Roof Replacement

Table of Contents

• Re-roofing vs. Roof Replacement in Ottawa, what is right for me? 
• What Does Re-Roofing Involve?
• What is Involved in a Roof Replacement?
• How to Decide Between Re-Roofing and Fully Replacing the Roof

Re-roofing vs. Roof Replacement in Ottawa, what is right for me?

The roof is one of the most expensive expenditures you will make in your house, but it also provides the highest return on investment when done correctly. According to estimates, a new roof recoups more than 80% of its initial cost when resold. Meanwhile, more than 30% of real estate brokers attributed their fast sales to roof repairs. So, if your roof has to be replaced, don’t put it off.

However, the major issue is whether you should re-roof or replace the whole roof when it comes to repairing the roof. Let’s look at both to see which is the best choice for you.

 What Does Re-Roofing Involve?

Re-roofing is the fastest and least expensive method to restore the look of your roof.

During re-roofing, a new shingle overlay is installed over your old shingles to restore the appearance of your roof while also providing a protective covering to prevent leaks from entering your house.

If your roof has just one layer of shingles, you are a candidate for re-roofing. Otherwise, roofs with two layers of shingles are banned by building regulations from adding a third layer, necessitating a complete roof replacement.

The Pros of Re-Roofing

• Because re-roofing does not need a significant amount of time, labour, or materials, it is a less expensive way to fix your roof.
• Because re-roofing does not need replacing the whole roof, it is also the quickest method to repair your roof.

The Cons of Re-Roofing

• Many regions prohibit adding a third layer of shingles to a roof that already has two layers.
• Re-roofing may not last as long as replacing the roof entirely.
• Re-roofing is not advised if you have metal roofing.

Because you are not moving the old shingles, you have no way of knowing any damage beneath, such as decay or sagging, thus putting a new layer of shingles over the existing shingles would not solve any significant problems.

What is Involved in a Roof Replacement?

When your roof is completely rebuilt, the old shingles are removed, revealing the deck. The deck is covered with an underlayment or felt paper to protect it from water and other factors. The new shingles are then placed on the underlayment or felt paper to create a roof that will endure at least 20 years.

If the deck is badly damaged, it must be restored to avoid additional damage, leading to a hole below.

The Pros of Completely Replacing the Roof

• Completely rebuilding the roof outlasts re-roofing.
• It is possible regardless of how many layers of shingles are on the roof.
• Unlike re-roofing, which may cover any deck problems, such as decay, which may ultimately cause the roof to fail, a completely redesigned roof tackles all issues for a safer and sturdier roof.
• It saves money in the long run since it allows you to detect early indications of decay and sagging caused by water damage to the deck, which may ultimately allow water to seep and flow down inside the walls, damaging the drywall and flooring and necessitating expensive repairs.

More For You

• How Often Should You Replace Your Roof?

The Cons of Completely Replacing the Roof

• Completely upgrading the roof requires more materials, time, and work than re-roofing, making it a more expensive job.
• Roof Replacement and Re-Roofing Costs
• The cost of re-roofing depends on the materials used, the labour involved, the size of the project, and where you reside. If you need specialized equipment, such as roof jacks, this can increase the cost.

Your re-roofing prices will also be affected by the story and slope of your house. A two-story house with a high slope, for example, will require more work and time for the contractors to climb up and down the roof than a single-story building with a moderate slope. As a result, the lower the house’s slope, the cheaper the expenses, and vice versa.

The materials you choose for re-roofing will also have an impact on the cost. Asphalt shingles, for example, are simple to re-roof and reasonably priced. On the other hand, a metal roof is more expensive in terms of materials, and they often need specialized services, which add to the expense.

On the other hand, metal roofs are a more cost-effective option since they save more energy than conventional asphalt roofs. They also endure longer and are more robust than asphalt shingles, which are more susceptible to wind damage and falling debris, implying that they will need to be changed more often.

On the other hand, replacing the roof requires significant work to remove the old shingles, prepare the deck for the new installation, and install the new shingles, which is more expensive. However, prices vary based on where you reside, much with re-roofing.

Roofs with steep slopes or complicated designs will also cost more because specific needs, such as extra equipment and safety harnesses for employees to walk on the roof, are required. If your roof has significant water damage, the cost will be increased since you must fix it before putting it on the new roof.

The cost will also be influenced by the ease of access to the roof. For example, if getting the truck to the home is difficult, the supplies will have to be transported from the truck to the house, which would take more time and effort, increasing the cost.

If your house has extra features, such as skylights or a chimney, the contractors will have to work around them, raising the price. If the flashing around the skylights or chimney has to be repaired, the cost will be increased.

Some roofers may charge a fee to remove and dispose of outdated materials and waste.

 How to Decide Between Re-Roofing and Fully Replacing the Roof

If you are a homeowner with small problems or leaks that usually develop as the roof nears the end of its lifetime, but the roof is still in excellent condition, re-roofing may be for you.

If your roof has just one layer of asphalt shingles, you may be an excellent candidate for re-roofing. However, if just a part of the roof has to be fixed, you may not want to skip re-roofing since doing so may make the roof uneven in certain places, which will be visible.

On the other hand, if your deck has significant water damage, is sagging, or has significant mildew or mould development, it will need to be repaired, which would need a full roof replacement.

A complete roof makeover may also be a good choice for individuals who just want to know that their deck and shingles are in good shape. Once the old materials have been completely removed from your roof, the roofer will check for any indications of damage and fix any flaws for a robust roof that offers you peace of mind, rather than simply not knowing until it is too late, which is the risk you frequently face with re-roofing.

Finally, if money is an issue, re-roofing may still offer a great roof as long as there is no damage to the deck; nevertheless, the key is to choose quality roof shingles that can endure for ten years or more.

You may also try repairing the roof yourself to save money since roofers are familiar with the different building regulations and underlayment requirements and can guarantee that the roof is built according to standards. They are also authorized to get the necessary permissions. Many roofers also guarantee their work for up to ten years or more, which means you are protected if the roof leaks or fails, giving you peace of mind.