Homeowners facing a faulty or leaking roof have two general options: tearing off the existing roof and replacing it or re-coating the surface with a roof coating system. Understandably, if you’re one such homeowner, you’ll want to make the right choice to stop you from spending too much on the wrong solution. Here are the factors to consider when it’s time to fix your roof.
How Extensive Is Your Roofing Problem?
Sometimes, the home decides the solution for you. Depending on the material, a roof will show signs of general wear and tear around 15 to 20 years. When it’s getting close to that time, you should have your roof examined as a preventative measure. If the coating on your roof is the only issue, the job is simple.
Re-coating can prevent integrity issues that turn into problems only re-roofing can solve. If there are only small amounts of moisture penetrating the roof, re-coating could stop it and save you the time and cost of re-roofing. However, if there are structural compromises in your existing roof and there are signs of more issues (e.g. saturated insulation in the attic), then the course of action we’d recommend is removing the roof system and installing a new one.
It doesn’t matter what material is protecting your roof, either. Metal panels can also use a re-coating as they reach the end of their life expectancies; the manufacturer’s coating can become weaker over the years, allowing rust to form and compromising the roof’s integrity.
Work
Between the two options, re-roofing your home is the one that requires the most work. Roof re-coating doesn’t require any work as intensive as replacing your existing roof; roofers have to spray, coat, or brush the roof coating on top of the roof and wait for it to dry. It’s a job that we can perform in one afternoon.
Re-roofing can be a major project, taking three days (or more!) depending on the needs of your home. While there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, you can expect a lot more work.
Expense
Re-coating is the more cost-effective option of the two, and it’s a preventative measure against future costs: applying can help the roof resist water penetration, stopping damage to your home and what’s inside. Don’t balk at the expense of re-roofing, though, as it can come with savings of its own, too – energy, pest control, etc.
However, re-coating should never be used as a band-aid solution. Not only will you have to pay for the work, but you’ll only be making existing problems worse. Have a professional examine the roof when you notice something off – it could save you and your home a lot in the long run.
Remember, if you’re a homeowner with a roof near the end of its lifespan, there’s more than one option available to you. Re-coating the roof provides protection, and in some cases, can even be an aesthetic upgrade. However, re-roofing a home can be the best case if there’s a lot of damage that will only worsen. The right solution will give a homeowner protection from the elements and peace of mind – a home is only as good as the roof above it!
