Northeast Gutters and Remodeling

Your residential roofing system is one of the most important components of your home as well as one of the most significant investments you’ll make as a homeowner. After all, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your home is comfortable and energy-efficient by conducting important home improvement projects, such as a roof replacement or a siding installation.

With that said, even if you pick the best materials for your home and have them installed by the best contractor in the industry, there will come a time when you’ll have to replace them due to their expected lifespan. Some roofing materials like fiber cement shingles can last for up to 25 years while other high-end materials like slate, copper and tile can last for more than 50 years – as long as you invest in regular maintenance. This is why it’s important to thoroughly understand your roof’s lifespan and know when it’s time to have it replaced.

When it’s time to have a roof replacement project, skilled roofing professionals often recommend homeowners to have a roof tear-off. Here’s why.

Why Is a Tear-Off Better Than Overlaying?

Before you start a roof replacement project, most roofing contractors present you with two options: have a roof tear-off or get an overlay. When you choose to have a roof overlay, you’ll keep your current roofing system intact while installing a new shingle material on top of it. This is a viable option only if your roof hasn’t been overlaid previously. It’s also a good option if you’re on a tight budget. However, it comes with a lot of drawbacks.

First off,  a residential roofing system with an overlay might not last as long as its predetermined lifetime due to the extra heat that’s trapped inside the added layers. Not to mention that it also adds a ton of weight to your home. It’s akin to adding another roof onto your home. This can also be problematic if you have an older home since the extra weight added won’t be supported enough by your home’s structure and foundation.

It doesn’t look as good as a brand-new roof as well due to the curled and lifted layers below that have occurred throughout the years. It’ll also be difficult to spot issues like leaks since it’s hard to inspect through multiple roofing layers. Water can seep through these layers and come out from somewhere else, making it difficult for you to discover the true source of the leak. It also gives your home negative resale value in case you plan to sell your home in the future.

Tear-Off Roofs Are a Long-Term Solution

When you choose to go for the roof tear-off route, your roof replacement contractor will completely tear off your existing roof. This means that the old shingles, worn underlayment and decking with rot and mold growth will be removed. They will then install brand-new materials that will give your roof a new lease on life. By having your old roof torn off, you’re giving your home a fresh start as it’s a long-term solution that can last for around 20 to 30 years depending on the new shingles and materials that you will use.

If you don’t have the budget for a full-blown roof replacement, a roof tear-off is the closest option you’ll get to getting a brand new roof. This means that you can reap the most benefits for the longest amount of time. You won’t have to worry about water leaks and structural issues for the years to come. It’s also worth noting that, since your roof only has one layer of shingles, it reduces the amount of stress applied to your home’s structure. In turn, you’re also extending your home’s lifespan.

An Opportunity to Upgrade Your Roof Structure

Since a tear-off will remove the old materials from your residential roofing system, this gives you a clean slate to make any necessary upgrades to your roof structure. For instance, if you live in a home that’s been standing for around 50 to 100 years, a tear-off project gives you all the room in the world to carry out any repairs and structural upgrades to breathe new life into your home. Not to mention, roofing technology has developed to the point that it grants your home superior energy efficiency by ensuring there’s adequate insulation and reinforcing old structures. Conducting a roof tear-off gives you the opportunity to make this happen.

It Makes Your Home Look Brand New

One of the biggest aesthetic drawbacks of a roof overlay project is that it doesn’t always make your home look brand new. This is especially true if the shingle layers underneath the new one has seen its fair share of weathering. In fact, the overlay can accentuate these issues, making them more apparent when neighbors come across your home. When you choose to have a roof tear-off, it’s as if you’re already investing in a brand-new roof. The key components of your roof will all be brand new. From the shingles to underlayment and even the decking. This makes it look like you have a brand new roof on top of your home.

Increases Your Home’s Resale Value

If you plan to sell your home in the future, then a roof tear-off is a wise investment since you don’t want to spend your money on a full roof replacement if you’re not living there on a long-term basis. Keep in mind that a new roof can provide up to a 105% return on investment. On the other hand, having a roof overlay can decrease your home’s value and curb appeal since prospective homeowners are turned off by the idea that they’ll have to remove two layers of shingles instead of one. So, if you’re planning to sell your home in the future, then, by all means, go for a roof tear-off.

Northeast Gutters and Remodeling is your trusted provider of roof tear-off, repair and installment services. We’ve been trusted by thousands of homeowners and business owners alike for all their needs since 2004. We’re a GAF Factory Certified roofing contractor as well. Give us a call at (860) 899-7878. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.