Your roof is a significant investment for your home. When it’s installed correctly, it yields a higher return on investment. Reports indicate that a new roof could produce over 80 percent of its original price upon resale. Likewise, 30 percent of real estate agents claim that a roof restoration is a reason for such quick sales.
If you need a complete roof replacement, it’s wise not to put it off. However, when restoring your roof, the question is whether to re-roof or consider completely replacing the one you have. We’ll look at both to help you determine the best option.
Roof replacement or reroofing? Understand the differences with our new blog post. Make an informed choice!
— Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR (@WDRofAustin) July 20, 2023
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What Is the Re-roofing Process?
Re-roofing is the least costly and quickest way to restore the roof’s appearance. During the re-roofing process, a new shingle overlay will be put over the worn shingles to refresh the roof’s appearance and offer a protective layer to prevent leaks from getting into the home.
The roofing system you have will matter here. If you only have one layer of shingles on the roof, re-roofing is a great choice, especially if you’re only missing shingles. However, roofs with two layers of shingles cannot install a third layer; most building codes prohibit this. Therefore, you’ll require a complete roof replacement.
Pros of Re-Roofing
- Re-roofing doesn’t require extensive materials, labor, or time, so it’s a cheaper way to repair the roof.
- Re-roofing doesn’t require you to replace the entire roof, so it’s the fastest option for restoration.
Cons of Re-Roofing
- If you already have two shingles on the roof, you cannot add a third layer in most areas because of building codes.
- If you’ve got a metal roof, re-roofing isn’t recommended.
- Re-roofing might not last as long as a replacement.
- Since you’re not lifting the current shingles from the existing roof, there’s no way to know if the damage is underneath. Therefore, adding a new layer of shingles over the existing shingles won’t fix significant structural damage.
Read next: New Roof Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide
What Is Included in Roof Replacement?
When your roofing system is fully replaced, your old shingles are removed from the roof, exposing the roof deck. Felt paper or underlayments are applied to the roof deck to protect it from the elements and water. Then, those new shingles are installed on top of that felt paper. Your new roof can then last for 20 or more years!
You may require a roof replacement if the deck has been severely damaged. Likewise, it should be repaired to prevent more damage. That’s the primary difference between reroofing and roof replacements.
Pros of a Complete Roof Replacement
- Roof replacements last much longer than re-roofing.
- Re-roofing often covers up deck issues, such as rot, which will lead to the roof giving out. However, a fully revamped roof addresses those issues to give you a safer and sturdier roof.
- Completely replacing a roof can be done, regardless of how many layers of shingles you have.
- You’ll save money in the long run because you can determine the early signs of sagging and rot caused by water damage. Therefore, water won’t have the chance to leak and drip into the walls, which would lead to costly repairs.
Cons of Roof Replacements
- Renovating the roof requires more time, labor, and materials than re-roofing, so it costs more.
What Is the Reroofing vs. Roof Replacement Cost?
It’s important to understand how much you will pay a roofing contractor based on whether you have a re-roof or roof replacement project. Let’s learn more about the pricing:
Re-roofing Cost
Re-roofing costs will vary based on the job size, location, labor, and materials. If you need special equipment, including roof jacks, your price will also be higher.
The slope and story of the home also affect the price. For example, homes with two levels will have a steep slope and need more time and labor for contractors to get up and down from the roof than a low-sloped single-story house.
The roofing material required for the re-roofing process will also affect your cost. For example, asphalt shingles are generally easy to work with and are low-cost. However, metal roofs cost more for materials and usually require specialty services.
Since metal roofing offers better energy savings than asphalt roofs, they’re most cost-effective. Plus, they will last longer and can withstand weather conditions. With asphalt shingles installed correctly, you will still be vulnerable to falling debris and wind damage. Overall, they’ll need to be replaced more frequently.
Roof Replacement Cost
On the other hand, a roof replacement requires more labor to remove those old shingles, install new shingles, and prepare the deck for installation. This costs more, but it will vary based on your location.
The size of your roof and the slope characteristics are the most important factors when considering a roof replacement. Roofers generally charge per square. A roof of 2,000 square feet would equal 20 squares, so a larger roof will cost more to replace.
However, your basic asphalt shingle roof costs about $5,000. This is the most common roofing material and roofing system available. If you choose high-end materials for your roof replacement, such as architectural shingles, you could be looking at an install price of $12,000 or more.
It will raise costs if your roof has complex designs or steep slopes. The workers will need safety harnesses and additional equipment to walk along it. Likewise, extensive water damage might have to be repaired before installing the new roof.
Other Factors that Change the Price
- Roof accessibility – If it’s hard to get a truck to your home, materials must be carried over, which requires more labor and time
- Additional home features – Skylights and chimneys must be worked around, raising the price.
- Disposal of debris – Some roofing contractors charge a fee to safely remove and dispose of old materials.
Deciding Between Replacing the Roof Deck or Re-roofing
When deciding between reroofing and roof replacement, here are a few factors to consider:
You’re a good candidate for reroofing if you:
- Have minor leaks or issues
- Have a roof in good shape
- Only have one layer of shingles on the roof
- Have a wide area to be repaired (only one portion means that one section might look different than the other)
If you already have two layers of shingles, both of them will have to be removed before the partial reroofing process. This increases labor costs, so it might be better to go with a roof replacement.
Likewise, you’re a good candidate for a roof replacement if you:
- Have soggy shingles from major water damage in the deck
- Have mold or mildew growth
- Want to have a roof in pristine condition
- Need peace of mind that there’s no damage underneath the shingles
Choose Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR for Re-roofing and Roof Replacement Services
Choosing between reroofing and roof replacement can be difficult, but Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR can help you determine the roofing project best fits your needs.
We handle all roofing systems, and our roofing contractors can identify early signs of leaking and other issues. The choice between fully replacing or a partially re-roofing depends on the roofing materials needed and what you currently have. Please call (512) 820-6505 to request your free roof inspection.