Making the choice to invest in a new roof is hardly ever a decision that comes easily to homeowners. By the time the majority of us recognize that we need a new roof, we’re probably in a pinch to make a decision, and to make it fast. When it comes to factors such as storm damage, old age, or harmful mold overgrowth, the pressure is on you to find a contractor and get your roofing project started as soon as possible.
Sadly, it’s not that easy. You’ve got a lot of choices to make here, don’t you? What contractor is best for the job, whether you should have a roof overlay or a complete tear-off what roofing material is best for the region you live in, what color scheme goes best with your home, what type of roof you wish to have installed, and more. Is your head spinning yet?
At RoofCrafters, we know these decisions don’t come easy. We’ve been holding homeowners’ hands through this process for nearly 3 decades, and with our knowledge and skill paired with your intuition, we are certain that together, we can bring your roofing vision to life one step at a time. Instead of overwhelming you and providing you with a 300-page roofing novel, let’s talk about roofing overlays and roof tear-offs.
We’ll get that enthralling roofing novel in the works soon enough. In the meantime, this article should do. You’ll learn what a roof overlay is, what a roof tear-off is, what the key differences between the two are, and which is best for your home. Take a deep breath, and rest assured that through your research, you’re well on your way to a new roof. Let’s dive in!
What is a Roof Overlay?
Basically, a roof overlay is what it sounds like: laying a new roof over your old one. This process is done by adding a layer of shingles or the same pre-existing material on top of the old roof and then adding a waterproof shield. This process is most commonly used by homeowners who wish to preserve their old roof and extend its lifespan, saving money by not paying for the removal and disposal costs of the old roof.
What is a Roof Tear-Off?
Just as a roof overlay, a roof tear-off also sounds like it is: tearing off the pre-existing roof, and replacing it with a new one. We should really put some more thought into these names, huh? During this process, your roofing contractor will go over your roof and remove the shingles section-by-section to prepare for your new roof. Think of it as a total roofing makeover. Out with the old, in with the new. A roof tear-off is a more costly process than a roof overlay, however, you’ll be saving more money in the long run.
What Are the Key Differences Between an Overlay and a Tear-Off?
Now that we’ve got those incredibly tricky and challenging definitions down (not), let’s go over the key differences between the two. Like any decision we make in this life, it all boils down to choosing the option that has more advantages or pros and discarding the option with more disadvantages or cons.
Advantages of a Roof Overlay
- Overlays tend to be easier, and less labor-intensive for the contractor
- This process is less expensive than a complete tear-off and is also safer
- A great option for quick sales
Disadvantages of a Roof Overlay
- Added weight
- Compromised structural integrity
- Increased long-term costs
- Lackluster aesthetics
- Can make maintenance difficult
- Decreased lifespan
As we can see, the disadvantages tend to outweigh the advantages of a roof overlay. Sure, overlays are easier to install and less labor-intensive for your contractor than a tear-off, however, your contractor was hired to fix your roof. Don’t shy away from the best option for you for fear that a job is too big for your contractor. If it is, then they weren’t the right person for the project anyway.
Overlays are a less expensive and safer process and are great for quick sales, but the added weight of the new material on top of the old material is counterintuitive to any advantage. The extra weight could potentially compromise the structural integrity of your roofing system, and cause you to dish out some serious cash in repairs down the road.
Also, when placing new material on top of old, weathered material, it’s not going to look the greatest. Sort of like when I used to layer makeup on top of my acne in high school, you could still tell I had bad skin, but just tried to conceal it with some foundation. Stick with me, here. Roof overlays are the same thing. To the naked eye, you, your neighbors, and your family will still be able to see the old material peeking out underneath, and the unlevel material on top.
Not to mention, roof overlays decrease the lifespan of your roof essentially in half. This is because the added weight causes the material underneath to deteriorate more quickly due to trapped heat, water, weather conditions, and improper maintenance.
Advantages of a Roof Tear-Off
- Complete replacement
- Increased lifespan
- High resale value
- Durability
- Upgraded materials
Disadvantages of a Roof Tear-Off
- Increased costs
- Waste disposal
Tear-offs are a great option for homeowners who want to start from scratch. When you tear off your old roof and replace it with a new one, you receive a lot of benefits, such as the removal of rotted decking, and the ability to repair hidden leaks. Your contractor will remove all of the old materials, so they’ll be able to get a clear look into what’s going on with your roof, so the finished product will be perfect.
Roof tear-offs can offer you an increased lifespan on your roof, with new materials lasting you an average of 20-30 years, and even longer on premium materials. A brand new roof with brand new materials is ready to weather any storm and temperature Mother Nature can throw at it, and do so with ease. Also, if you plan on moving in the foreseeable future, a brand new roof offers a hefty resale value you can tack on to the rest of your home. New roofs are a major selling point, so for all of you nomads out there, a tear-off is something you must consider.
Sadly, tear-offs are much more expensive than overlays. There are increased labor costs associated with this process due to extra labor. Your contractor has to spend time and effort removing the old material, inspecting and replacing any damaged decking, and then disposing of the old material. In turn, a tear-off will cost you about $1,000 or more than an overlay.
Would a Roof Overlay or Tear-Off Be Better for My Home?
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. If you’re a homeowner who’s on a budget, in a time crunch, or wants to sell your home quickly, an overlay may be a good choice for you. If you’re a homeowner who takes pride in the aesthetics, durability, and a higher resale value of your home, consider having a complete roof tear-off. There’s no right or wrong answer, here. Whichever option you choose, a reputable contractor will get the job done to your standards and satisfaction.
See, that wasn’t so bad, was it? Although you have many more choices to make when it comes to your upcoming roofing project, you’re one step closer, because you now know the difference between a roof-over and a roof tear-off, and have the tools and knowledge to decide which is the better option for your home. With all of your newfound and important information surrounding the roof overlay and tear-off process, you can use that to your advantage when deciding how you’d like to proceed.
Whether it’s a total roof replacement or an overlay of materials on your old roof, RoofCrafters has you covered. To better understand the costs associated with your upcoming roofing project, check out our article, “How Much Does a New Roof Cost?” so that you and your wallet can be prepared well before your inspection date.
If you’re ready to begin your roof overlay or tear-off journey, go ahead and schedule your inspection with RoofCrafters today by clicking the button below, and one of our many experts will give you an honest inspection. After that, they will work with you to figure out the best way to proceed. To learn more, be sure to browse the extensive resources located in our learning center.
