What’s the Difference Between New Roof Installation and Re-Roofing?

Unveiling the Nuances of Roofing Solutions for Your Home

The roof over your home is more than just a structural component; it’s your home’s primary defense against the elements, a key factor in its energy efficiency, and a significant contributor to its curb appeal. When faced with the prospect of an aging or damaged roof, you, as a homeowner in Beaverton, often wonder about the best course of action: should you opt for a new roof installation or a re-roofing project? Understanding the distinct differences between these two options is crucial for making an informed decision that provides long-term protection and peace of mind. At Precision Roofing & Gutters, your trusted Beaverton roofing contractor, we’re here to shed light on these essential residential roofing services for roofing in Beaverton, ensuring you choose the ideal solution for your property.

Delving into Roofing Solutions: A Comprehensive Overview

When it comes to enhancing or restoring your home’s protective shield, the terms “new roof installation” and “re-roofing” are frequently used, often interchangeably. However, we know they represent distinctly different processes, each with its own set of advantages and considerations. As experienced roofers specializing in roofing in Beaverton, Precision Roofing & Gutters emphasizes the importance of understanding these distinctions.

New Roof Installation: A Fresh Start

A new roof installation, as the name suggests, involves the complete removal of all existing roofing materials, right down to the roof deck. This comprehensive approach allows us to perform a thorough inspection of the underlying structure for any signs of damage, rot, or deterioration. Once the deck is sound, a new underlayment is applied, followed by brand-new roofing materials, such as our American-made shingles from CertainTeed or Malarkey. This process is essentially building a new roof from the ground up on an existing structure. It’s often the preferred choice for homes with significant structural issues, widespread damage, or when a homeowner desires a complete aesthetic overhaul and long-term protection. This method provides the longest lifespan for your roof and offers the opportunity to upgrade to more durable roofing systems and enhance your home’s overall curb appeal.

Re-Roofing (Roof Over): An Overlay Solution

Re-roofing, also known as a “roof over,” involves installing new roofing material directly over your existing roof. This is typically only possible if your current roof has only one layer of shingles and the underlying structure is sound. The existing shingles act as a base for the new layer. While this can be a quicker and sometimes less disruptive option, it’s not always suitable. For example, if your existing roof has significant damage, soft spots, or multiple layers already, re-roofing is not a viable or advisable solution. At Precision Roofing & Gutters, we always perform a thorough inspection to determine if re-roofing is a safe and effective option for your home.

The Ramifications of Your Roofing Choice

The decision between a new roof installation and re-roofing carries significant implications for your home’s longevity, structural integrity, and future maintenance. As a leading roofing company in Washington County, Precision Roofing & Gutters guides homeowners through these critical considerations.

Advantages of New Roof Installation

Comprehensive Inspection:

With all old materials removed, our expert roofer can meticulously inspect the roof deck for hidden issues like rot, water damage, or structural deficiencies that re-roofing might conceal. This ensures a solid foundation for your new roof.

Longer Lifespan:

A complete roof replacement provides the longest possible lifespan for your roof, often backed by our amazing lifetime warranty. This translates to decades of worry-free protection.

Enhanced Performance:

New roof installations allow for the integration of the latest advancements in roofing technology, including improved ventilation, superior insulation, and more durable roofing materials designed to withstand the Pacific Northwest’s harsh weather conditions and prevent storm damage.

Increased Property Value:

A brand new roof is a significant selling point, adding considerable value and curb appeal to your home. Potential buyers appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a new, high-quality roofing system.

Better Warranty Coverage:

New roof installations typically come with more comprehensive warranties from both our roofing services and the material manufacturer, like CertainTeed’s excellent warranties, offering greater peace of mind.

Challenges and Considerations of Re-Roofing

• Hidden Issues Remain: The primary drawback of re-roofing is that it doesn’t address underlying structural problems or undetected water damage. These issues can worsen over time, leading to more extensive and costly repairs down the line.
• Added Weight: Adding a new layer of shingles increases the overall weight on your roof structure. While most roofs are designed to handle this, it’s a factor to consider, especially for older homes.
• Shorter Lifespan: While re-roofing can extend the life of your roof, it generally provides a shorter lifespan compared to a complete replacement.
• Aesthetic Impact: The added layer can sometimes create an uneven or “lumpy” appearance, especially if the underlying shingles are not perfectly flat.
• Limited to One Layer: Building codes often restrict re-roofing to a maximum of two layers of shingles. If your roof already has two layers, a new roof installation is your only option.

