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The roof over your head is easy to take for granted until it starts showing signs of wear and tear. An aging or damaged roof can leave you feeling exposed and worried about protecting your biggest investment – your home.
When this happens, you’ve got a big decision to make – should you go for a full roof replacement or restore the existing roof? This isn’t a choice to make lightly, as it will impact things like your home’s protection, curb appeal, and even its long-term value.
Though these options are not similar, most homeowners are not aware of the differences between these roofing services. Today, we will break down the differences between roof restoration and a full replacement.
By the end, you’ll be able to decide which option is the best fit for your home’s needs, your budget, and your future plans. Let’s get started with what both these terms mean.
What Is Roof Restoration?
Roof restoration, also known as roof recovery or roof rejuvenation, involves revitalizing your existing roof without completely tearing it off. This process lies somewhere between repairs and a full-fledged replacement.
Roofing restoration includes services like cleaning, repairing any damaged areas, and applying a protective coating over the existing roofing material.
If you want to know more about this process in detail, you can read our comprehensive roof restoration guide.
When Will a Roof Restoration Work Best?
Many of us are familiar with roof repairs and roof replacements, but as we discussed, restoration lies somewhere in the middle.
A roof restoration may be a viable option in the following cases:
Your Roof is Relatively Young:
No matter the material your roof has, it is expected to last for a certain period. If your roof is less than 15 years old and the underlying structure remains sound, then it’s often better to choose roofing restoration as this will add life to your existing material.
The roofers will inspect the decking, trusses, and framing to ensure they have years of life left in them. As long as the roof structure is checked out, they can focus their efforts on revitalizing the exterior roof cover through repairs and rejuvenation.
Minimal Damage:
A roof restoration is the perfect option to enhance your roof when the damage your roof has incurred is relatively minor. The team will assess and record issues like damaged or missing shingles, flashing leaks, and isolated areas of deterioration.
If these problems are the exception rather than the norm across your roof’s surface (i.e., there are only one or two missing shingles or there is a minor leak), restoration techniques can address them without digging a hole in your pocket.
Cost Savings:
One of the major differences between roof restoration vs. replacement. Compared to a total roof replacement, restoration demands fewer materials and less labor.
Since both materials and labor costs are reduced, this translates to lower upfront costs for you. The roofing company that you hire will present a detailed estimate, but you can generally expect to pay only a fraction of a new roof’s price tag with this repair-focused approach.
The Roof Restoration Process
Here’s a typical breakdown of the roof restoration process:
- Inspection: Just like most roofing services, restoration will begin with a thorough inspection of your roof. The roofer will identify any areas that need repair or replacement.
- Cleaning: The existing roof surface will be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, debris, or moss that could interfere with the restoration process.
- Repairs: After cleaning comes repairs. Any damaged or missing shingles, flashing, or other components will be repaired or replaced with newer materials.
- Protective Coating: A specialized roof coating or sealant may be applied to the existing roof to protect it from further weathering and extend its lifespan.
When is a Full Roof Replacement Necessary?
As we have seen in the previous section, roof restoration is a great alternative when you are looking for a minor, cost-effective solution to enhance the durability of your roof. However, a roof restoration is not viable every time. There are situations where a complete roof replacement is the better choice:
Your Roof Has Suffered Extensive Damage:
The extent of damage is the biggest factor that can drive you towards replacing your roof. For example, we all know how common storms are in the Gulf Coast. If your roof has sustained significant damage from storms, fire, or general age, restoration may not be sufficient to address all the issues.
There Are Concerns With The Decking/Internal Roof Structure:
If the underlying roof structure, such as the decking or trusses, is compromised, a full replacement is typically required to ensure the integrity of your roof.
Age of the Roof:
Most roofs have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. If your roof is approaching or exceeding this age, a replacement may be the wisest investment.
Your Roof Is Made Of Out-Dated Materials:
Older roofing materials may not meet modern energy efficiency standards, making replacement with newer, more efficient materials a better long-term choice. This will require removing the old materials and replacing them entirely.
The Roof Replacement Process
Here’s what you can expect during a full roof replacement:
- Removal: The existing roof, including the shingles, underlayment, and any damaged decking or structural elements, will be completely removed.
- Inspection: A thorough inspection of the roof structure will be conducted to identify any additional repairs or reinforcements needed.
- Underlayment: A new underlayment, such as felt paper or synthetic underlayment, will be installed to provide an additional layer of protection.
- New Roofing Material: The new roofing material of your choice, such as asphalt shingles, metal, or roofing tiles, will be installed according to manufacturer specifications and local building codes.
- Flashing and Ventilation: New flashing and ventilation systems will be installed to ensure proper water drainage and air circulation in your attic space.
Which Is The Best? Roof Restoration vs. Replacement
We hope that you now have a good idea about the differences between roofing restoration and replacement and can make a better decision. However, to summarize, we have listed some key factors that you need to consider as you decide what’s best.
- The age, extent of damage, and overall condition of your current roof will play a significant role in determining the best course of action.
- While restoration is generally less expensive upfront, a replacement may offer better long-term value and energy efficiency, potentially saving you money over time.
- If you’re looking to change the style or color of your roof, a replacement will allow for more design flexibility.
- If you plan to sell your home in the near future, a new roof may be more attractive to potential buyers and increase your property’s value.
Apart from all these considerations, contact a local roofing company in Mississippi to know which option is best for you.
The Expertise of Your Roofer Matters
No matter whether you choose roof restoration vs. replacement, what matters most is the expertise and experience of the roofing company you choose for your project. This is where our team at Renova Roofing & Construction can help.
At our company, we have a team of highly skilled and certified roofing professionals who can assess your roof’s condition, explain your options, and provide a detailed proposal for the recommended solution.
We offer both roof replacement and roof restoration services in the Gulf Coast. We understand that your roof is one of the most important components of your home, and we treat it that way. If you’re unsure about the condition of your roof or need guidance on the best course of action, don’t hesitate to contact us at (601) 647-3433 for a professional evaluation.