Re-roofing is a process where a new roof is installed directly over the old one — without removing it. Some people recommend it because of the lower associated cost, as it doesn’t require tearing down the old roof, cutting down on labor. However, that is where the advantages end. Read on as Royal Roofing Construction shares the reasons why roofing contractors discourage re-roofing.
- They don’t address roofing issues. Re-roofing is the equivalent of sweeping dirt under a rug. Keeping the old roof means keeping all its existing issues, hidden or otherwise. The re-roofing process doesn’t allow for repairs, so issues like rot and mold, as well as noncompliance with building codes, may remain unaddressed until the next roof replacement. Contrastingly, a standard roof replacement lets roofers assess the condition of the roof in full and perform repairs as needed.
- They’re not as durable. Installing a new roof over the old one requires compromises that would affect the roof’s long-term performance. For instance, since the new roofing layer won’t be adhered to a completely flat substrate, it would be less resistant to wind damage, resulting in a lower wind rating. Also, re-roofing would place a greater strain on the roof framing, since it will be essentially carrying the weight of two roofs.
- Roofing manufacturers don’t recommend it. If you are after the benefits entailed by manufacturer-designed roofing systems — high wind and fire ratings, extensive warranties, exclusive products — you’ll want to stay away from re-roofing. Roofing manufacturers discourage it because they can’t guarantee the resulting roof’s performance, let alone provide warranty coverage. Re-roofing would mean your roof will have fewer features than it could have.
- Re-roofing only works under certain conditions. So why does re-roofing even exist? It’s because it can work, but only under certain conditions: the old roof must be only halfway through its service life (about 10 years old at the most), and it must not be damaged by wind, storm or fire, subject to a thorough inspection by a certified and experienced roofer. If you absolutely have to choose re-roofing, you’ll have to accept the inherent risks described above.
Considering getting a new roof? Our consultants at Royal Roofing Construction can help! Give us a call at (714) 680-0015, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate. We serve Santa Ana, CA, and the surrounding communities in Southern California.
