Your home's roofing system is one of the most important architectural features it possesses. The roof is responsible for regulating the transfer of heat and protecting your home against the elements.

If you need to replace your existing roof, your contractor will probably give you a couple of different options. One option is to install an overlay over your existing roof materials. The other option is to tear off the existing roof and replace it with a new one.

Here are three reasons why tearing off your old roof is a wise option.

1. Extend Roof Life 

A new roof is a significant financial investment. You want to ensure that the roof you have installed will last as long as possible.

A roofing overlay may not provide you with the same extended lifespan as a complete tear-off and replacement. Heat can become trapped between the existing roof and the overlay. This heat accelerates the deterioration of the new roofing materials.

By tearing off the old roof before installing a new one, you can maximize the lifespan of your roof.

2. Prevent Structural Issues

The frame and foundation on which your home is built can only withstand a certain amount of weight. If you exceed the maximum weight limit, you could start to experience structural problems with your home.

Roofing overlays have the potential to add a significant amount of weight to your home. The additional layer of roofing materials could result in a cracked foundation or bowed framing joists.

If you have your contractor tear off your old roof before installing any new roofing materials, you can prevent the structural issues that come with the added weight of an overlay.

3. Make Maintenance Easier

All roofing systems must be maintained in order to perform properly over time. A roofing overlay can make it much more difficult for a roofing contractor to perform routine maintenance tasks.

The materials underneath the exposed overlay can deteriorate, but the contractor will be unable to spot this deterioration during an inspection. As a result, significant damage could occur before the roof damage is uncovered.

Tearing off the old roof before installing a new one will make it much easier for your roofing contractor to conduct annual inspections and perform minor repairs on your roof over time.

Talk to your roofing contractor about the benefits of tearing off your old roofing materials before you install a new roof on your home.

For more info, contact a company like United Roofing & Restoration Inc.

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