Making the Right Choice: Best Practices for Your Roofing Project

Choosing between a new roof installation and re-roofing requires careful consideration of various factors. Precision Roofing & Gutters, a dependable roofing contractor in Beaverton, offers expert roofing solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Factors to Consider:

• Age of Your Existing Roof: If your roof is nearing or past its expected lifespan (typically 20-25 years for asphalt shingles), a new roof installation is almost always the more prudent choice. If your roof hasn’t received replacement since before the year 2000, we strongly suggest replacement.
• Extent of Damage: If your roof has widespread damage, significant leaks, soft spots, or visible signs of rot, a re-roofing project simply won’t suffice. A complete replacement is necessary to address these structural roofing issues.
• Number of Existing Layers: Building codes in most areas, including Beaverton, limit the number of shingle layers to two. If your roof already has two layers, a new roof installation is your only compliant option.
• Budget: While re-roofing can initially seem less expensive, a new roof installation offers greater long-term value and avoids potential hidden costs associated with unaddressed underlying issues.
• Long-Term Goals: If you plan to stay in your home for many years, investing in a new roof installation provides superior long-term protection, durability, and peace of mind. If you’re planning to sell in the near future and your existing roof is in decent condition with only one layer, re-roofing might be a short-term solution to enhance curb appeal.
• Building Codes and Local Regulations: Our experienced roofing team at Precision Roofing & Gutters is well-versed in all local building codes and will ensure your roofing project is compliant, whether it’s a roof replacement or roof installation.

The Precision Roofing & Gutters Process:

Free Inspection:

Our process begins with a complimentary roof inspection. Our expert roofer will meticulously assess your current roof’s condition, identifying any damage, structural issues, and determining the number of existing layers. This detailed inspection allows us to provide an accurate estimate and recommend the best course of action.

Detailed Recommendation:

Based on our inspection, we will provide a clear, honest recommendation, explaining whether a new roof installation or re-roofing is appropriate for your home. We’ll outline the scope of work, the types of quality materials we use (including American-made shingles from CertainTeed and Malarkey Roofing Products), and the timeline for your roofing project.

Quality Materials:

At Precision Roofing & Gutters, we are committed to using certified “Made in America” locally sourced roofing materials that meet our stringent quality standards. We proudly partner with CertainTeed and Malarkey Roofing Products, offering durable asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, Designer Shingles, Laminated Architectural Shingles, and 3-Tab Shingles designed to withstand the Pacific Northwest climate. We also offer Malarkey’s innovative Envirogen roofing product, designed from reclaimed plastic and solar reflective roofing granules for those seeking sustainable options.

Expert Craftsmanship:

Our work from our experienced roofers lives up to our name: Precision. Whether it’s a new roof installation or a re-roofing project, our dedication to outstanding craftsmanship ensures a durable and beautiful result that provides long-term protection for your home. Our precise method of roof replacement and installation involves the removal of the old roof materials, inspecting for deterioration and dry rot, and installing new synthetic felts and brand new, locally manufactured shingles that can withstand the many elements we see in the Pacific Northwest.

Lifetime Warranty:

We back our high-quality, American-made products and our beautiful craftsmanship with an amazing lifetime warranty, giving you unparalleled peace of mind.

Investing in Your Home’s Future with Precision

Investing in your Beaverton home’s future means smart roofing. While re-roofing offers a quicker fix, new roof installation provides robust, long-lasting protection. At Precision Roofing & Gutters, we deliver expert roofing solutions and peace of mind. Since 2010, we’ve installed, repaired, and replaced residential roofs in Beaverton, building a reputation for dependability, exceptional customer service, and beautiful craftsmanship. Don’t let Beaverton’s rain harm your roof. Get a free inspection from Precision Roofing & Gutters today for precise roofing in Beaverton. We’re here to help with all your residential roofing needs.