If your home's roof is looking worn or has sprung a few leaks, you need to take action. Sadly, the cost of a new roof may give you pause. It is one of the most expensive home repair costs, causing some people to put off fixing their roofs despite risking serious damage. Fortunately, some homeowners have another option: Re-roofing. Although re-roofing is not for everyone, it is worth exploring for some homeowners.

What is Re-roofing?

Re-roofing means having a new layer of shingles put on top of an existing layer of shingles instead of stripping the roof and starting over. This process is faster and much less expensive than stripping the old shingles and applying new ones. The new layer of shingles protects your home from leaks and improves its appearance.

You may wonder why anyone would get a new roof if re-roofing is so convenient and affordable. Be warned that not all roofs are candidates for re-roofing. Most experts say you should only re-roof once, meaning that two layers of shingles are the limit. Some people will lay up to three or four layers, which is not recommended and may violate your community's property codes. Too many shingle layers do not protect your home, and they are unsightly as well. If your home has been re-roofed before, roof replacement is the best choice.

Why Re-roof?

Your roof will need attention at some point. After all, shingles do not last forever. After several decades, they may need to be replaced. Your roof may need work sooner if it is damaged by storms, falling tree limbs, etc. Ignoring possible roof issues can lead to serious problems such as rot under the shingles, problems with water damming, and gutter issues. Poor roof drainage can even cause your home to have foundation problems.

You can protect your home and save money by re-roofing before your home develops serious problems such as leaks and wood decay. If your roof deteriorates too much, roof replacement will be your only option.

If you are planning to put your home on the market, re-roofing may help make the sale. Buyers are notoriously picky about the state of a house's roof, with good reason. They fear a future major expense. Even if your roof is not leaking, worn-looking shingles or an older roof may give buyers pause. Investing in re-roofing will improve your home's visual appeal and help prevent problems for the next decade or so.

If your home is a candidate for re-roofing, you should consider hiring a quality roofer to do the job.

Other Roof Maintenance Steps 

Shingles are not the only aspect of roofs that need maintenance. Your gutters can cause many problems if they are not well maintained. If they become clogged, the water can back up on the roof and cause wood decay and leaks. A leak can ruin your ceiling tiles and cause interior wall and flooring issues.

Leaky gutters can also cause water to pool around your foundation and cause water damage in your basement. Your foundation may also shift, creating cracks and making your entire home unstable.

In addition, you need to keep your roof flashing in good condition. Flashing is those thin strips of metal roofers install on certain areas of your roof to direct water away from roof features such as chimneys, skylights, and vents. These areas are more vulnerable to leaks. The flashing sends the water back onto the shingles where it can safely run into the gutters.  

You also need to remove branches or other debris on your roof to prevent drainage issues. Often you will notice these items after a storm. They can cause water to pool on your roof and damage the shingles and wood. Ultimately, you may get roof sags that can only be corrected by roof replacement.

Re-roof Now

If your roof has some age on it, call a roofer for a consultation. Depending on the condition of your roof, its pitch, and other factors, you may be able to re-roof it instead of having it replaced. Re-roofing now can save you from a much more expensive replacement in a few years.

After a quality re-roofing, your home should be protected for years to come. It will also give your home more curb appeal while it gives you peace of mind. Again, only an experienced contractor can determine if re-roofing is a good option for you. In some instances, a roof replacement is the best choice to prevent damage to your home.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Maximum Roofing