Roofs are an unsung feature of our homes. Though they are often overlooked, roofs serve as the backbone of properties and provide the essential structural support that keeps everything together.
They play a crucial role in protecting residents from weather conditions and other exterior elements, while also enhancing curb appeal, improving energy efficiency, deterring pests, boosting property value, and protecting indoor air quality.
In this blog post, the expert team at Freeman Exteriors will look at reroofing vs. roof replacement. If you are unsure which option is best for your home, be sure to keep reading. Here, we will highlight what each option looks like, as well as the benefits, drawbacks, and factors that determine cost.
What Does Reroofing Mean?
Reroofing is the process of layering new shingles on top of an existing roofing structure. Reroofing can only be done once, but it’s a good option for homeowners whose roofs are in good overall shape with no missing shingles or major water damage. Some reasons to choose reroofing include:
- Your existing roof is more than 20 years old
- Moss has built up on the roof
- Shingles are cracked or curling
- The roof is sagging
Compared to roof replacement, reroofing is a more affordable and straightforward process. It’s a smart way to restore the proper appearance of your roof and give a boost to curb appeal without the need for a full replacement. If your roof has any damaged shingles, placing new shingles over these will also help to prevent leaks inside your home.
Overall, reroofing helps to strengthen an existing roof, improve its aesthetics, and provide added protection against leaks and water damage. It can help to prevent costs associated with frequent repairs and maintenance.
There are a number of potential drawbacks to reroofing that homeowners should be aware of. Firstly, it is a temporary solution to a problem and won’t last as long as a total roof replacement.
As reroofing only covers existing shingles, it can be difficult to know if there is any damage underneath, such as rotting or sagging. Finally, as noted above, reroofing can only be done once as adding a third layer is prohibited.
What Does Roof Replacement Mean?
A roof replacement consists of tearing off old roofing materials down to the decking and installing new components. This option is typically chosen when a roof is severely damaged, old, or needs frequent repairs.
If the roof decking is unable to handle the materials that will be installed on it, it will also need to be replaced before the new roof is installed. Other components of a new roof include the underlayment, start shingles, roofing material, roof vents, gutters, and more.
There are many different types of roofing material available today across a range of price points. Asphalt shingles are an affordable and highly popular type of roofing material in the United States. Other options include:
- Concrete tiles
- Metal roofing
- Clay tiles
- Slate
- Wooden shingles
- Stone-coated steel
- Solar tiles
As well as having different costs, each option will have different expected lifespans. For example, a well-maintained slate roof can last for 150 years or more (though it commands a premium price).
Some of the benefits of choosing roof replacement include the fact that it is a long-lasting solution (as noted above) and it will save homeowners money in the long run. This is because a new roof will require far less maintenance than an older roof which has a number of issues.
The main drawback of roof replacement is the higher upfront cost (though it’s ultimately a smart long-term move). Here at Freeman Exteriors, we 6- and 12-month financing to make it easier for homeowners to afford roofing works.
Factors That Determine Roofing Costs
The cost of both options can vary considerably due to a range of different factors. This means it is difficult to give a specific price range for reroofing and roof replacement.
Some of the factors related to reroofing a property include:
- The slope of the roof
- The materials chosen
- The size of the house
- Accessibility to the roof
As noted, reroofing is a more affordable option than roof replacement. For a free estimate on reroofing services, speak to our expert team today.
With regard to roof replacement costs, some of the associated factors here will include:
- The size of the house
- The complexity of the roof design
- The slope of the roof
- The extent of any existing damage
- Accessibility to the roof
- The additional features of the house (such as skylights and chimneys)
Again, if you would like a free estimate to learn more about the cost of roof replacement, contact us today.
Reroofing vs. Roof Replacement: What’s the Best Option?
The bottom line is that the best decision for homeowners requires a thorough assessment by professional roofers. The above information on reroofing vs. roof replacement should give you a good idea about the benefits and drawbacks of both options and which one best suits the current condition of your home’s roof. With your free estimate from Freeman Exteriors, we will advise on the best option for your home.
We are the premier roofing contractor in Champaign, IL. We also cover Danville, Paris, Crawfordsville, Covington, Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Fishers. We help to take the anxiety out of your roofing project, including dealing with your insurance company for you, so that you get paid everything you are owed
Click here to send us a message today. We look forward to speaking with you about your roofing needs.
