Roofs, like anything else in life, need some TLC every now and again. With proper care, annual inspections and the odd patch here, you are doing your part to extend the roof’s life another couple of years.

But there comes a time when major work needs to be done.

Reroofing Vs Roof Replacement: What’s Better?

The two options for major roofing work are to either recover or replace. But how do you know which job your roof is going to need? That is of course where your reliable roofing services will come in, but let’s take a look at each option so you have an idea of what to expect.

Recover / Reroofing

Not everyone is familiar with roof recovering. This approach describes the installation of a new roofing system over top of an existing roof, and it can be a great alternative approach to roof replacement.

There are a few advantages to recovering, and a major one is cost. Without having to remove and dispose of an existing roof and its membrane, you will save money, labor, and materials that can stay out of the landfill. Recovering can be a quick job since the foundation is there and a new layer is simply being put on top.

Recovering has some drawbacks, too. At some point in time, you are going to need to replace your roof – unfortunately, you can’t just keep layering new roofs on ad infinitum as it will become too heavy and compromise the structure of the building. Recovering can also create more difficulty if you live in a city like Vancouver where heavy rains are expected. If there is a leak, it will be harder to track the source, and may cause more damage since water pooling can take longer to notice.

Replace

Replacing a roof can be a daunting job in terms of time and money. It is the more immediately expensive option of the two. There will be labour costs, hauling costs and material costs that will add up, as well as the inconvenience of having the job done if you are living in your home. However, the high and heavy short term investment will usually be the more prudent one in the long run since a replacement will last longer than a recover.

With a replacement, you also have the advantage of upgrading with new and modern materials that have come onto the market since the last roofing job. The materials will also come with an updated warranty that help ensure your safety and protect your investment.

The good news is this is not a decision you have to make on your own – we are here to help. If you notice any roofing problems or know that it is time to consider some major roofing work, give us a call for an assessment. We will present your options and help you weigh it out.

Like we said, there’s a lot to think about! Roof replacement vs. roof recovers can be decided through a thorough inspection and a look at near and long term costs. Give us a call at Taves Roofing, we’re happy to help!