Shingles, Nails, and Beyond

Re-roofing is a faster and less costly alternative to replacement when you need to restore your roof. This is expected considering the amount of time and cost that goes into tearing off an existing layer of shingles before replacement. Re-roofing involves adding a new layer of shingles over your existing roof. 

The process is quite straightforward, and you can look forward to the best results when you hire highly skilled and experienced roofers for your re-roofing project. However, before you can start, here is what to consider in assessing whether your roof is a good candidate and what to do in preparation for the roofing works.

1. Only One Layer of Shingles

You can only do re-roofing once. This adheres to building codes that prohibit installing a third layer of shingles on your roof. Remember that your roof structure can only support so much weight, and a third layer of shingles may be too much. Factor in debris and heavy snow, and the weight may be so great that your roof caves. If you have already re-roofed your building before, you have no option but to do a roof replacement the second time around.

2. Check the Condition of the Roof

A thorough roof inspection is necessary before you can start re-roofing. The roofers will inspect and assess whether the existing roof structure is strong and stable enough to support an additional layer of roof shingles. If damage to the underlayment or wooden frame underneath your roof is so severe that it is rotting or sagging, then you should consider a total roof replacement instead of re-roofing.

3. Undertake Minor Repairs

In some instances, the roof damage may be minimal, and you can go ahead with re-roofing after some minor repairs. It cannot be said enough that such damage is superficial and not the kind that compromises its structural integrity. 

You want your roof to be as flat as possible before re-roofing. To ensure this, your roofers can nail flat the curled shingles and the raised and buckled tabs. Not only is re-roofing easier to do if the existing roof is flat, but also, flattening out curled shingles helps prevent water ingress and the resulting water damage.

Get Started

If your roof is close to the end of its lifespan but still in pretty good condition, re-roofing is an option worth considering, provided you have only a single layer of shingles on the roof. You can transform your roof while saving money and time. Reach out to a roofing contractor to learn more.