When it comes to home remodeling or maintenance, people are often focused on the interior side of things. However, as important as it is to spruce up your living conditions, it is just as crucial to spare some time and money for your roof. No matter how small the damages may be, getting it fixed as soon as possible is the only solution to avoid causing more problems. But to do that, you have to understand the difference between a new roof and a re-roof. Otherwise, you might end up with a big hole in your pocket that could’ve been easily avoided. Nonetheless, in this blog, you’ll find everything related to the two most popular roofing options, so let’s get started!
What is a New Roof?
A new roof, as the title suggests, is a brand-new roof that has just been laid out. It’s a replacement for the old roofing, which includes the roof deck, underlayment, shingles, and other roofing materials.
In order to lay out a new roof, roofing professionals strip off the old materials, making sure they have a clean slate to start with. Once all the layers have been pulled back, they start installing a new underlayment and slowly work their way up to a new roof.
What is Re-Roofing
On the other hand, re-roofing is a procedure that involves refurbishing an existing roof. That is to say, instead of demolishing a previously existing roof, professionals just repair the damages and lay out new shingles over the old. Due to this, most roofing contractors refer to this as “overlaying” since the previous shingles aren’t extracted but rather covered with new ones.
These days, most homeowners choose re-roofing due to the cost-effectiveness of the procedure. Plus, based on the weather conditions and where you live, it’s likely only the shingles of your roof are damaged, not the entire paneling.
Major Differences Between A New Roof and Re-Roof
While getting a new roof and re-roofing might be very different in theory, there are other factors that separate the two from each other as well. Three of these important features are as follows:
- Cost
Ultimately, replacing an old roof and building it back up from scratch is going to cost you way more than a regular re-roofing. This is mainly due to all the materials required for the process. For instance, if you’re going to need a new roof deck, the pricing can differ per the material, whereas for re-roofing, the external price is only limited to getting new shingles. - Construction Time
Repairing an old roof and overlaying it with new shingles is far less time-consuming when compared to installing a new roof. Re-roofing can be finished within a day and doesn’t cause a lot of noise pollution either. A new roof needs to be inspected, measured, and taken apart before starting the installation process, which can eat up quite a few days off your schedule. - Building Code
Building codes dictate whether or not you can install a new roof. You can only get your roof replaced if the existing roof has multiple layers or significant damage. Additionally, a new roof allows for a thorough inspection of the deck and underlying structures. But for re-roofing, the limitations and conditions vary by location, so it’s essential to check with local authorities and a professional roofer in Tomball before finalizing your decision.
Closing Words
All in all, a new roof and a re-roof differ in a lot of categories, be it cost, time, or construction. However, the biggest thing that sets them apart is the fact that getting a roof requires you to replace the entire roofing unit. In contrast, a re-roofing project is an overlay where new shingles are laid out over a pre-existing roofing layer. Nevertheless, to ensure which roofing options fit your house the best, contact Homeward Roofing & Exteriors today at (832) 899-4420 for a free quote and inspection.