Roofs Last Longer when Built from Scratch
Tearing off your old roof first and properly dispensing of the materials is a substantial part of the whole process. Though it is labor-intensive and time-consuming, it is necessary. Starting new and installing a roof with fresh materials is always the best strategy.
New shingles can't do their job if the first layer is peeling - they need a good foundation. They must lay flat without any mounds or depressions. Water also has a way of permeating shingles, despite how many layers there are. This is why the underlayment, or tar paper, is so vital in keeping moisture out. Additionally, a rubbery sheet called 'Ice-and-Water Shield' has been developed by manufacturers to protect against ice dams. Lastly, slapping a roof over a preexisting one adds a great deal of weight. Most homes can't handle the stress caused by a roof with double the load. Add the extra pounds of snow, or of someone walking up there and you'll have decking prone to cave-ins, and other serious safety issues.
Repairing leaks are the primary concern of most homeowners. The best way to determine the source or severity of a leak is to check your attic. Here the tongue and grove board needs to be replaced with new plywood.
As you can see, the boards are literally falling apart, exposing the tar paper. The second layer that was installed wasn't brought to the side of the dormer, leaving the layer underneath partially exposed and creating a potential leak in the roof.
The shingles here are able to be pulled up with ease. The flat roofing product that was installed is doing nothing to help at all.
We are also noticing a good amount of roofing tar put around potential leaking points, which is not something we want to see. Roofing tar will start cracking over time and creating more issues, as it is not meant to be exposed to direct sunlight.
When we put a roof on, we have a 50-year warranty on all of our shingles. This is in addition to a lifetime warranty on all of our work and installation, through IKO. The technology developed and implemented by professional contractors has come a long way since the days of the 'twenty-year shingle guarantee.' Nine out of ten times, a roof fails because of improper installation. Under no circumstances, should a new roof be installed over one that failed. Beginning from scratch will always be your best bet.
Unsure if your roof was patched over? Schedule a FREE ESTIMATE today and we will have someone come out and check!
