New Roof Vs Reroofing: What Should You Go With?

There’s no doubt that many homeowners will want to put off roofing installation as long as possible. After all, this type of home renovation is among the biggest investments you’ll have to make as a homeowner!

Luckily, reroofing a house can be a great alternative that comes in at a much lower cost. There are just a few things you’ll have to consider beforehand to determine if it’s right for your home.

If your roof is showing signs of wear and tear and you think it might be time for major maintenance, reach out to the professionals at Best Roofing in Los Angeles who can help!

When Is It Time for New Roof Installation?

As a homeowner, you’ll be relieved to know that not every issue with your roof requires new roof installation. In fact, there are a number of things that may only require roof repair or reroofing.

However, it’s probably a sign the time is near if you’ve noticed the following:

Your Roof’s Age

A slate roof can endure for up to 100 years while a shingle roof can last for 15-20 years if it’s maintained. So, if your roof is beginning to near the end of its lifespan, there’s a good chance it may be time for a redo.

Damaged Shingles or Granule Loss

A damaged shingle or two is the kind of localized repair that can often be fixed. But if you have damaged or curling shingles that have let water in or they’ve lost a lot of granules, they won’t be able to protect your roof’s structure anymore.

A ‘Green’ Roof

The presence of moss is another thing that can be fixed if it’s not allowed to stick around too long. However, if moss has been making a home of your roof for a while and has spread, it means moisture has probably permeated your roof’s structure. This can lead to the presence of rot or mold that requires more than minor repair.

Dark Streaks

The appearance of dark streaks on your roof may be unsightly, but many homeowners may not be aware of what this is. In fact, dark streaks are comprised of algae that is spread by the wind or animals. It tends to feed off the limestone that is present in shingles, creating streaks. While this ailment can be fixed if it’s dealt with quickly, it may require roof replacement if it’s sat on for too long.

What Is Reroofing?

For the homeowner that isn’t quite ready to invest in a new roof installation, reroofing can be an option. It means less time and labor expense, which can save you money in the short term.

The process of reroofing involves installing a new set of shingles over existing shingles and can be the best choice if you only want to fix a section of your roof.

However, it’s important to know what qualifies your roof for this type of repair before you move forward.

Your roof structure must be in good condition to ensure that reroofing over existing shingles will keep your home protected.

It’s also important to be aware that it will not work for your home if you’ve previously reroofed. Adding more than two layers onto a roof can put too much weight on it and may compromise its integrity.

What is the Cost of Reroofing a House vs Replacement?

It’s important to determine if reroofing might work well for you since the cost of new roof installation can be high. Fortunately, our handy guide can give you a sense of how much each option will set you back so you can get started.

Roofing Materials

The cost of materials for your roof will depend on what type of roof you choose. While asphalt shingles are cost effective and may be around $100 per square foot, slate can go from $800-1800. If you’re reroofing, you may only need a small section of roof covered which can cost a lot less. If you want to learn more about different roof types, check out our article “The Ultimate Guide to Different Roof Types”

Installation Labor

Roofing materials may set you back a pretty penny, but labor is the other cost associated with any roofing work. Roof repairs and labor will also depend on the materials you choose. While a standard repair for shingle roofs will be between $300-1000, repairs for a tile roof can go from $700-2500.

Your Home’s Size

Another important consideration when it comes to determining your roof replacement or adequate reroofing cost is your home’s size. For reroofing, it may not make a lot of difference since you may only be doing a small section. Roofers will generally charge by the foot, and materials will also be more expensive, so a larger roof replacement will set you back a lot more.

Additional Home Features

The slope of your home can also have a lot to do with how much your roof installation will cost. It will take more labor and caution to get up and down to do roofing work if it’s deeply sloped. Features like a chimney and skylights will also have an impact. Roofing contractors will need to work around these features, and may even need to remove them, so any disposal or repairs will be added to the overall cost.

Equipment

Roof replacement is a big job, and that means that – depending on the design of your roof – some special equipment may be required. While safety harnesses are a must for this type of work, you may also need to shell out more for other devices based on your roof’s complexity.

Choose An Experienced Contractor for Your New Roof Installation!

For a roof that is in good condition, reroofing can be a great option that requires less time and money. Unfortunately, if you’re dealing with a sagging roof or underlying structural issues, this fix won’t do the trick.

In this case, a new roof installation can end up being more cost effective than a multitude of repairs down the road. While a new roof is a big investment, how much it will cost depends on several factors including your roofing material, your home’s size, and any additional roof features.

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of reroofing vs roof replacement, reach out to the professionals at Best Roofing today by calling at (818) 873-0748 to get a quote.