New Roofing: Tear Off vs. Overlay

New Roofing: Tear Off vs. Overlay

by | Jul 29, 2016 | Roof Maintenance

Tear-Off vs. Overlay Roof: Which Is Best for My Home?

If your roof is starting to show signs of wear or old age, it may be time for a roof replacement. While that can be an expensive project, it’s an important one to get done sooner, rather than later — and it’s an important one to get done right. After all, your roof is one of the main components protecting your home and family. 

But what many homeowners don’t know is that there are two main methods of roof replacement: tear-off and overlay. Let’s take a look at tear-off vs. overlay roofs, discuss the difference between them, and determine what may make one choice more suitable for your home than the other. 

What’s the Difference Between Tear-Off vs. Overlay Roofs?

Let’s start by defining each roof replacement method. While their names are fairly self-explanatory, it’s important to know the details of each one before making a decision. 

  • Tear-off roofs are when a roofing contractor removes, or “tears off,” your existing roof, then installs an entirely new one. 
  • Overlay roofs are when a roofing contractor keeps your existing roof as-is, then places new roofing materials on top of it. 

Tear-Off vs. Overlay Roof: Which Is Best for My Home? 

So which is the better roof replacement option for your home? Well, it depends on a few factors. For example, you’ll want to take things like your project goals and budget into consideration. 

To help with your decision-making, let’s take a look at a few of the pros and cons of each method. 

Tear-Off Roofs — The Pros

The tear-off method is the most common roof replacement method — and for good reason. Some of the benefits of a tear-off roof include:

  • It’s a full replacement. When you opt for a tear-off roof, your new roof will be just that: new. Any roofing problems will be addressed and fixed, so the finished product will be perfect. 
  • You’ll enjoy better quality. Since your entire roof will be replaced, your roofing contractor will be able to repair high-risk areas. They may even install new flashing, ensuring your home is watertight for years to come. 
  • It will last longer. A tear-off roof will last longer than an overlay roof. This is mostly due to the fact that a new roof will trap less heat than one with multiple layers. 
  • It will add value to your home. Thinking of selling your home soon? A new tear-off roof is a great selling point and can add to your home’s resale value tremendously. 

Tear-Off Roofs — The Cons

The main disadvantage of a tear-off roof is that it’s the more expensive option. Due to higher labor costs, tear-off roofs can be priced as much as $1,000 more than their overlay counterparts. However, if your goal is to have a roof that you don’t have to worry about for the next few decades, the additional expense is well worth it. 

Overlay Roofs — The Pros

The overlay method is popular among homeowners who want an updated look but would like to stick to a tighter timeline or budget. They enjoy the following benefits of an overlay roof:

  • It’s more affordable. Simply adding another layer of shingles doesn’t require as much labor as it would take to remove them first. Therefore, labor costs are much lower for overlay roofs. 
  • It’s a faster turnaround. Since overlay roofs require less work, they can be completed in shorter timelines. This is great if you need a new roof immediately or want to avoid too much disruption to your regular lifestyle. 

Overlay Roofs – The Cons

While overlay roofs are more affordable and quicker to install, they do unfortunately come with their fair share of drawbacks. Here are a few things you’ll want to be aware of:

  • You can only overlay it once. It’s important to know that you can only choose this option if your home’s roof wasn’t overlaid previously. Your roof can’t sustain more than two layers of shingles. 
  • It won’t last as long. Shingles installed on top of other shingles generally won’t last as long. And when you’ll eventually have to replace them, you’ll have to invest the additional time and labor resources into removing two layers instead of just one. 
  • It adds weight. You’re literally adding another roof on top of your home. If your home is older or not structurally sound, this may put its integrity in jeopardy. 
  • It may not look as good. Since your existing roof has seen years of wear and tear, it probably isn’t level, and likely has shingles that are curling up or lifting. Some of those issues can’t be resolved by simply covering them up. 
  • It’s more difficult to track leaks. If your new roof develops a leak, it will be more difficult to figure out where it’s coming from with multiple roof layers. The water can even travel between layers, then poke through somewhere else — making patching a serious chore. 
  • It can negatively affect resale value. If you plan to sell your home anytime soon, an overlay roof can have a negative impact on your resale value. It would be better to opt for a brand new, tear-off solution. 

