Re-roofing vs Roof Replacement – Discover which one is right for you in this complimentary guide from HC Roofing.

So, after spotting that leak in your roof, your stress levels are pretty high, and you’re now confused between whether you should choose Re-roofing or a full roof replacement.

Many people opt for re-roofing, assuming it’s a cheaper option than the roof replacement, while others believe it’s not an ideal long-term solution. Thus, they end up choosing the roof replacement.

But other people’s opinions aren’t the criteria for choosing the right option for you, are they?

Certain factors can affect your decision in this situation. We know you’re going through a lot of stress, and you need a quick yet durable and long-term solution for your roofing problem. That’s why we’ve developed this detailed guide to answer the questions that may or may not appear in your mind.

We’ll highlight all the important factors one needs to consider while choosing between Re-roofing vs Roof Replacement. So, without any further ado, let’s jump right into it.

What is Re-roofing?

Re-roofing is a simple and affordable option to fix your roofing problems. It’s a process of installing/laying new shingles on top of existing shingles. And sometimes, the roofing expert may use metal roofing for the re-roof project.

Re-roofing can be the right option for you if your roof isn’t showing any significant water damage signs or if you want to cover a few missing shingles. However, we certainly don’t recommend re-roofing your entire roof.

It’s worth knowing the re-roofing can only be done once. So, if your home has more than one layer of roofing, you won’t get any benefit from re-roofing. Similarly, the re-roofing doesn’t last long if there is unnoticeable rotting or sagging beneath the shingles.

A few problems with re-roofing are first, if there is mold or rot beneath the first layer of shingles, you’re sealing those potential problems, which can lead to an entirely new series of issues later on. Moreover, shingles are extremely heavy, and the vast majority of home structures aren’t built to handle the weight of multiple layers of shingles on top of each other. It’s not uncommon for homes to collapse because of the enormous amount of weight resulting from this process.

What is Roof Replacement?

As the name suggests, roof replacement is the process of removing everything from your existing roof and then installing the new material from scratch. 

No matter how many layers of shingles are already on the roof, the roof replacement can fix everything. Instead of covering up the roof, a roof replacement (if completed correctly) will solve every and any roof related problem you’re experiencing. 

Here at HC Roofing Brampton ON, we only offer roof replacement services as the potential problems and risks associated with the re-roofing process are too high. Moreover, it will always result in lower quality work and comes with several potentially problematic issues.

Things you Should Know about Re-roofing

Here is a list of things about Re-roofing one needs to know before making a decision:

Increased Value and Improved Appearance and Curb Appeal

Over the years, the shingles start looking dull due to regular wear and tear. Re-roofing can bring back life to your roofing system while making it look more aesthetically appealing. And it automatically helps with improving your home’s value if you’ve chosen shingles wisely.

Quick Solution

Re-roofing is relatively easy as compared to the roof replacement because your local roofing contractor won’t need to remove the existing layer of shingles. With just a few steps, the roofers can install the additional layer of shingles.

Easily Affordable

Re-roofing is a less expensive option because it requires less work for the roofing company you choose to work with. You won’t have to bear the labour costs usually needed for the roof tear-off, which is required for a roof replacement.

Associated Risks

Re-roofing isn’t just a bed of roses. There are definitely some risks associated with it. In fact, this is precisely why the vast majority of roofing experts don’t recommend it as a reasonable solution.

Re-roofing is a temporary solution that can cover up the damages for a certain period of time, especially if you’re re-roofing a seriously damaged area of your roof. But keep in mind that the damages will continue to worsen over time and lead to serious trouble in the future. Thus, you may have to spend more money later on to solve the problem. Furthermore, you will definitely need to pay more for your next roof replacement because they will be tearing off two layers of shingles instead of only one.

So, does that mean re-roofing isn’t the right solution for your needs?

No, you need to consult a local roofing expert to determine whether re-roofing is the right option for your roof’s condition or not. The professionals carefully analyze your roof’s condition to find out if it’s badly damaged or if there are any issues which might lead to damage in the future. So, it’s very wise to consult with a roofing expert rather than making a decision on your own.

Things you should know about Roof Replacement

Now, let’s highlight some important aspects of the roof replacement to help you choose a wise option.

Improved Health

You might not be thinking about the connection between roof replacement and your improved health. It’s worth knowing that mold and mildew can start developing in your roof over time. When you add an additional layer of shingles with re-roofing, it doesn’t fix any existing problems like mold. Conversely, the roof replacement completely eliminates the risk of mold and mildew, allowing you to enjoy improved health while inside your home.

Safety

If you’re living in a home with a deteriorating roof, you’re putting your own and your family’s life at serious risk because of a potential roof collapse. That’s why roof replacement is the ideal option to eliminate this risk permanently. You might not know, but your roof may collapse anytime if it’s in bad condition, and the chances dramatically increase when you choose re-roofing over a full roof replacement.

Energy Savings

Are you worried about your increased energy bills and need an effective solution?

Fortunately, you’ve found the right solution because roof replacement can reduce your energy bills significantly. The advanced roofing systems can stabilize the temperature within your home throughout the year. Although a roof replacement may cost more upfront, they can save you a lot of money over the lifetime of your new roof.

