When it comes to installing your home’s new roofing system, there are many factors that you need to consider before the installation process begins.
One decision that’s important to the performance and longevity of your roof is whether you will be tearing off your old roofing system and installing a new one or installing an overlay on your roof.
Tearing off your old roofing materials and installing brand new materials gives your home the best protection possible as new materials have not yet been exposed to the elements.
However, installing new roofing materials over your existing shingles reduces the lifespan of the new materials that you just installed. It also doesn’t allow your roofer to inspect your roof deck’s condition correctly.
There are many reasons why tearing off your old roofing system and installing a new one is so much better than installing an overlay on your existing roof.
Here are some of the reasons why you should always tear off your old roofing before installing a new one:
Roof Deck Inspection
By removing your old roofing materials, your roofer will be able to determine the condition of your roof deck and inspect it for any faults or damages.
By overlaying your roof, you will simply be adding a layer of roofing materials on top of your old roof and thus have no idea of the state of your roof deck.
If your roof deck has deteriorated and starts to affect the interior of your home, you would have to lift your new roofing materials to repair it or install a new roof deck.
Longer Lifespan
Installing new shingles after a roof tear-off process will always last longer than an overlay roofing system.
Several layers of shingles will lead to the trapping of excess heat beneath them. This constant presence of heat will lead to your shingles curling and breaking.
This heat will also trap any cold air trying to escape your attic, thus increasing the temperature inside your home.
Overlays Can Only Be Completed Once
Overlaying your roof is only a one-time solution. It cannot be completed too many times as the multiple layers will add excess weight and strain to your home’s structures and these overlaid materials provide reduced protection for your home.
Because overlaid materials have a much shorter lifespan than that of a newly installed roofing system, it makes more sense to install a brand new roof in the first place.
Need more information about the tear-off process, give Industrial Roofing Contractors a call today!