No matter which roofing option you choose, make Werner Roofing your first call! Before we do anything, we’ll visit your home for a free professional inspection and honest assessment. Then, we’ll get started installing the new roof you’ve been waiting for. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your home’s enhanced protection and curb appeal. For more information, give us a call at (616) 844-5382 or contact us online. 

roofing contractor

OUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION

How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roof’s current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roof’s condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: “We won’t recommend or sell a roof replacement unless it’s necessary.” 

SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION

Comparing Roofing Estimates: What to Compare and What to Ask

Comparing Roofing Estimates: What to Compare and What to Ask

by | Jun 29, 2016 | Roof Maintenance, Roof Repair, West Michigan Roofing Blog

Whether you’re facing roof repairs, replacements, or new installations, obtaining estimates from various roofing contractors is essential in making an informed decision. However, deciphering these estimates can be daunting, and it’s crucial to ask the right questions to fully understand what each proposal entails.

In this blog, we’ll show you the best questions to ask when comparing roofing estimates, equipping you with the knowledge to choose the most reliable and suitable roofing solution for your home.

What Should Be Included in a Roofing Estimate?

There are many ways to compare roofing estimates, but we’ll stick to four basic categories. If they are not included in your roofing estimate, you should keep looking until you find an adequate estimate that addresses the following issues.

1. Warranty: 

While most asphalt shingles come with a manufacturer’s warranty, you want a roofing contractor that stands behind their work, offering their own warranty covering installation and materials. A superior contractor will usually provide a guarantee similar in length to the shingles’ warranty (in most cases, 25 years). It’s also good to take into account the location of each contractor. The closer to you, the better, in case some repairs need to be tackled in the future. 

We explain roofing warranties in-depth in our blog, here.

2. Materials:

The materials section of your roofing estimate is reliant on an itemized estimate. If your roofing contractors don’t send you an itemized estimate, you should ask for one. This will give you a better idea of exactly where your money is going and to what. 

Most roofing contractors will include the shingles on the material list, but you’ll also want to ensure they have all supplementary materials, like sealants, additional plywood, and the felt that underlays your roofing shingles on the estimate. Not only does an itemized estimate give you a better idea of what you’ll be paying, but it also gives you an idea of what kind of quality you’ll be getting.

3. Labor: 

The labor section of your roofing estimate is critical. It’s a common misconception that the price of labor is likely to be the same across the board, a relatively fixed hourly wage, but this is not always the case. Most of the time, a contractor who charges more for labor has more skilled workers. Many people shy away from estimates with high labor costs, but typically higher wages mean more experienced laborers. And if you want a high-quality roof, you want skilled workers.

4. Incidentals:

In the incidentals portion of your roofing estimate, a contractor may attempt to hide certain fees. “Incidental” is the blanket industry term for cleanup and waste disposal services. If you don’t see a spot for incidentals on one or more of your estimates, you should ask a few questions.

What Questions Should Be Asked About Roofing Estimates?

Now that you know what you’re comparing, you probably have a better idea of who gave you the best roofing estimate for what you’re looking for. Before you put pen to paper, make sure you ask your potential top choice a few of these questions:

  • Which types of insurance do you have? 

The contractor you choose should have insurance in at least two forms. The first is workers’ compensation. That means that if any of their workers are injured while working on your roof, the contractor is responsible for paying those medical bills, not you. 

The second type of insurance is general liability. This protects you if something happens to your home while the contractors are working on your roof. Say a worker accidentally crashes through your roof – as long as the contractor has liability insurance, none of the repairs will come out of your pocket.

  • Are you licensed? 

Ask about their license and ask to see it. Ensure they’re licensed to work in your state and double-check that their license is current. Each state has different code requirements, so your roofer must be approved for the state in which you live.

  • How long have you been in the business? 

This is a good way to make a decision if you have two or three similar roofing estimates and you’re unsure of who to choose. Asking your roofer how long they’ve been in the business will give you some insight into the quality of work they do. Most roofing contractors who have been around for a while have proven themselves to customers time and time again and know how to put together a quality roof.

