Considering Roof Overlays

When a building needs a new roof, it is best to determine the options available as quickly as possible in order to prevent any potential damage to the roof’s decking and underlying structure. However, tearing off the old shingles and replacing them with new shingles can be on the expensive side. Depending on the roof, owners may have the option to go with a roof overlay instead of a tear off. Before a decision is made, there are some factors that should be taken into consideration.

A roof overlay installed by a Toms River roofing contractor has a few advantages, especially when it comes to cost. By going with an overlay, owners do not have to pay for the labor of removing the original shingles. This is also a very quick solution to the problem as a simple overlay takes less time than a complete tear off. There are some disadvantages that owners should be aware of as well. These disadvantages can include a reduced estimated lifespan of the new shingles and additional weight on the building.

If the existing shingles, decking and other components are in very poor condition, a roof overlay should be avoided. This is because owners and roofers will not be able to keep an eye on the existing shingles to ensure that a collapse or major leaks are not imminent.

The experts at Fortified Roofing, Toms River roofers can answer your questions about new roofs or skylights.

Further, a weak roof may not be able to handle the extra weight of another layer of shingles.

If the existing roof and the roof components are in good condition, there are still a few other things that should be considered if the owner is leaning towards an overlay. Owners should be aware that some jurisdictions do not allow roof overlays. If the owner is not familiar with the local building codes, the roofing contractor should be able to help determine if an overlay is allowed. The amount of roof traffic should also be considered as walking on a roof that has more than one layer of shingles can be very damaging. Finally, some shingle types do not work well together. For example, if the roof was made using traditional three-tab shingles, adding a layer of architectural shingles is not recommended.

When a roof overlay is completed using quality materials and quality workmanship, the roof can very well last another 12 to 20 years. Regardless, building owners should feel comfortable asking questions and making sure that an overlay is the right option for the building. The roofing contractors at Fortified Roofing of Toms River NJ can answer your questions about new roofs or skylights.

Common roofing term explained by Fortified Roofing, Toms River roofers:

Decking

The roof decking is a flat piece of wood, concrete or cement that creates the foundation for underlayment and shingles. The shingles are nailed directly into the decking so that they are anchored to the building.

Toms River roofers from Fortified Roofing answer a question:

Can a metal roof be installed over existing shingles?

Any type of roofing materials can be peeled up by extremely high winds, especially during a severe weather event such as a tornado or hurricane. Metal roofing can be purchased that provides wind resistance, with a heavy-duty attachment system to provide additional structure and support. If you live in an extremely windy location, your professional roofer can recommend roofing materials that will be suitable for your home.

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