Should You Consider an Overlay or Roof Replacement?
Posted on: 29 September 2022
If you have an asphalt shingle roof and it's getting old, you may be considering an overlay or roof replacement. An overlay can save you money, but a roof replacement may be the better choice. If you would like to know more, keep reading.
What's Roof Replacement vs. an Overlay?
With roof replacement, the roofer removes all old shingles before placing the new ones. With an overlay, the roofer applies new shingles directly over the old shingles. However, most local laws limit how many overlays you can get before you need a roof replacement. The excess shingles do add some weight to the roof.
Regardless of which you choose, you can get a variety of shingles, including traditional shingles, architectural shingles, and premium shingles. Plus, you can choose a color to either reflect or absorb sunlight.
What Are the Advantages of an Overlay?
The leading advantages of an overlay include:
- Low cost
- Little mess
- Shorter construction time
Since there is less labor involved, an overlay costs less than a total roof replacement. In addition, there is little mess and no need for a dumpster. You'll also save a lot of time on the whole process. For these reasons, an overlay may be a good idea if you have a limited budget or time before rainfall.
When Should You Choose Roof Replacement?
The biggest problem with an overlay: the contractor can't see underlying issues. If the underlayment or decking is damaged, leaks and other problems can arise even after an overlay. If you have a leak or suspect there is any damage to the roof's structure, an overlay may not be the right choice. Only roof replacement can correct these issues and save you money in the long run.
Total roof replacement may also be a good choice if you want to change the slope of your roof and/or install a different roofing material like wood or slate tiles. A newer roof may also be more effective and energy-efficient, depending on the materials and technology used. Last, if the old roof was installed incorrectly, total roof replacement corrects this, preventing any future complications.
An overlay is an affordable way to get a new roof. However, if there is any damage to the underlying roof structure, a roof replacement is your best choice. If you would like to know more, or if you're ready for a quote on an overlay or new roof, contact a roofing service in your area such as Schultz Roofing & Repairs, LLC.
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