  • Will you obtain the proper permits? 

If your roofing contractor doesn’t say anything about obtaining a permit, you must ask. It should be included in the roofing estimate; if it isn’t, that’s a major red flag. You want the contractor to obtain the permit themselves, so the responsibility falls on them if they do a poor job. If you get the building permit, and your roofing contractor and his workers install a roof that isn’t up to code, you’ll pay all the fees and fines yourself.

  • Will you remove my old roof? 

You may have already addressed this before you even got to the estimate phase of choosing a contractor, but it’s too important to omit. You should ask your contractor if they’ll remove your old roof and how much it will cost. While it’s cheaper for them to re-roof on top of your old roof, that’s not always the best choice for the life of your home. A good contractor should tell you they can remove the old roof and start from scratch. 

Werner Roofing: Roofing Professionals You Can Trust

Once you’ve received your roofing estimate and asked these questions, you should be able to determine a good estimate from a bad one. Then you can decide which estimate and contractor suits your home, and you can hammer out the details from there. 

At Werner Roofing, we know how important this choice can be for you and your family. If you still have more questions, feel free to check out our other blogs about Choosing a Contractor or Determining the Cost of a New Roof.

If you have more questions about roofing estimates or are looking for an estimate for your home, call the experts at Werner Roofing. With more than 30 years of experience in the West Michigan area, we’d love to be your first choice in roofing! Give us a call at 616-844-5382 or request your free estimate online today!

How Energy Efficient Roofing can save you Money

How Energy Efficient Roofing can save you Money

by | Jun 1, 2016 | West Michigan Roofing Blog

The average American spends at least half of their regular utility bill on heating and cooling. Energy costs are one of our biggest payments, and most of us would like to do everything we can to save on those costly energy bills. Believe it or not, one of the biggest ways you lose energy is through your roof. If you’ve ever been up in your attic in the middle of the summer, you know that it can get pretty toasty up there. All of that heat that comes into the attic through the roof forces your air conditioner to work harder, and costs you considerably more in energy bills. If you’re looking to give your air conditioner and your wallet a break, an energy efficient roof is something you should be considering for long-term savings.

What do you need to know?

Before you go out and buy any roof that is labeled energy efficient, there are a few things to consider:

Reflectance – When you go out looking for an energy efficient roof material, make sure you ask about reflectance. Having a highly reflective roof material means that instead of absorbing heat, the material will bounce it off back into the environment, potentially reducing the surface temperature of your roof by as much as 30 percent. Lower surface temps means less heat is getting into your home, so the higher the reflectance the better.

Reflectance is generally measured on a scale from 0 to 1, where 1 represents the highest level of reflectivity. While you’re shopping, look at the options that feature a decimal point that leans closer to 1.

It is important to note that over time, your roof will become less reflective due to normal wear and tear, as well dirt buildup on the roof. Unfortunately, your roof is always exposed to the elements, however, most reflectance numbers take this deterioration into account and are based on performance after three years of service.

Emittance – While you’re out choosing an energy efficient roof, make sure you look for options with high emittance as well. A roof that is highly emissive means that instead of trapping and keeping the heat that your roof absorbs, it releases is back into the environment. Also measured on a 0 to 1 scale, 1 represents a higher ability to shed heat, rather than to retain it.

What are the benefits of energy efficient roofing?

You Save Money – The first, most obvious benefit is your energy savings. The less heat that your roof transmits into your home, the less that you’ll have to spend on cooling your home in the summer months. Those savings can run anywhere from 7% to 15%, which is a pretty big savings when you consider that you save that much on every energy bill you get, once you install the roof.

Extended Roof Life – Another great benefit to an energy efficient roof is that since it reflects and sheds heat, it’s less susceptible to damage from the sun. A lot of heat can damage roofs, especially asphalt roofs that degrade relatively quickly in sunlight. A roof that reflects and sheds that heat will last longer, meaning that you’ll have to replace or re-shingle your roof less often.

