Roof Recover in Portland

If you have an asphalt shingle roof, there will inevitably come a time when it needs to be replaced. The reason is that asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of twenty to twenty-five years. After this time, the shingles will start to fall off or decay, which increases the risk that your roof could spring a leak, and which makes the roof—and your entire home—more vulnerable to the elements.

Fortunately, there are methods that can renew your roof and extend its lifespan for another twenty to twenty-five years. One method is a roof tear off and the other one is a roof recover. The roof tear off is self-explanatory; it’s when all the shingles and dilapidated roofing materials get torn off and replaced. A roof recover means that a new layer of shingles is placed over the existing shingles.

Both methods have their pros and cons, but one big pro for a roof recover is that it is significantly cheaper than a tear off. No matter which method you choose, Giron roofing will do a thorough and professional job. We guarantee that your new roof will keep your home and family safe and secure from anything Mother Nature can throw at them.

When is a Roof ReCover Viable?

A roof recover is not always a feasible option when it comes time to replace a roof. That is why you need to conduct an inspection to find out if a roof recover is an option that is available to you. If your existing roof meets the following criteria, then a roof recover is a viable option.

There is no Moisture Under the Current Roof: If there is a significant amount of moisture trapped under the existing roof system or in the insulation, then a roof recover is not an option. The excess moisture needs to be removed first, which would entail removing the current set of shingles, in which case a roof replacement would make more sense.

The same goes for wet insulation; if there is too much of it, then it needs to be replaced, making a tear off the more practical option. Professional roofing inspectors have various ways of detecting moisture under the roof, so give one a call before making a decision.

The Roof Only Has One Layer: If your house is not brand new, then there is a chance that the previous owner already installed a second layer of shingles. A roof recover is not an option if that is the case. The reason is that houses are only allowed to have two layers of asphalt shingles because of home building codes—anymore than that and the roof becomes too heavy, which jeopardizes everyone in the home.

The Roof Has No Structural Defects: If the roof is in good condition, then a roof recover is a viable option. However, if the roof has visible sagging, if it is uneven, or if it shows other signs of damage or wear and tear, then a roof recover cannot be done. The roof needs to be repaired, and the existing shingles need to be removed to do so.

The Existing Shingles Are in Good Condition: The existing shingles need to be flat and in good shape in order for a roof recover to be performed. If the shingles are curling, cracked, or otherwise damaged, then the new shingles will not fit cleanly onto the old ones. Any damaged shingles need to be removed and replaced.

The Roof Deck is in Good Condition: If there is any moisture in the roof or the insulation, then there is a chance that the roof deck is rusted. The decking needs to be replaced in that scenario, in which case a total roof replacement is the better option.

What Are the Advantages of a Roof ReCover?

Lower Expenses

A roof tear off requires labor costs that involve tearing off the old roof and replacing it with the new one. There are also transportation and disposal costs involved in getting rid of the old roofing material. Since there is nothing to dispose of with a roof recover, the overall cost is much lower.

Speedier Completion

Since less labor is involved, the recover project can be completed very quickly.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Roof Recover?

More Expensive In The Long Run

The roof will need to be replaced eventually no matter what, and when it does there will be two layers of shingles to remove, which requires additional costs.

The New Shingles Will Have a Shorter Lifespan

The extra layer of shingles causes more heat to build up which shortens the lifespan of the shingles. That is because the shingles expand in the heat and contract in the cold. So more heat means that they expand and contract even more, which increases their wear and tear and causes more damage over time.

Find Out If a Roof ReCover is Right For Your Home

A roof recover is faster and cheaper, but a roof tear off lasts longer. You should get a professional inspector to help you find out which one is right for you. One of the factors you should take into consideration is how long you plan to live in the house.

If it is less than the lifespan of the roof, then a roof recover could be the better option provided your roof meets the proper criteria. If you need help making a decision, or if you have already made a decision, then call Giron Roofing and we will get the job done right.