What is an Overlay Roof?

An overlay roof, or the act of overlaying a roof, is when your roofer puts a second set of shingles directly on top of your existing roof. While this isn’t the most common method of roofing, it does happen, especially when homeowners are hoping to save a bit of money on their overall roofing costs. 

It’s good to know that if you are considering an overlay roof, this has to be the first time that’s been done on your home. A roof’s structure can only support two layers of shingles. If your home’s roof has already been overlayed, this won’t be an option for you. 

How Long Will an Overlay Roof Last?

A traditional asphalt roof has a lifespan of anywhere from 12-20 years. While there are more high-end products that can last longer, this is the average. 

An overlay roof will have a shorter lifespan than the average asphalt roof. 

Since an overlay roof is made up of two layers of shingles, it traps much more heat and is prone to issues that can occur between the two layers. For example, if your home frequently builds up ice dams in the winter, it’s possible that those ice dams could form between the two layers of the roof, causing serious leaks and water damage over time. With the potential for these issues, an overlay roof tends to have a shorter lifespan than the first layer roof.

Is it Cheaper to Overlay a Roof?

Yes. And in fact, that’s the primary reason a homeowner opts for an overlay roof. Since an overlay roof is just put on top of the existing roof, your roofer’s crew doesn’t have to tear off your existing shingles, redeck the roof, or do as much cleanup. This shortens the time it takes to install the roof and saves you a bit of money on labor. 

Is An Overlay Roof a Bad Idea?

An overlay roof isn’t the best choice, and it’s certainly not the right option for everyone, but there are some situations where it might make sense. For example, if your existing roof is in great condition, there’s no structural damage, and you don’t have any leaks, you might be a candidate for an overlay roof. 

That said, an overlay roof tends to cost about the same amount in the long run, as a tear-off roofing job. This is because the tear-off roof won’t require as much maintenance, and will last longer. 

Can You Overlay a Metal Roof?

Yes. In fact, if you’re serious about overlaying your asphalt roof, rather than tearing off your existing roof before replacing it, a metal roof is often a better choice. Since metal is so lightweight, you don’t run as much risk putting too great of a load on your roof system. If your state’s building code allows for roof overlays, your roofer can install a metal roof on top of your existing asphalt roof. 

Is There Anything Else I Should Know About Overlaying a Roof?

While it is possible to overlay a roof, it’s good to understand all of the risks that go along with this process. The safest, most durable way to install an asphalt roof is to tear off the old shingles and then put new ones on. It’s important to know that your overlay roof:

• May Present Long-Term Problems – Since you’re not tearing off the old roof, your roofer can’t check for any issues happening under it. Putting another roof on top of the old one makes it harder to detect and fix any problems in the future.
• Could Affect Your Reale Value – Homebuyers don’t want to see an overlay roof, because most of the time that means they’ll have to replace it. 
• Is More Difficult to Replace – Once you’ve got two sets of shingles on your roof, your replacement cost seriously increases. The next time your roof needs to be replaced, your roofer will have to tear off both sets of shingles, which will cost extra in labor.
• Could Negatively Impact Curb Appeal – You’re putting a new roof on top of an old roof, but that doesn’t mean you’re fixing any problems. If your existing roof had settled and sags in some areas, those are likely to show through in the new roof, too.

In the long run, an overlay roof is likely to cost more than a complete tear-off and re-roof installation project. That said, an overlay roof will save you money upfront, and can be done more quickly if you’re on a time crunch. For more information on the pros and cons of an overlay roof, be sure to check out our post on Tear Off vs. Overlay Roofing. 

Still not sure if an overlay roof is the right choice for your home? That’s okay! Werner Roofing is here to help. We’d be happy to come out and inspect your existing roof to see if you might qualify for an overlay roof. Contact us at 616-844-5382 or request a free, no-obligation quote online today!

Let’s look at a few different situations:

Replacing a Few Shingles

If you lost a few shingles here and there after a storm, you probably don’t have all that much to worry about. It’s important that you have a professional come take a look as soon as possible, but generally, a few missing, curled, or torn shingles aren’t a huge cause for concern.

Your roofer will be able to tell you how much damage, if any, was done to the underlayment or decking of the roof, and, so long as the underlayment and decking are in good shape, they can slip in a few new shingles where the old ones disappeared. This is why it’s so critical that you talk to your roofer soon. The longer your roof has missing shingles, the more damage that can be done to the underlayment of the roof. And once that’s damaged, you’re looking at a much larger repair.

