Longevity, cost, sustainability, energy efficiency and durability are few factors which are considered while roofing the house. The cheaper roof material might not be durable, and the durable might be too expensive. Hence, it becomes significant to choose the right material for roofing. Roofing gets worn out over the years and starts giving you warning signals. Missing, damaged or curling shingles can lead to leakage which might not be repairable. The sheathing beneath the shingles can seep in leakage at the initial stage but ignoring the damage can be very heavy on your pocket. This post is to guide you on re roofing of the house and how it is a better option compared to roof replacement.

What is re-roofing? When is it recommended?

A worn-out roof is a nightmare for the residents. It not only affects the appearance of your home but also compromises on the security. When it comes to roofing, one has two options- re-roofing or replacement. Re-roofing refers to replacing the roof deck without lifting up existing shingles. This means that the base layer stays as is while the upper layer facing the weather is replaced. Replacement refers to rebuilding the head structure of your home. In other words, replacement is a very costly affair.
Re-roofing refers to regular maintenance of roofs, so it doesn’t reach the replacement phase. Having said that, if your roof is partially corroded then re-roofing might not be a good idea as it will lead to imbalance surface on the roof. Further, if the roof has several layers, re-roofing is not recommended because it becomes harder to gain visibility on the condition of the bottom layers.

Important considerations while re-roofing

1. A complete check of roofing condition: Before you choose re-roofing, it is imperative to be aware of the condition of the roof. When the top layer of the roof is stripped off, the underneath layer should be checked thoroughly on the condition and durability. If the bottom layers are damaged, you might have to go for replacement.
2. Tearing off old shingles: It needs to be done cautiously because tons of nails are removed from the surface to give a flat base to the new roof.
3. Touching up the surface: At the time of re-roofing, the surface of the second layer of the roof can be refreshed with waterproof underlayment along with eliminating lumps or ridges that might get formed over the years. Installing the metal drip edge might also be done to prevent shingles from curling over the edge. This gives a boost to the base and contributes to durability.
4. Choose a reliable professional: Roofing is not an easy task. It requires expertise and precision. So, don’t rely on your friend who claims himself to be a jack of all trades for roofing. Hire a professional who can help in tearing off the worn layer and reinstalling the fresh layer. The steep or high roofs should be left to the pros. The experts can also guide on the type and material of roof materials to be used.