What’s The Difference Between New Roofs & Re-Roofs?

When you own a home, you know that it’s going to need regular maintenance and occasional repairs. The roof is one of the most important parts of any house, as it protects everything inside from rain, snow, wind, and other elements that can cause major damage if left unaddressed. At some point in the life of your home, you may need to have your roof replaced. But before you begin searching for contractors, it’s important to understand the difference between new roofs versus re-roofs so that you can choose the right option for your home. Both types of projects are fairly common and can be done in many different ways. Which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at both options so that you can decide which makes the most sense for your situation.

What’s A New Roof?

A new roof refers to a roof that is completely replaced. It’s always wise to get a roof replacement, but problems with the roof deck make it especially appropriate. To expose the roof deck, roofing businesses will need to remove all the old shingles. They will then install a new underlayment or felt. This will protect the roof deck from the elements. Following this, roofing professionals will replace the roof deck with new shingles, which should last at least 20 years. Some homeowners may choose to get a new roof even if their roof isn’t old as a preventative measure. A new roof is a big investment and more expensive than a re-roof, but it also replaces everything on the roof, so there’s no need to worry about your roof again for quite a while.

Whats a Re-Roof?

A new shingle overlay is placed on top of any worn shingles when taking on a roof fix. This provides a protective layer to prevent leaks as well as enhance the appearance of your roof. This is often done when the roofing materials have reached the end of their lifespan. Many homeowners choose to complete a re-roof instead of a new roof when their roof is in good shape but the shingles are worn out. A re-roof is less expensive than a new roof and often doesn’t need a full tear-off of old materials. A re-roof is usually completed in one day, and many homeowners report that the noise and mess are much less than a new roof.

Building codes prohibit reroofing if you have two layers of roof shingles already installed. Having just one layer of shingles, however, permits you to reroof. Other factors that may prevent you from reroofing include your roof materials and the pitch of your roof. Reroofing is not feasible if you have serious water damage, soggy shingles, or missing shingles.

Finally, a reroof generally doesn’t last as long as a roof replacement.  A re-roof is more similar to putting a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your house. A re-roof isn’t as significant as a new roof and can’t be expected to last as long, but it’s less of an investment and likely to be completed in one day.

Differences between new roofs and re-roofs

There are some key differences between new roofs and re-roofs. First of all, a new roof is a more significant investment than a re-roof. When you choose to get a new roof, you’re not only replacing the roof, but you’re also removing everything and starting from scratch. This is not the case with a re-roof. A re-roof will cost less than a new roof. It doesn’t require a full tear-off, which saves time and money. A new roof will also last much longer than a re-roof. Most re-roofs only last about 10 years, but new roofs can last much longer. A new roof can last up to 50 years depending on the materials and installation process. When deciding which type of roof replacement project to undertake, it’s important to remember that while a new roof is more expensive, it lasts much longer and protects your home from all types of weather elements for many years. A re-roof is less expensive and less significant, but it’s also likely to last a much shorter time and will need to be replaced quicker.

Why is it important to know the difference?

Knowing the difference between new roofs and re-roofs is important for a few reasons. First of all, it can help you choose the best roofing contractor for your needs. If your roof is in decent shape but the shingles are worn out, a re-roof may be the best option for you. This allows you to get the roofing repairs done without the huge investment of a new roof. It can also help you decide how much money to put aside for roofing repairs. A new roof is a significant investment and usually requires you to have some cash set aside for materials and other associated costs. A re-roof is less expensive and often requires less materials, so you may be able to squeeze it into your budget without having to come up with a lot of cash. Knowing the difference between new roofs and re-roofs can help you make the best decision for your home and your budget.

Conclusion

There are some key differences between new roofs and re-roofs, including significant cost, long-term protection, and materials used. When deciding which type of roof replacement project to undertake, it’s important to remember that while a new roof is more expensive, it lasts much longer and protects your home from all types of weather elements for many years. A re-roof is less expensive and less significant, but it’s also likely to last only 10 to 15 years.

With over 36 years in business as one of the best commercial and residential roofing contractors, and 80 plus industry awards, we know Royalty Roofing is the best contractor for the job. If you’re interested in learning more contact us at (812) 523-8392 or send us a message.