Replacing an existing roof with a new roof is definitely one of the most important home improvement projects you will ever undertake. However, as with any major project, inevitable questions arise about its feasibility and cost effectiveness.
However, there are some considerations to take into account before deciding whether it’s right for you. This article discusses the differences between new roofs vs roof overlays along with their pros and cons; helping you make an educated decision that best suits your budget and needs as well as providing recommendations on what to look out for when hiring a contractor to do the work for you.
What Is A Roof Overlay?
A roof overlay is essentially an application of new material over the existing roof. It is a cost-friendly alternative to a full replacement and its major advantage is its minimal intrusion into your home, requiring you to vacate or close off rooms at most.
##What Are the Pros?
- Speed
Roof overlays are usually performed in one day thus minimizing any disruption to your routine and schedule. This makes it ideal if you are planning on occupying part of your house during the project.
- Minimal Involvement
As mentioned earlier, there won’t be much disruption in the way of renovations as very little changes will take place within the house itself. However, for whatever construction work that does take place, it’s highly likely that they will be performed from the outside of your home. This could include movement of your vehicles or other precautionary measures depending on the extent of work required. In fact, most contractors will use a crane to apply new material onto your existing roof and would only need access to any attic space if you have one. This means that you won’t be subjected to dust, dirt and noise in the comfort of your own home.
- Durability
Roof overlays are often constructed with asphalt shingles; a durable building material that is known for its resilience against hail damage and UV rays which can cause blistering and discoloration. If you’ve had problems with leaks before or want to protect against future occurrences, this is definitely an added benefit as asphalt shingles are also known for being extremely durable and are capable of providing great insulation. Another added perk is the fact that asphalt shingles can help keep your home cool in hot, sunny conditions which leads to improved energy efficiency!
What are the Cons?
- No Guarantees
Roof overlays work on a similar principle as roof repairs where minor fixes or patchwork is done to eliminate any signs of damage. Technically, it shouldn’t be a problem if you choose an experienced contractor but anything is possible when dealing with real estate and as such, there’s no guarantee that this method will be able to protect against future problems such as leaks or hail damage.
- Problems with Appearances
It has been noted by some homeowners that roof overlays are sometimes done without proper quality control measures and if this is the case, you could be left with an unsightly patchwork of shingles.
- Need for Maintenance
Shingles tend to deteriorate over time so it’s important to choose a contractor who offers roof maintenance services in order to prolong its life cycle. Shingles also need to be replaced every ten years or so which means another project can’t be completely ruled out just yet.
What is a New Roof?
A new roof, on the other hand, refers to the complete and total removal of existing building materials along with their replacement with newer ones. It involves substantial renovations within your home so it’s best to make sure that everything is removed and disposed of properly to avoid any damage, especially if there’s lots of garbage hauling involved. A new roof provides you with a fresh start and it allows for the best quality of workmanship possible. This is because all the materials going into your new roof are brand new and in good condition which maximizes an aesthetic appeal of your home both internally and externally. It also means that the chances of leaks or other problems such as deterioration should be minimal but that doesn’t mean it’s completely free from defects.
What Are The Pros?
- Guarantees
You get what you pay for and this statement couldn’t be truer whenever you’re dealing with a major project such as construction on your house. Roofing companies will guarantee their workmanship and many offer a 10, 20 or even 25-year guarantee on their materials.
- Better Insulation
The main reason why most people decide to have a new roof installed is for its insulation properties. With such an extensive renovation, it’s possible to achieve better insulation than before as proper ventilation systems are put into place which allows for more airflow. This leads to greater thermal efficiency in the long run!
What are the Cons?
- Extra Costs
Many don’t realize that while new roofs do cost more initially, they will ultimately save you money in the long run with their improved energy efficiency. Existing asphalt shingles can last about 15 years on average but once they start to deteriorate, there’s not much you can do to prolong its life cycle. New roofing materials don’t hold up for too long either but since they are subject to better quality control measures, the chances of it being defective are slim so most contractors will offer you a warranty on their work.
- Vandalism Roofs
which are made out of slates or tiles can be extremely attractive to vandals and thieves who like the idea of having free access into your home. They’re also very heavy and as such, they could accidentally fall over injuring anyone standing below them! Of course, newer roofs are made using plastic or synthetic compounds which is why problems with vandalism shouldn’t be an issue nowadays but it’s still something worth considering if you live in an area where this problem is prevalent.
