If the idea of a full roof replacement fills you with dread, there is another option some homeowners consider: overlayment. It’s not always possible, but when done properly, it can extend the life of your roof by another few decades for a lower price. This roof replacement alternative, which can only be done with asphalt shingles, entails installing a new roof directly on top of your old one. Interested? Ford & Son Roofing in Cincinnati tells you what you need to know.

Here are a few factors you’ll need to take into consideration to determine if a roof overlayment is right for you:

• Your Decking Should Be in Great Condition: One of the risks of skipping a full roof replacement is you can’t find out what condition your decking and underlayment are in. The demolition process may be messy, but at least your roofer can then identify damage and complete any necessary roofing repairs. If you do overlay your roof, you should first be sure your decking is in great condition.

• Sometimes More Is Less: Extra shingles won’t make your roof any more protected. With that in mind, remember the main benefits of getting an overlayment are convenience and temporary cost effectiveness. Eventually, you (or the next homeowner) will need to remove your entire roof and get a replacement. The sheer weight of a second layer may also be an issue for your home’s infrastructure, especially in areas with heavy snowfall or hail.

• Extra Prep Work Is Necessary: Flashing, vents, chimneys, sidewalls, and other accessories on your roof will need to be accommodated for with special prep work and may even require replacing. Otherwise, the extra overlayment will compromise them. Additionally, when it does come time to do a full roof replacement, the two-layer tear-off job will be extra labor intensive—something home inspectors are aware of if you intend on selling.

Ultimately, what you’ll gain from a roof overlayment is reduced cost. If you’re interested in talking more about getting a partial or full roof replacement, you can reach Ford & Son Roofing at (513) 231-1600. More information about this family-owned roofing company can be found online.