Many homeowners will be faced with whether to re-roof or replace their roof when there is an issue. As one of the most important parts of your home, there are many factors to consider when deciding which project would be best for you and your situation. The cost, the time it takes, and even the quality of materials can be major factors in this decision. We have a full breakdown of what’s best for you!

Re-Roofing Explained

When you are looking for a way to restore your roof in a cost-effective way quickly, re-roofing is often the best route to choose. Re-roofing means that only the shingles are replaced, not the underlying plywood. During the process, a new shingle overlay is placed over the old ones, helping to restore the look and provide extra protection. However, you can only be a candidate for re-roofing if your home only has one layer of shingles on its roof. 

Roof Replacement Explained

Your old shingles will be taken off and replaced by brand new ones for a roof replacement. Provided the deck underneath is not damaged and good to go, your new shingles will be placed on top of the underlayment or felt paper — all while keeping the elements and weather resistance in mind. If your roof has more than one layer of shingles, this will most likely be your best option. 

Pros and Cons

Still unsure of which option is best for you? We’ll break it down even further: 

Pros of re-roofing: 

• Re-roofing is a less expensive option than replacing the entire roof.
• It also has the added benefit of keeping more of your original material in place.
• Typically done faster. 

Cons of re-roofing: 

• If you have more than one layer of shingles, you cannot choose this option. 
• It is not recommended for metal roofing. 
• Any major underlying issues might not get fixed since you are just placing new shingles over the existing material rather than stripping it completely. 

Pros of roof replacements: 

• It lasts longer since you are completely replacing the roof. 
• No matter how many layers of shingles you have, it can be done. 
• Addresses all potential problems for your roof, such as rot or leaks. 

Cons of roof replacements:

• It tends to lean more on the expensive side. 
• It can be a long project, as extra time, materials, and labor is needed. 
• It is more of a seasonal project because of the length of time to complete. 

And for whichever option you choose, JM Roofing and Siding is here to help! 

Need a New Roof This Year? Contact JM Roofing and Siding

At JM Roofing and Siding, we can service a wide variety of roof types, including all types of shingles, cedar shake roofs, flat roofs and copper roofs. We rely on premium products from respected brands like GAF and CertainTeed. Contact us or request a free estimate on our website.