Pros and Cons Of Roofovers
Because reroofing a home or commercial building can be a costly project, many property owners opt to have the new roofing placed atop the old material. This represents savings in terms of the hours that roofers must put into a tear off and the fees that are associated with disposing of old shingles and felt. By commissioning a roofover, the average homeowner can avoid the temporary mess that a tear off typically creates, plus enjoy hundreds of dollars in savings without sacrificing quality.
This may not be true in every case, however. In certain situations, placing new materials over old only exacerbates the problems, such as leaks or buckling, that initiated the reroofing project. While residents should consult Cherry Hill roofing contractors for the best advice, knowing the specific characteristics of a worn-out roof should help to rule out a roofover.
Adding a second layer of heavy materials over the existing shingles puts additional strain on the infrastructure of the building. Trusses, sheet materials, and even bearing walls may deteriorate due to the extra weight of a roofover.
However, if the structure is sound and the new materials are not excessively weighty, homeowners can save the labor costs of tear offs with little risk of damage to the building. When in doubt, consulting a professional is the best way to determine if the structure is suitable for a roofover.
Responsible roofing professionals like those in Cherry Hill walk the roof to check for deterioration and spongy areas, look at the number of roofovers already completed and consider the condition of the building prior to determining the site’s eligibility.
Those who advise against roofing over existing materials point out that the uneven surfaces of the old shingles will occasion an unsightly roofover. They also argue that bumps will prevent proper adhesion in products like interlocking shingles.
Respected professionals who perform roofovers ensure that the existing roofing lies flat, the flashing around chimneys and pipes is intact and the sheathing is in good shape. They can repair a few questionable spots before laying new material over old, but they advise against a roofover if the overall condition of the existing surface would detract from the appearance of the new roof.
Tear off advocates advise that reroofing over old materials will void the warranty on the new materials. This is a serious concern for homeowners who do not intend to purchase another new roof for several years. Whether opting for a 15-year or a 30-year shingle, smart buyers want to get their money’s worth from a warrantied product.
According to other roofers, however, roofovers do not void material warranties. If done properly by a licensed professional, the warranty on a second layer of materials is every bit as valid as that of the layer beneath. In fact, an underlayment of old materials can actually act as a buffer between the exposed surfaces and the interior of the home, adding more protection against moisture and weather than a single layer of materials alone.
Roofing over existing shingles is not always an option for homeowners. However, in many cases, qualified professionals can install new material over old without sacrificing effectiveness or aesthetics.The roofing experts at Fortified Roofing of Cherry Hill NJ can assist you with any questions regarding skylights or a new roof.
Term & definition explained by Fortified Roofing, Cherry Hill NJ:
Interlocking shingles
Interlocking shingles are individual roofing pieces that are designed to fasten together securely to promotes wind uplift resistance. Manufacturers make metal, asphalt, clay and composition interlocking shingles. Many homes in high-wind areas have interlocking roof materials.
Cherry Hill roofing FAQ of the day:
How many roofovers can I put on my home?
The number of roofovers that a building can accommodate depends on the condition of the structure, the condition of the top roof layer and the restrictions spelled out in local building codes. Many professionals limit roofovers to two or three layers, and while local building codes vary, many do impose strict limitations.
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