your home energy efficient. In such cases, the decision to schedule a roof replacement vs. a reroof can be a difficult one. Read on for more information on what each roofing service entails, as well as pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

What is Roof Replacement? 

A roof replacement involves tearing off your entire existing roof and installing a new one. During a roof replacement, your roofing contractor will remove the shingles or roof to expose the deck. They will then fix any underlying damages before applying new felt paper or underlayment.

The felt paper or underlayment protects the deck from water damage and other elements. Finally, new shingles or roof tiles are installed to complete the replacement.

A roof replacement is ideal for older roofs with extensive damage such as water damage, sagging deck, and mold growth are amounts of mildew. You should also consider a roof replacement if your roof is more than 20 years old.

Pros of Roof Replacement

  • A roof replacement can add up to 30 years to your roof, depending on the materials.
  • Fixes underlying roofing problems 
  • Results in long-term cost savings in repairs and energy bills

 Cons of Roof Replacement

  • It is a costly investment in terms of materials, labor, and time.

What Does Reroofing Involve?

A reroof (or a raise and reset reroof) involves installing new roofing shingles over existing roof tiles whiles replacing the underlayment and resealing all vents and pipes. It is a cost-effective solution for a roof that is still in good shape but nearing the end of its lifespan.

Pros of Reroofing

  • It is cost-effective as it uses fewer materials and labor
  • It offers a quick solution to moderate roof damage

Cons of Reroofing

  • It is a costly investment in terms of materials, labor, and time.
  • Not applicable to roofing materials such as metal, slate, or clay.

Roof Replacement vs. Reroof: Choosing the Right Option

In a roof replacement vs. reroof scenario, the best way to choose the right option for your roof is through a roof inspection. Our roof inspectors can evaluate your roof and recommend the best course of action depending. Contact us today for a free estimate!