Choosing Your Options When Your Home Needs Reroofing

Reroofing a home can mean tearing off the old roof and installing a new one from the roof rafters up, but there are many other options for covering over or otherwise addressing an old and damaged roof. Understanding your options can mean not overspending on a new roof when it's not necessary, and ensuring you choose a new option that will last for many years to come. While your roofing contractor might cover some of these options with you, note a few factors to consider so you know your choices for a reroofing for your home.

Metal

A metal roof has the advantage of allowing you to cut and fit pieces right over your existing roof. This can mean less work and cost of a roof tear-off. The metal can also be bent and folded over corners of the roof so it provides better insulation. You can also usually find recycled metal to use, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Tar

A tar roof is applied to the roof with a type of mop; the tar becomes thick and hardened once applied, and seeps into corners and crevices of your current roof. This provides a watertight finish for an old and damaged roof. The tar can also be applied in layers so that you can add thickness around areas of water leaks or damage, for added protection.

Foam roofing

A foam roof is applied with a type of spray gun or pressurised hose; the foam is blown over the roof and it also becomes hardened and solid. Like tar, it seeps into cracks and crevices so you can have a watertight finish to your roof without pulling off old tiles or shingles. It's also very lightweight so it's good for older homes where the wood frame may be weak and unable to support a heavier choice such as asphalt shingles.

Shingles

When reroofing a home, you don't always need to tear off the old shingles in order to install new ones. Old shingles can actually be applied right over old shingles; new shingles might be put over the gaps of old shingles for added insulation and covering. This gives your roof more strength against leaks and tears to the flashing or roofing paper. It's good to note the strength of your home's frame as an added layer of tiles can be very heavy, but if the home can withstand this weight, this can be a very affordable and convenient choice for reroofing.


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