Know that it is difficult to match the color and shade of a roof when just patching shingles, especially if your roof is more than a couple of years old. You might notice the patched shingles, but if they extend the life of your roof for 10-15 more years, a little patch isn’t a big deal.

Patching Damaged Areas of Your Roof

Let’s say that instead of losing a few shingles, you have a lot of damage concentrated to just one or two small areas. If the damage covers less than half of your roof, you’re probably wondering if you can just patch the damage.

As always, we recommend you talk to your local roofer first. What might look like a small patch job on the outside could be more serious once your roofer gets up there to make a close examination. Your roofer will look to see if there’s any water damage to the underlayment or seeping into your attic.

If there’s no serious water damage, you might be able to get your roof patched. Remember that it’s tough to match roof color, especially if your existing shingles have already seen a bit of weathering. You may not get an exact match, so the patch could be noticeable. But, if it will save you money and keep your roof in top shape, patching might be the way to go for you.

What if Half My Roof is Damaged?

If half or more than half of your roof is damaged, it’s typically in your best interest to re-roof the entire home.

First of all, reroofing just half of a home can pose some problems, namely that the two halves of the roof will be different ages. This will make roof repair difficult in the future, as it’s much harder to roof just half of a home than it is to roof an entire home.

It will be even harder to match the two sides of a roof for a half-roof repair, and it’s difficult to figure out how to get both halves of the roof back on the same schedule if you plan on selling the home to new owners.

In most cases, we recommend that homeowners just go for a full re-roofing if about half of the roof is facing damage. That said, there are a few cost-saving options if you’re afraid your budget won’t support an entirely new roof. Check out our blog on Tear-Off vs. Overlay roofing for more information there.

My Insurance is Only Covering Part of Roof Repair

If your insurance is only covering a partial roof repair, you might feel at an impasse. It’s hard to decide what to do when your roofer says you need a completely new roof, but your insurance will only cover a partial repair.

One suggestion is to have your roofer and your insurance adjuster chat. If your roofer says it’s a poor choice to repair only part of the roof, they may be able to explain to the adjuster what the issue is.

Another option is to use the insurance money to cover what you can and repair the rest out of pocket. While this might not sound like a great option, repairing your entire roof is a much better choice for the overall health of your home. Typically insurance won’t cover the cost of a new roof due to regular wear and tear anyway, so using their coverage for part of your full roof repair will save you money in the long run.

What’s the Cost Analysis of Repairing Just Part of a Roof?

Many people opt for a partial roof repair job because they assume it will be cheaper. In fact, it will usually cost you more money, cost-per-square-foot, to repair just half of your roof rather than the entire thing.

This is because you still have to pay to get a roofing crew and all of their materials and equipment out to your site. While repairing half a roof is quicker and will take less material, you’re paying more than you would for transportation and labor than you would if you just had the entire roof done at once.

In the end, if your roof needs just a few shingles replaced or a few minor patches made, you can get a roofer to make those small repairs for you. But, if you need anything more than half of your roof repaired, it’s in your best interest to simply re-roof your entire home. Re-roofing the home will offer you the best in quality, performance, and color consistency, and it’s also the more cost-effective option.

Still not sure how much of your roof to replace? Get in touch with Werner Roofing. We can come out to evaluate the condition of your roof and offer a free, no-obligation estimate for what could use fixing. Give us a call at 616-844-5382 or contact us online today for your free estimate.

Unlike a kitchen remodel or bathroom upgrade, a roof is a necessary home repair that just can’t wait — especially if you’ve recently experienced damage due to inclement weather or storms. So, what do you do if you need a new roof but aren’t sure how to pay for it? Here are four financing solutions if you’re wondering how to foot the bill.

How to Pay for a New Roof

Depending on the size of your home and the slope of your roof, installing a new roof can cost anywhere from a couple of thousand dollars to $10,000 or more. Here are four ways how to pay for a new roof that don’t involve you paying the entire fee upfront.

1. Insurance Coverage

One of the easiest ways to pay for a new roof is to get money from your insurance company. If something unexpected has occurred, like massive wind or weather damage, your insurance company will likely cover the cost of a new roof, especially if you’re proactive.

