Roof-Over: Pros and Cons to Consider

Roof replacement can be done in two ways: a roof-over or a complete replacement. A roof-over basically means adding a new layer of shingles on top of the old roof, while complete roof replacement involves stripping the old roof to expose the sheathing and replacing it with new shingles.

In this post, roof and entry door installers at TJ Exteriors Inc. share some of the pros and cons of a roof-over.

Advantages

Here are some of the most common advantages of a roof-over:

1. Cheaper – This is often the main reason why homeowners opt for a roof-over instead of a complete roof replacement. Apart from the cost of the actual re-roofing job, you can also save up a little on disposal expenses and dumpster rentals among others.
2. More Convenient – A roof-over is typically less messy since you won’t be ripping off the entire shingle roof. This means easier and quicker cleanup.
3. Faster Completion – Skipping the part where you tear off the old roof can make it faster for the roofers to finish the job. This often means a lower project cost as well.

Disadvantages

Like other home improvement projects, a roof-over also has its fair share of disadvantages. Roof and window installation experts at TJ Exteriors Inc. list them below.

1. Additional Weight – Adding a new roof on top of your old roof means adding weight and putting stress on your roof gutters. This can especially be a problem during heavy rain and snowfall, and it can lead to serious roofing issues over time.
2. Difficulty in Detecting Leaks – It’s usually harder to inspect the roof’s sheathing if you have two layers of roofing. Problems like leaks, mold growth and damaged or rotted wood can be difficult to see, preventing you to fix the damage.
3. Impacts Inspection Reports – If you’re selling your home, take note that multiple layers of shingles are generally viewed by home inspectors as negative.

TJ Exteriors Inc. offers a range of services, such as roofing, siding, windows and doors. Whether you need doors and window installers, you can count on us to deliver exceptional workmanship. Call us at (952) 448-4312 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote.