Your roof’s there, every day, like a good neighbour or that one bran cereal you can’t get enough of: steady, reliable, and sometimes overlooked in the grand scheme of things. But your roof is worth your attention, especially if things start to go a little bit sideways.
After all, your roof does a lot more than keep the rain off your head. It protects your home and your belongings from everything Aotearoa’s weather system can throw at it. Think sun, wind, rain, and of course that odd southerly that makes you wonder if winter will ever truly end.
If your roof is looking a bit tired, you might be weighing up the choice of reroofing vs. roof replacement. Both have their place, but which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
Is Reroofing for You?
In the toss-up between reroofing vs. roof replacement, it’s easiest to understand reroofing as a refresh of your existing roof. This process is sometimes called overlaying, and it involves putting a fresh layer of roofing material over your existing roof. This is the quicker, more affordable option of the two, giving your roof a facelift without stripping everything back to the studs.
Reroofing like this doesn’t always make sense, though. You’ll benefit from this approach if:
· Your roof is mostly sound. If the underlying structure is in good nick (no sagging or water damage).
· You’re on a tighter budget. Reroofing vs. roof replacement costs are significantly different, and reroofing comes out on top for cost, thanks to the reduced labour.
· You want a faster turnaround. Because there’s no full removal, reroofing projects are usually quicker to get through (handy if winter is bearing down on you).
As with anything else, there are one or two things to watch out for if you’re considering reroofing as your method of repair. For one thing, you can usually only do this once. If your home’s roof has already been layered once before, then a replacement might be the only feasible option for you.
On top of that, reroofing doesn’t fix any underlying issues. Although it effectively reseals your home against the elements, issues such as rot or leaks may still persist even with the cover-up. This means a reroofing might not last as long as a full replacement.
In short, if your roof is basically solid but looking a bit weary, reroofing can be a good solution for the time being.
Is a Roof Replacement for You?
On the other hand, a roof replacement is exactly what it sounds like: removing your old roof – right down to the studs – and installing a brand-new one. Weighing the differences between reroofing and roof replacement, the latter option typically requires more work and incurs higher costs, but it offers a longer-term investment in your home.
A full roof replacement is the option to choose when your roof is undeniably past its use-by date. No matter the material, if your roof is looking seriously worn out, corroded, or damaged beyond repair, reroofing simply won’t cut it. This goes double if there are significant leaks or structural problems, as a full replacement is the only method that will let us get in there and fix any underlying damage. When the time comes, many homeowners find that upgrading to a Butynol roof or a Longrun iron roof provides a durable, reliable solution that not only addresses today’s issues but also adds long-term value to the home.
If you’re after the longest possible lifespan from your roof, then a brand-new roof is much more likely to go the decades with you. Not to mention, it gives you the chance to enjoy a style upgrade! Replacing your concrete tiles with long-run steel can modernise your home’s look and even boost its value on the future market.
Despite all the benefits this option offers in the toss-up between a reroofing vs. roof replacement, there are one or two things that might give you pause:
· Replacement costs more upfront. You’re paying for a full removal, new materials, and usually a good bit more labour. It gives you a better result, but it does have an impact on the bottom line!
· It takes longer. Depending on the size and complexity of your roof, a full replacement can stretch over days or weeks.
Walking into your replacement with those two drawbacks in mind means you’ll be completely prepared for the process. You’ll also benefit from future-proofing your home for decades to come. Who doesn’t love the “do it once, do it right” approach?
If you’re struggling to decide between these two options, consider a professional inspection as your secret weapon. The hard truth is, most homeowners don’t know exactly what’s going on under the surface. That’s where a professional roofing inspection makes all the difference.
When we come in, we check out the condition of your roof and the number of roofing layers already in place. With that knowledge, we can quickly and easily recommend which side you should come down on in the reroofing vs. roof replacement debate. Trust the experts, weigh your options carefully, and you’ll be as good as gold.
Let us inspect your roof so you can make the right call.
Unsure where you stand on reroofing vs. roof replacement? The professional roof inspection and repair team at Solution Roofing is here to thoroughly look over the state of your roof and provide a clear recommendation for next steps. Get your free quote today.