Why you want to avoid an overlay

When you are shopping around for your replacement roof, one option contractors may offer, trying to keep the price down, is an overlay install. While doing an overlay vs. a tear-off may seem like a good idea on paper there are many reasons why you should think twice before deciding to go this route with your new roof.

What does a contractor mean when they say overlay?

An overlay install is exactly what it sounds like. Rather than remove all the old roof, and starting with a freshly prepped and sealed deck, the roofing crew will install your new roof on top of the old materials.

Are there any benefits to this style of roof installation?

When it comes to overlay roofs, there is really only one benefit, and that is cost savings. You save on hours, because the crew doesn't have to spend the time removing the old roof, and you save on dumpster and debris removal fees.

Saving money sounds nice, what is the downside?

One of the first steps in getting a new roof is the inspection and for a good reason. Inspections help spot all issues with the roof deck, whether it be severe water damage or rot. Even with a thorough inspection, you can miss some trouble areas due to the construction of the home.  If you never remove the old roofing materials, you may never find growing issues with your deck's integrity. This means there could be water damage and rot that go without repair, and could eventually compromise your brand new roof!

Okay, so an overlay is a bad idea, what should I look for?

If you have decided on roof replacement then should only accept estimates that are for a complete tear-off of your existing roof. This means the crew will remove all the old materials and strip your deck down to its base. They can then conduct a full on-site inspection and repair any issues that currently exist in your roof's deck.

Tear the roof off that suckah!

The health of your roof's deck is vital to extending the life of the entire roof. Going with a tear-off instead of an overlay for your roofing project means that you know your roofs deck has been inspected and is ready for another 25+ years of protecting your home from severe weather.