Over the years, no matter how well you take care of it, your roof will get old. At a certain point, you’ll have to decide whether to completely replace your roof or overlay roofing directly on top of your current one. 

It’s not an easy decision to make. Ford & Son Roofing Co. in Cincinnati, OH, has been in business since 1945 and has helped countless customers make this choice. They recommend asking yourself the following four questions if you’re trying to decide between an overlay and a replacement. 

Roof Overlay or Replacement? 4 Questions to Ask

1. Are You Experiencing Leaks?

If you have issues with water coming in, you likely have incurred some deeper structural damage. This must be addressed before adding a full roof replacement. An overlay may not fully fix the issue, so make sure your roofing contractor has done an assessment of your entire roof, decking included, before choosing an overlay or a full replacement.

2. What Works With Area Building Codes?

It’s important to learn about local building codes before going ahead with either of these choices. Some towns require  homes with two roofing systems in place to do a full replacement or tear off damaged portions instead off adding on. Your contractor will look into the municipal codes in your area to ensure they offer you only legal options.

3. How Much of Your Roof Needs Replacing?

A roofer will assess your home and offer insight into what percentage of your roof needs work. They will share whether the natural wear and tear is only shingle-deep and can be fixed with a roof overlay or if a full replacement is warranted to ensure your home is warm and dry. 

4. What Is Your Budget?

Choosing to do a roof overlay may be less expensive up front, as it requires fewer materials. However, there is a lot of manpower involved in preparing your current roof, so there will be high installation costs. Getting a full roof replacement may be more cost efficient in the long run because this ensures your entire roof is in good shape for years. Overlays, on the other hand, may only be temporary fixes in some instances and can lead to issues later on. 

No matter which option you choose, you’ll need to work with a top-notch roofer who knows what they’re doing. If you live in the Cincinnati area, call Ford & Son Roofing Co. at (513) 231-1600 for an estimate. Visit the website to learn about repairs and maintenance they offer for residential and commercial clients in the region.