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Tear Off Vs Layover: What Roof Installation Method Should You Use?

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If you need a new roof for your home, you're likely concerned about how much it is going to cost you. That can cause people to look into alternatives to a full tear-off roof, such as a layover roof. Here is what you need to know about these two roof installation options.

What Is The Difference Between A Layover Roof And A Tear-Off Roof?

A tear-off roof involves removing all of the old roofing material from your home, which exposes the roof deck underneath. The process involves removing everything and essentially starting from scratch. A Layover roof will keep the remaining roof on your home, but install a new layer of roofing material on top of it. It cannot be used in all situations, but it is a cheaper alternative to a tear-off roof. 

What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Layover Roof?

The main benefit of a tear-off roof is that you are going to have a completely new roof in the end. The existing roof deck will be exposed, so your roofing company will be able to make any repairs that are necessary. For example, if there was a roof leak, they'll be able to replace rotting plywood and replace it with new material. 

The additional expenses of a tear-off roof are the cost of the man-hours involved to remove the old roofing material and the proper disposal of it. This can add to the time required to install a tear-off roof, and make the total cost outside your budget.

A layover roof can only be installed if the roof deck is in good condition, and you are not replacing a roof due to roof damage that needs to be repaired. There are also building codes that state how many layers of roofing material you can have on a roof. If you've exceeded this due to already having two layers of shingles from a previous layover roof, then you may not be able to install the third layer and a tear-off roof is the only option. 

When Is A Layover Roof Best?

A layover roof may be beneficial when you are on a budget and cannot afford to spend more money on a new roof. You may also be looking to just get through the next few years before you plan to sell the home, and don't want to have the old roof removed at a higher cost because you won't be living in the home much longer.

If you're looking to replace your roof, contact a roof installation contractor near you today.


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