Do you need help with roofing replacement? Do you feel that your house needs a roof repair?
Installing new roofing is undoubtedly one of the most crucial big home repairs. A new roof should not be taken lightly, nor should you put off making the necessary repairs.
A single shingle can be easily replaced or repaired, but if the damage is on the entire roof? In that case, it is a good idea to have your roof evaluated to know its condition. By doing this, you can take the right decisions about what to do.
Read on and learn the basics of the roofing replacement.
The Basic Roofing Materials
The location of your property and your personal preferences influence your decision regarding roof replacement possibilities.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the material. Each type of roofing material depends on the slope of the roof, its structure, the climatic conditions of the area, etc.
For example, wood shake shingles are ideal for steeper-sloped roofs. However, they are inappropriate for flat, low-sloped roofs.
The most frequently used residential roofing options include:
Wood shakes or shingles
Shingles are a somewhat expensive alternative but the result is beautiful. They are quite durable, but should not be used in areas where there is a risk of fire.
Asphalt composition shingles
Asphalt composition shingles are affordable and easy to find, but their uninteresting appearance makes them less attractive than alternative options. The most common type of roof is undoubtedly this.
Slate Roofing
This is one of the more elegant high-end roofing options, but it is expensive and heavy for the structure. Slate roofs are quite dangerous to walk on, and they are difficult to fix after damage.
Metal Roofing
Steel or aluminium-based metal roofs have recently gained popularity due to their durability and ability to resist fire.
It is an expensive option, especially since specialized professionals are needed for its installation. However, given their long lifespan, they could end up saving you money in the long run.
If you have a roof replacement project in mind, there are several types of metal roofing systems to choose from. Panels with raised seams and products that resemble composite shingles are two of the most common options.
Clay or ceramic tile
Spanish-style red tiles were a sensation for many years in southern California and Florida. These tiles are still prevalent but are rapidly being replaced by metal and composite materials that resemble Spanish tiles.
There are now alternative roofing materials that offer the same level of fire resistance as ceramic tiles. Best of all, they have significantly less weight on the roof.
It is usually available in the market under the name “half a barrel”. This is because it looks like a cylinder cut in half lengthwise. The length of the cylinder is approximately 16 inches.
Composition slate
They are tiles made from synthetic material (95% rubber remains). At present they represent a highly appreciated alternative.
Although they are much lighter and less prone to damage, they closely resemble slate and other types of stone tiles.
And the useful life of each material?
It is good that you keep in mind that the most expensive slate, copper and tile roofs last more than 50 years. Fibre cement shingles survive for almost 25 years.
Asphalt shingle composition roofing for approximately 20 years and wood shake roofing for approximately 30 years.
All this information is endorsed by the National Association of Home Builders.
And how about installing a roof over another, is it a good idea?
The truth is that this can have its pros and cons, keep reading and learn a little about it.
First Layer or Second Layer?
Previously, it was typical at least once, and occasionally twice, to lay a new layer of shingle roof over the old one. In some regions, the existing roof must now be completely torn off, therefore this roofing practice is no longer permitted.
Even in cases where layering is permitted, it is recommended carefully compare the benefits and drawbacks to do it. To add a new layer of shingles on top of the old one, consider the following:
Telegraphing
Another issue with covering up old shingles is that you may end up repeating any surface imperfections that may already be there.
There’s a strong probability that if you’re thinking about installing a new roof, you may have bubbles, bumps, and waves that need to be fixed. You risk having a really ugly new roof if you just add new shingles over old issues.
One strategy to reduce this issue is to inspect the old roof and make any necessary repairs before re-roofing.
A hammer, a few roofing nails, and a few shingles are all that are required to fix irregularities and gaps.
Work and waste reduction
The main benefit of layering is that it requires less effort. More labour is required when the old layer has to be removed before applying a new one.
Professional roofers can remove most roofs. Therefore time is not a problem for them if they take care of the project. However, there may be a compelling case for covering the existing roof if you’re doing the work yourself.
Weight
The main defence against adding more layers of asphalt shingles is the roofing materials. They can eventually become too heavy for the supporting structure of the roof.
Particularly in older homes, excess weight can cause structural problems. In many cases, three layers of asphalt shingles are equivalent to one layer of slate shingles, a very heavy material.
Manufacturer's warranties
To comply with warranty guidelines and limitations, several manufacturers require that warranty roofs be completely removed.
So before doing any work on your roof, first check your roof’s warranty requirements.
Maybe now you are wondering…
When is the best time to do a roof replacement?
Here I explain a little about it.
