Pros and Cons of a Roof Overlay Vs a New Roof

Do you need a roof overlay or a new roof? It depends.

A roof overlay may be an acceptable option for homeowners if their existing roof is in good structural shape, and if the current roof hasn’t had a previous overlay installed. Overlays are often likened to a bandage that will extend the life of your roof, but it won’t last as long as reroofing. It’s not quite as costly as a full tear off but it’s not what most homeowners would consider inexpensive. It’s also not a replacement for reroofing, which will inevitably need to be performed.

From a cost and performance perspective, investing in a proper tear off and reroof is generally the better option. In fact, some roofers simply won’t perform overlays because the unreliability of the process makes it difficult to offer a proper guarantee to customers.

Installing a new roof requires more of an initial investment than a roof overlay but will result in long-term savings on roof repairs.

Ultimately, you should connect with a trusted roofing company to help you decide if roof overlay or replacement is right for you. That way, you can rest assured that the pros and cons of each option are explained to you before you make your decision.

What is Roof Overlay?

Roof overlay is when a new layer of shingles is installed directly on top of the old roof rather than removing it entirely and installing it from scratch. Roof overlay may only be an option if the original roof structure is undamaged and doesn’t need to be removed, but the pros and cons of it should be weighed carefully.

Pros:

• Faster roof installation: Overlays can be completed faster than a total replacement. This is because roof overlay will require fewer materials, no tear off and no need to schedule for disposal of the old materials.
• Cost-effective: Less material and labor is required overall. No additional costs for removing and disposing of old roofing.
• Extended life of existing roof: Roof overlays can last up to fifteen years (roughly half the lifespan of a reroof), provided the structure underneath is in solid condition.

Cons:

• Moisture build-up: There is a risk of trapped moisture underneath the overlay causing damage in the future. This is because the overlay process may cover areas that are already wet, or the siding of the roof could be compromised in the installation process resulting in an increased chance of moisture penetration.
• Heat build-up: The top layer of shingles will absorb the sun’s heat and trap it between the bottom layer of shingles, increasing the likelihood of shingle curling and warping.
• Feasibility: Roof overlay generally cannot be completed if the shingles have already been layered before. Local building codes prevent this to ensure safety. Be sure to have your roofing company thoroughly inspect your roof before opting for overlay. 
• Structural damage: The additional weight of the overlaid roof may not be supported by the original home structure. This could cause damage to your home in the long run and should be taken into consideration before deciding on roof overlay.

What is Roof Replacement?

Roof replacement is the total tear down, removal and reinstallation of all parts associated with your roof. This can include the shingles, decking, and underlayment (among other things) to ensure that your roofing contractors have a blank slate to work on. 

Pros:

• Deal with underlying repairs: With roof replacement, you don't have to worry about irregularities or underlying issues going unaddressed. They will be removed during the replacement process. This is an issue in some roof overlay projects because contractors may be patching issues rather than effectively repairing them.
• Long-term cost efficiency: Total roof replacement from a quality roofing contractor can help you avoid needing constant repairs, so you save money in the long run.
• Longevity: A new roof can last 15 to 30 years, depending on the material that is used and the quality of the completed job. Overall, this is a much better lifespan than an overlay or partial replacement.

The upfront cost of roof replacement can be significant. It requires skilled labor, removal, installation and disposal of the old roof materials.

However, as with all investments, the long-term payoff can be worth it. A new roof can increase the curb appeal of your home, strengthen and reinforce the original structure, eliminate and prevent leaks and make your home safer for you and your family.

Repairs or roof overlays may seem like a better option for short-term savings, but if structural issues are paved over, they may worsen even if they initially look fine on the outside.

Puget Sound Roofing Contractors at Your Service

You can trust the roofing contractors at Chet’s Roofing & Construction Inc. to provide a thorough inspection and honest evaluation of the options that are best for you. Nobody wants to pay for recurring roof repairs, and no one wants to replace their roof prematurely, which is why we’re committed to providing honest assessments. 

Call (877) 611 1514 to schedule a roof inspection today.