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Roof Replacement vs. Reroof In Portland: Everything To Know

Posted October 31, 2019 by Patrick Morin
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Some types of roofs can last as long as 50 years while others may last only 25 years or even less. The lifespan of your roof depends on a variety of factors such as the material it’s made from, how often you maintain it, and so on. In particular, you might be contemplating the difference between reroofing vs roof replacement cost. 

After all, if your roof is getting old, it can be hard to determine whether a reroof vs new roof is the better option. So, which one should you choose? Is one better than the other?

What Is a Reroof?

Many people believe that the only way to fix an old roof is to go through with a complete roof replacement, but this isn’t always the case. Besides, a whole new roof can be quite expensive. This is why reroofing is such a good alternative. 

But what is reroofing exactly, you might ask? It is a relatively simple procedure in which your roofers would install a second layer of roofing shingles over the first layer. Doing this will cover the old shingles in a complete manner so they don’t sustain any more damage from the wind and rain or other elemental forces. 

Instead, the new shingles will take the brunt of the force from the elements and, of course, since they are new, they should work quite well. This is not to mention that the entire process of reroofing your old roof is quite fast compared to the process of roof replacement. 

You can go through the reroofing process in less than a week, usually within only a few days. This is in contrast to a roof replacement which tends to take a whole week, if not more. Of course, as with any roofing option, there are a few downsides when it comes to reroofing. 

What Reroofing Involves

Because your old shingles will not be removed, there is still a chance that your roof could experience leaks even with the new shingles placed overtop. This is why it is important to hire high-quality professional roofers to do the job for you. That way, you can rest easy knowing that your roof should remain in good shape for many years to come.

But what about the cost? Fortunately, another benefit of re-roofing is that it is quite a bit more affordable than a roof replacement. A roof replacement will often cost you several thousand dollars, if not tens of thousands. Reroofing, on the other hand, is much more manageable in terms of cost. 

Of course, reroofing your home will not give you the same kind of protection and durability that a complete roof replacement will provide. Reroofing is best if you need a quick fix and plan to get a complete roof replacement later down the line. However, if you have the money and you know that your current roof is getting quite old, it may be best to opt for a roof replacement in the first place. 

What Is a Roof Replacement?

What is a roof replacement exactly, you might ask, and how does it differ from the reroofing process? The first thing you should know is that replacing a roof, as the wording suggests, involves tearing out all of the old shingles that your roof currently has. Only the underlayment of the roof will remain as a blank slate. 

Then, your roofer will place new roof shingles over the top and your roof will be as good as new. You might be wondering why you should opt for a roof replacement rather than a reroofing. The main reason is that your current roof is too damaged and old to benefit from reroofing. 

Reroofing is only best for roofs that have not sustained much damage or are only damaged in small areas. If your roof is in need of a replacement, this means that it is far beyond any maintenance or repair and needs to be ripped out and replaced. The main benefit of a roof replacement is that it offers far more durability and longevity compared to a reroof.

However, there are some downsides when it comes to replacing your entire roof. For one, the process takes a long time compared to the reroofing process. Depending on your roofers and certain factors that might arise, the process will usually take longer than a week. 

This can be difficult to deal with, especially if you need a new roof right away. However, because the job is so extensive, there is not much of a way to shorten this period of time. Besides the time it takes to install the new roof, a roof replacement is also quite an expensive undertaking. 

The Details

The average cost of a new roof is around $8,000. However, the exact cost will depend on your location, what kind of shingles you choose, your choice of roofers, and so on. In some cases, you might need to spend more than ten thousand dollars while, in other cases, you might be able to score a more affordable option. 

Whatever the case, there are some instances in which getting a roof replacement is inevitable. After all, as mentioned before, roofs only last so long. Once a roof is nearing the edge of its lifespan, it will be more susceptible to all sorts of damage. 

For example, your roof may start to spring leaks, some of the shingles may start to come loose, the roof may start to suffer from water damage, and so on. All of these problems cannot be solved with reroofing but they can certainly be solved by replacing the roof. It is best to do this before the roof damage gets too bad, otherwise, the underlayment of the roof may become damaged and the replacement process may take even longer and be even more expensive than usual.

When to Determine Which Is the Better Approach

Now that you know the difference between reroofing and a brand new roof, you might be wondering which approach is better for your unique roofing situation. The first thing you should know is that you should always choose a good roofer no matter what choice you may settle upon. For example, Roof Life of Oregon is a great choice to make sure that your roof gets the high-quality treatment that it needs.

Such a service can even provide you with a roof inspection and a quote. It is important to have your roof inspected by a professional. That way, you will know for sure how damaged your roof is and what you should do about it. 

It is also important to choose a high-quality roofer because you can rest easy knowing that the job is in good hands. If you hire a roofer that doesn’t have much experience or isn’t very professional, you will find that the result will be mediocre at best, so make sure that you choose wisely.

When to Choose a Reroof

There are certain instances in which a reroof is a better choice than a complete replacement. For example, if your roof is generally still in good shape but is showing minor signs of damage, a reroof will be a very good option. This is also true if your roof only has a few spots of damage but is otherwise still quite new.

Choosing a reroof, in a way, is a way to maintain your roof so that you can extend its lifespan a few more years. Reroofing your house is also a good option if you need to fix a problem fast such as a weak point in the roof shingles. It is also a good choice if you are on a tight budget and don’t have the funds for a complete roof replacement. 

When to Choose a Replacement

Since a roof replacement is a much more invasive procedure, it is best if your roof is really at the end of its lifespan. If you find that your roof is starting to fall apart in several places and that annual maintenance can no longer do it any good, replacing the roof will be your best bet. 

Even though it is a more expensive and time-consuming option, it will certainly ensure that your roof will be in good shape for many years to come.

Reroofing vs Roof Replacement Cost

The reroofing vs roof replacement cost, procedure, and timeline are all important factors to consider when choosing between these two options. While they are both good options, one may be better than the other for your unique roofing situation. 

To learn more, get a quote here.

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