Reduced Stress

The best thing about roof replacement is that it can remove any stress you might have about your roof’s potential problems. You no longer have to worry about roof damage because you’ve chosen a long term, reliable and robust option for your roof. You can even enjoy peace of mind even during bad weather conditions because your roofing system can easily withstand the hardships of Mother Nature in Ontario, Canada.

Disadvantages of Roof Replacement

Although roof replacement offers so many amazing benefits, it wouldn’t be fair for me to skip over the disadvantages of a roof replacement. For example, roof replacement is a more expensive option compared to re-roofing.

Similarly, roof replacement is a more time-consuming project, so it might take a few more days to complete depending on the size of your roof. However, if you’ve selected a reputable roofing company, they’ll do their best not to disturb you throughout the roofing project.

Re-roofing vs Roof Replacement Considerations

Having an understanding of advantages and disadvantages is usually enough for choosing the right option for your roofing problem. But some of you may still find it challenging to make a decision. Therefore, we’ve added information about the critical factors one can look for when planning to choose a solution.

Age of Roof

The age of the roof is an essential factor for deciding whether you need re-roofing or roof replacement. Now, there isn’t a fixed criteria for determining the average of the roof because the age may vary depending on the type of roofing material used. The best way of determining the roof’s age is to find out whether it’s showing any signs of leaks, storm damage, or other problems, etc.

If you have an older roof, I strongly recommend a roof replacement. Even if you covered the damage with re-roofing, you definitely should opt for roof replacement because of unforeseen potential problems.

The Extent of Roof Damage

You likely know you need a new roof; otherwise, you probably wouldn’t consider a re-roof or roof replacement. The problem is you’re only considering the visible issues, but you aren’t thinking about the more significant issues that might be potentially underlying.

Here’s the thing, we don’t recommend making this decision based on your own analysis because you likely won’t know what to look for. That’s why you must contact a reputable roofing contractor to understand the true extent of your roof damage. If it’s just aesthetic damage, it can easily be fixed with a roof repair or patch job. However, if the roof is experiencing structural damage, roof replacement is the way to go.

If the shingles are looking old and worn out, it’s a clear sign of aesthetic damage. But if the asphalt is broken or cracked or if you see the curled or cupped edges on it, it’s a sign of severe roof deterioration, and you need to consider a roof replacement.

Geographical Area/Location

If you’re living in an area that’s susceptible to tornadoes, hurricanes, and hail storms, you must be seriously concerned about the roof’s maintenance. Similarly, you should take extra special roofing precautions if you live in an area with annual inclement weather like Brampton, ON.

In fact, sometimes, many homeowners forget to check for roof damage after a storm/snowfall leading to any damage worsening over time.

If you continuously address the minor repairs after the storms, you may not have to worry about roof replacement for a long time. However, if your roof has suffered some severe damage, we need to say that we DO NOT suggest re-roofing because it’s not an ideal option, especially in an area like Brampton ON in Canada.

Roof Leaks

A homeowner needs to decide between re-roofing or a roof replacement typically following damage or at least after noticing the damage. Sometimes roof leaks may be limited to a particular area. In that case, it is likely an easy fix.

But if the damage has developed and worsened over time, it’s a sign that a bigger problem may be hiding in another area of the roof. It would be a wise choice to fix a leaky roof permanently rather than giving it a chance to get worse. These problems usually appear in the form of Mold, damaged ceilings, or destroyed insulation.

A qualified roofing contractor should be able to detect and fix these problems quickly and easily.

Cost

Cost is one of the most important factors homeowners consider when choosing between re-roofing vs Roof replacement. Yes, re-roofing is a cheaper option. But whether you decide re-roofing or a full replacement isn’t the only factor associated with costs.

For example, you’ll find yourself paying more if your roof has a steep slope (known as the roof’s “pitch.”) This is just one of the many potential price factors for your roofing project.

Re-roofing vs Roof replacement – Which is Right for you?

Don’t make the wrong mistake of choosing the right solutions for your home’s roof. Again, we usually don’t recommend re-roofing as a solution for roofing problems because it’s a temporary solution and comes with a variety of potential problems and risks. Moreover, you will need a roof replacement sooner or later.

So, the wise choice is to permanently fix the problem the first time rather than putting out main twice… and potentially running into other costly issues later on with a full roof replacement. We’d say re-roofing might be the right option if you’re looking to quickly sell your home as it can make your home look more beautiful, attractive and add to its curb appeal.

However, if you plan on living in the home following your roofing project, we strongly urge you to choose a full roof replacement because it will provide you with the protection and peace of mind over the long term.

Conclusion

We know how difficult it is to choose between re-roofing and roof replacement, especially before reading a guide like this. 

However, you now have the information to be able to make an informed and educated decision. 

We’ve not only outlined the advantages and disadvantages of both types of solutions, but we’ve also highlighted the factors one needs to consider when choosing between re-roofing and roof replacement.

Also, we’ve given you our professional opinion about which option is right under which circumstances. 

Suppose you’re located Roofing in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, Erin, Orangeville, Halton Hills, or the surrounding area, and you’re looking to consult with a reputable roofing company. In that case, we invite you to contact us here at HC Roofing to request a complimentary no-obligation roof inspection and estimate. 

We have a team of local roofing professionals who will analyze your roof’s condition to help you find the perfect roofing solutions for your specific needs.