Although most roofing companies offer a roof replacement and stand behind their work, there is still a different in a tear off and overlay. The differences are significant. An overlay is when the new shingles are installed over the old ones; a complete roof tear off means your roof is stripped to the decking and then new shingles are installed. Here are five reasons you should consider a complete tear off rather than an overlay roof replacement.
Added weight
A square of shingles, which is 100 square feet, weighs about 200 pounds. That means an average size roof in our area might weigh as much as 5000 pounds. When you overlay a second layer, you’re adding stress to the structure of the roof. Depending on your home and construction as well as snow or ice, the added weight may cause big problems for your home.
Roof Rot
Any mildew, mold or algae on the old shingles remains when the new ones are installed on top of them. That means your roof could rot from the inside out. This will drastically shorten the life of your roof replacement.
You won’t know the true state of your roof deck
A good roofing contractor will thoroughly inspect your roof. When a roofer walks on your roof and finds a spongy spot, that is indicative of an issue below the shingles. Without tearing off the shingles and repairing that area, you can’t know what the problem is or how wide-spread.
Shingles need a flat surface
There are many reasons for a roof replacement. If you have curled, bent, missing, or misaligned shingles, you won’t have a flat surface for your new shingles. Without a flat surface, it will never look good or perform as it should.
Warranty
This is perhaps the biggest reason to consider a complete tear off for your roof replacement. Depending on the product you choose you may lose many warranty benefits. Be sure to ask your roofing contractor about the warranty implications if you choose a roofing overlay.
Looking for a roof replacement company?
We’re your local roofing company offering tear off roof replacements. We strive to ensure that every homeowner understands our roof replacement recommendations. With an A+ rating in both the Lebanon and Knoxville areas, you can count on us for your new roof. Call for your free estimate today at (865) 205-0800 or (615) 455-3131.
