New Roof Versus Overlay Projects
From metal to self sealing shingle installations, replacing a roof is a big choice for any homeowners. This one material covers and protects the home from almost all water leaks caused by rain and other weathering. Before choosing a material type, homeowners must discuss the installation strategy with Ocean County roofing professionals. New or overlay projects are the main choices with several advantages and disadvantages to each one.
When contractors perform an overlay project, they allow the old shingles to remain in place. They’ll install more shingles or metal panels across the roof. This roofing strategy provides the home with an extra layer of leak protection. When rain strikes the roof, it has the new and old materials as barriers, along with the original underlayments across the deck. For areas with a lot of precipitation, an overlay installation is a smart choice to reduce costly staining and mold within the interior.
A major drawback to overlay projects is lack of deck inspection. Because no roofing materials are being pulled from the structure, contractors cannot inspect the underlayment or deck. These items could be damaged from weathering and other causes. Any extensive damage could create leak access areas into the home. Although the extra roofing layers create moisture barriers, damaged decks compromise the stability of the entire roof.
Adding an overlay roof to a home has practical advantages, including reduced installation costs and project timelines. Contractors don’t have to spend half of the project tearing the old materials off and hauling them away, for instance. Workers literally start with the new material installation immediately. This project streamlining translates into less labor costs for the entire roof estimate. The project itself is shorter than a traditional teardown as well, so roofers won’t be at the property for very long. Low cost and less project time are two benefits that homeowners must weigh against potential disadvantages.
Another drawback to overlays is aesthetic appeal. The extra materials on the home may appear bulky or thick. Although roofers work hard to make the surface appear flat, some areas can look slightly unusual. Ridges, for instance, could have a sizable bulge that homeowners may not like.
The majority of roofers work on teardown and installation jobs, not the overlay types. Before working with one particular roofer, homeowners should ask them about past overlay projects. If a roofer isn’t experienced with overlays, it may be best to contact another company. The roofers from Fortified Roofing in Ocean County NJ can answer your questions about new roofs or skylights.
Common term explained by the expert roofers from Fortified Roofing in Ocean County NJ:
Self sealing shingle
This roofing material uses a strip of adhesive that’s activated when installed. Instead of relying on nails alone, self sealing shingles allow adhesive to work as an extra fastener on the roof surface.
The expert Ocean County roofers from Fortified Roofing in NJ answer a question:
Can all roofing materials work with an overlay strategy?
Generally, only shingles or flat roof membranes can have overlays across their surface. Ceramic tiles and metal roofs, for example, must have traditional teardown and installation strategies because of their attachment points on the roof. Contractors can examine and offer roofing solutions for homeowners during the estimate process. Overlays aren’t feasible on all surfaces, especially if steep slopes are involved.
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If you would like to ask a question regarding roofers, a new roof installation, roof leak repairs, skylight options or gutters and downspouts please contact Fortified Roofing today!
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