New Roof vs. Overlay: What Are the Pros and Cons?

Your roof deserves a big round of applause. It has served your house well for years, protecting you and your loved ones from everything mother nature can throw against it. Without a functional roof, your home would’ve severely suffered from the damages caused by water, snow, hail, and strong winds. Now that your roof is at the end of its lifespan, you’re left with two choices. Will you hire roofers in Hyde Park, NY, and replace your existing roof with a new one, or will you opt for an overlay?

Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of having a new roof versus choosing an overlay.

New Roof: Explained

Before we start comparing the pros and cons of a new roof and an overlay, we must define them first. Our Hyde Park, NY, roofers will explain what a new roof is in this section in the most straightforward way possible.

A new roof sometimes called a tear-off, involves tearing off your existing roof and replacing it with a completely new one. It is the most common roof replacement option many homeowners choose because it allows them to enjoy a fresh new roof without worrying about the presence of their old, worn roof.

Pros of a New Roof

A Better Look at Your Roof

new roof permits roofers in Hyde Park, NY, to have a better look at your roof. Doing so allows them to spot any potential signs of disrepair that are often overlooked. These damages are often the symptoms of a deeper-rooted structural problem that either needs repair or total replacement.

Freedom to Choose New Roofing Materials

Opting for a new roof allows you to ditch your previous roofing materials in place of new ones. If you previously had asphalt shingles and prefer something more durable, you can choose wood shakes or ceramic tiles. The installation of a new roof offers you the privilege of this kind of transition.

A Roof That Ages Evenly

Since you’ve replaced your entire roofing system, everything will age evenly. From the foundation to the shingles, you don’t need to worry about some localized areas that need to be replaced while other parts are still functional.

Boost in Resale Value

New Roof vs. Overlay: What Are the Pros and Cons? - Hyde Park Roofing Pros

A new roof is guaranteed to increase your home’s resale value. So if you’re planning to put it on the market, you’ll have a much higher chance of selling your home at a more profitable price. And even if you’re not planning to sell your home, a new roof provides multiple long-term benefits that will make your stay worthwhile.

Cons of a New Roof

Costly Installation

Since you have to tear off your old roof, you’ll need to replace everything. Factors such as labor, material costs, and disposal fees constantly change, so there’s no telling what exact numbers would look like once the roofers in Hyde Park, NY, charge you at the end of the project.

Time-Consuming Installation

Installing a new roof usually takes longer to finish than an overlay. This means you might have to endure more prolonged living in a construction zone. And if you can’t deal with the disturbances a roof installation brings, you might need to spend extra and relocate for the time being.

Roof Overlay: Explained

On the other hand, an overlay involves installing a new roof over your existing roof. This means you get to keep your existing shingles with a new roof on top of it instead. Overlays should only be used for roofs that have not been previously overlaid.

Pros of an Overlay

A Cheap Alternative

Since you’re not overhauling your roofing system and simply installing another layer on top of it, you’ll encounter less expensive fees. Suppose the roofers in Hyde Park, NY, in charge of installing the overlay, did their job correctly. In that case, the shingle manufacturers will honor the old shingles’ warranty, even if a new batch of shingles is laid above them. This allows you to enjoy multiple warranties for the new and old shingles.

Relatively Shorter Construction Time

If you require a fresh roof as soon as possible, you will gain more value from an overlay. Installing an overlay requires a relatively shorter time than a new roof, eliminating the possibility of living on a noisy and busy construction site for an extended period.

Looks As Good as a New Roof

Experienced roofers in Hyde Park, NY, can easily install an overlay on your existing roof. With their expertise, they can make the overlay as excellent and long-lasting as a new roof for less time, cost, and hassle.

Cons of an Overlay

Extra Weight for the Supports

experienced roofers in Hyde Park, NY

Installing an overlay means putting another roof on top of the existing one. This will double the weight your home’s foundation is about to bear. If planned incorrectly, an overlay can damage your roof’s structural integrity.

It Might Not Always Look Good and Perform as New

If parts of your roofs suffer unevenly from wear and tear, there’s a chance that the overlay won’t look as good as expected. Additionally, the new shingles installed on top of the old ones may not last their entire lifespan since there may be some trapped heat between the extra layers. This is one of the reasons you should hire honest and reliable roofers in Hyde Park, NY, who can determine whether your roof is a good candidate for an overlay.

Roof Inspections Will Be More Challenging

Since you’re installing a roof on top of the old one, a roof inspector will find it more challenging to spot any signs of disrepair. They may find problems during an initial inspection, but they won’t find anything about the old roof layer once it has been overlaid.

You’ll Inevitably Need to Replace Two Roofs

Sooner or later, you’ll need a roof replacement. When you’ve had your roof overlaid, you’ll need to pay the price of replacing two roofs when that time comes. This means double the labor and debris to take care of.

Conclusion

Whether you want a new roof or an overlay, you will need the help of experienced roofers in Hyde Park, NY, who can take care of the project for you. They must be honest, reliable, and competent since they must tell you whether your roof can have an overlay. Here at the Hyde Park Roofing Pros, we can take care of roof replacement or overlay projects like a piece of cake. Contact us today and get a free quote for your desired roofing project!