Increased Comfort – Even if you don’t use air conditioning, or if you only use it sparingly, an energy efficient roof can boost the comfort level of your living space. When heat isn’t reflected off of a roof, it gets trapped in the home, most specifically in the upper floors. That can make living and sleeping in those second floors practically unbearable when it’s very hot out. Since an energy efficient roof discourages heat from remaining in your home, you’ll have less of a chimney effect, meaning the entirety of your home will remain at a more comfortable temperature year-round.

Since energy costs are becoming so high, it’s getting easier and easier to find ENERGY STAR labeled roofs that boast massive energy efficient qualities in just about every material. Whether you want a metal roof, or would rather stay with a more classic asphalt option, there are energy efficient options out there for you.

If you’ve decided that an energy efficient roof might be right for your home, give the experts at Werner Roofing a call. We use Sheffield Metal Coolr® materials for metal roofs, and top of the line GAF shingles for asphalt roofs, guaranteeing that we can find you an energy efficient roof option that fits the look of your home, and saves you money on those utility bills. Give us a call today at 616-844-5382 or request your free roofing estimate online!

DIY Roofing: Essential Roofing Safety Tips

DIY Roofing: Essential Roofing Safety Tips

by | May 2, 2016 | Roof Maintenance, Roof Repair

Okay, so you’re handy. You live for home projects, and you scoff at the neighbor who hires someone for every repair. (Who needs someone else to clean the gutters anyway?) Now you’ve got a few roofing repairs to make, and while you don’t jump on the roof all that often, how hard could it really be?

Well, actually, it is a pretty demanding task, and if you don’t take the right safety precautions, it could be dangerous. We support your decision to DIY your roof repairs, but make sure you don’t hurt yourself, and take these 6 safety tips to heart. They’re simple, inexpensive, and will save you time, money, and maybe even your life. Here’s our top tips on how to repair your own roof safely:

Falling of Roof Gif

Clean
If you don’t want to end up like this guy, cleaning the roof before you start your project is a necessary evil. You might want to jump right into your project, but if you value your life, just hold on one second. Give the roof a quick sweep to clear it of debris and other safety hazards. Making sure the roof is debris-free will save you time and trips to the hospital.

Side note: Don’t get on your roof in the winter unless it’s absolutely necessary. As you saw in the gif above, it doesn’t end well.

Proper footwear
The absolute most essential part of safe DIY roofing is having appropriate footwear. You want steel-toed boots with a large tread; The steel toe will protect your feet in case you drop anything on them, and the tread will provide added traction, so you stay on the roof.

Ladder
The amount of ladder fails out there should be warning enough. You don’t want to be the next YouTube sensation because you decided your ladder would “probably be fine.” If you don’t have a sturdy ladder with good safety catches, you really should rethink your roofing project.

Once you do have the right ladder, make sure it’s set on stable ground. You can even it out with a piece of plywood if the ground beneath it isn’t level. Your ladder should extend about three feet beyond the top of the roof for optimal safety.

Harness
Roofs are steep, there’s no question about that. Odds are you’ll be at least 10 feet above the ground, and standing on a pitch. So it’s a good idea to invest in a harness if you’re going to be doing all of your own roof maintenance. You can pick one up at most hardware stores, they’re easy to set up, and they make your life a lot easier. If you’re completely against a harness, at least consider toeholds. A simple plank that temporarily attaches to your roof with brackets, it gives you a stable, flat place to stand while you’re getting your work done.

Weather
Don’t go on your roof in windy or rainy weather. It really is a terrible idea. Though it might sound like a common sense situation, sometimes people set aside a Saturday to work on their roof, and are committed to getting the project done on that day, regardless of the weather. You’ve got a busy schedule, sure, but this is one of those times you really do need to wait. It’s already dangerous to be up there at all, so you don’t want to add to that danger by going out in unsafe conditions. It’s also a good idea to wait to get up on the roof until after any morning dew has dried off.

Supervision
Make sure that whenever you’re up on the roof, you’ve got someone close by helping out. Even if they’re not helping, just making them aware of the fact that you’re on the roof is a good idea, in case of emergency. Remember those ladder fails we talked about? Well, the last thing you want is for your ladder to fall, leaving you stranded on the roof until someone realizes you’re gone. Having someone close by will make sure you stay safe, and it’s always nice to have someone hand you up extra nails, instead of having to get down and find them yourself.

Sound like a lot? Leave it to the pros. Give Werner Roofing a call at 616-844-5382 or contact us online for any of your roofing needs!

6 Most Common Flat Roofing Problems

6 Most Common Flat Roofing Problems

by | Mar 25, 2016 | Roof Repair

Whether you own a commercial building with a flat roof or your home has one, this unique type of roof often requires more work than other standard types of roofs. We’re here to explain the six most common flat roofing problems so you know what to expect. 

The 6 Most Common Flat Roofing Problems

Sure, flat roofs may be simpler to build, but they require a lot of regular maintenance, inspections, and upkeep to ensure everything is functioning properly. The most challenging part about having a flat roof is knowing whether you need to get it replaced or if you just need to do a few minor repairs.

For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of the top 6 most common flat roofing problems and how best to deal with them, depending on their severity.

1. Alligatoring 

One of the most prominent signs that your flat roof needs replacing is alligatoring. Alligatoring is when the asphalt used to build your flat roof has aged and lost elasticity, causing it to crack and bubble and resemble the skin of an alligator. 

Unfortunately, when alligatoring occurs, your flat roof has deteriorated past the point of no return and will need to be replaced. 

2. Leaks and Moisture

Leaks and lingering moisture are other common issues with flat roofs. If you’re proactive and deal with these roof issues right away, you might be able to avoid a total roof replacement. 

Yes, any roof can be susceptible to leaks, but the water doesn’t have anywhere to go with flat roofs. This results in moisture seeping through the roof itself, causing more problems down the line, such as mold and mildew. 

The best way to deal with a roof leak is to inspect your roof regularly and fix any issue that’s found in a timely manner. 

3. Buckling in the Membrane

Most asphalt flat roofs are constructed similarly to shingled roofs in that they are made up of a membrane soaked in asphalt and then laid across the top of the building to make the roof. Unlike shingled roofs, however, the membrane on a flat roof is all one piece.

This means that over time, as your house shifts and settles, so will your roof. Excessive movement can cause buckles in that asphalt roof membrane, which signals the end of your flat roof’s life. A buckling roof isn’t safe to live under and can cause major problems over time. 

If you discover buckling in your roof’s membrane, it’s best to repair it immediately. 

4. Pooling Water

When your roof is flat, there’s nowhere for precipitation to go when it rains or snows, and water can begin to pool. Most roofing materials are manufactured to hold up to water, but you should still drain these pools as soon as possible and check to ensure that water doesn’t seep into the lower layers of the roof.

If pooling is allowed to linger, it’s likely to deteriorate your roof’s exterior, shortening the flat roof’s lifetime.

5. Cracking

Flat roofs tend to have more pressure exerted on them since they are flat instead of slanted. Sometimes this pressure can build up, and if the pressure and stress become excessive, it can cause your roof to crack. If your roof does crack, you should call a professional immediately. 

Also, note that a roof crack can signify that your roof is structurally compromised and it’s time for a new one.

6. Flashing

Like most other materials, asphalt flat roofs tend to expand and contract with changing weather and temperatures. Over time, this continued expansion and contraction can cause the flashing to pull away from the edges and corners of your roof, leading to leaks and moisture that can get trapped inside your roof. 

The best way to avoid damaged roof flashing is to inspect and maintain your flat roof regularly. Once the leaks become significant, or if you have a lot of deterioration in the flashing, you’ll be forced to get a new roof.

Werner Roofing and Flat Roofs — Contact Us for Help!

If you have questions about the condition of your flat roof, or if you think it’s time to get it inspected, call the experts at Werner Roofing. With more than 20 years of experience i as professional roofers in West Michigan, we’ll be able to tell you exactly what’s going on and fix it in a timely fashion.

If you’re unsure what condition your flat roof is in or what might need to be repaired, you can request a free quote online or call us at (616) 844-5382 today!