Homeowner insurance companies want to protect their investments, so if you’re working to keep your home as up-to-date and in shape as possible, they’ll likely help cover the cost of a new roof. Talk to your insurance agent to see what roofing coverage you qualify for.

2. Roofing Company Payment Plans

New roofs can be expensive, and roofers understand that. If you’ve just had your entire home’s roof completely redone, it can cost thousands of dollars, and it’s difficult to pay that cost all at once upfront. That’s why many roofing companies offer payment plans to help you cover the cost in installments. If you know you need a new roof but aren’t sure you’ll be able to pay for it all at once, just talk to your roofer. Most will be happy to work with you.

Werner Roofing is happy to offer financing plans. You can provide us with the necessary information in less than two minutes and discover if you’re pre-qualified. We offer monthly payments so you can pay off your new roof over time. Our financing program includes 12 months of no payments with no interest – you can’t beat that!

3. FHA Title 1 Home Improvement Loans

Another way to secure funding for a new roof is to opt for a loan. The Federal Housing Administration Title 1 Home and Property Improvement Loan is made available through specific lenders and is insured by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This loan was created just for homeowners, and since the government insures it, it is a safe route to take if you’re not sure you can fund an entirely new roof project on your own.

To acquire a Title 1 loan, you’ll have to prove that your roof needs major repairs or a total roof replacement, but it is a valid option that helps many people pay for roofing and home improvement costs every year. With a Title 1 loan, you’ll have 20 years to pay back what you owe, but it’s good to know that loans over $7,500 must be secured by either your mortgage or deed of trust. If you cannot make payments and fall behind, the lender can seize those assets. 

If you’re interested in an FHA Title 1 Loan, you should consult with a few lenders to ensure you get the best deal. This tool can find an approved Title 1 lender near you.

4. Personal Loans

In some cases, you may be able to use a personal loan to help fund your roof repairs or replacement. Visit your personal bank or financial institution and find out their interest rates and regulations regarding personal loans. Different creditors will offer varying rates and terms, so it’s best to shop around to find the best deal for you. 

Some personal loans will be short-term and last between two and six years, and others will be long-term, which can last for 15 years or more. Depending on your credit score and income level, your interest rate could be lower than 5% or up to 20% or more. 

We’re Here for All Your Roofing Needs

A new roof can be expensive, but it’s a necessary investment. If you need roofing repairs, don’t fret – you have options. Many resources are available to help you get started on that new roofing project.

Are you looking for a new roof in West Michigan? Werner Roofing can help. Whether you’re not sure about financing or want to get an estimate of how much a new roof might cost, we’d love to help. Give us a call at 616-844-5382 or contact us online today for your free roofing estimate and to talk about roof financing options with us. 

When you’re looking into getting a new roof, the first thing you want to know is how long it will take. And that makes good sense. Roof replacement can be loud and inconvenient, and you probably want to know how long you need to stay out of the house, or at least how long you can expect people to be walking around on your roof. Unfortunately, every roofing project is different, which means there’s no exact amount of time we can say it will take. What we can tell you is:

The Smaller the Roof, the Quicker the Job

If you live in a small, residential home with a moderately pitched roof, it’s possible your roof replacement could be done in one day. This is, of course, barring any weather complications and assuming that materials are dropped off before the crew gets there.

When it comes to roofing a home, a roofing crew first has to take off your existing roof, make sure there’s no damage on the sub-roofing, and then put on the new shingles. And if there is damage to the sub-roofing, that means extra work, additional materials, and more time to completion. So though it’s possible to re-roof a home in a single day, know that complications can arise that will extend the amount of work that must be put in.  

Steep Roofs Take Longer

While we love classic style homes like Cape Cods, Colonials, and A-frames, the steep pitch, and extreme height on many of them means they can be a bit more complicated to replace. The steeper your roof, and the higher up it is, the longer you can expect the job to take. Since we put a priority on the safety of our workers, and because we want to make sure you end up with the best roof possible, it’s good to know that if you have a home with a steep, tall roof, plan for your replacement to take two days to a week. This is in part due to the fact that roofers will need more materials, but also because workers will have to move a bit more slowly to remain safe and often require a bit more equipment to maintain their safety.

Older Roofs are More Complicated to Replace

The older your roof, the longer it will take to replace. This is why it’s important to perform regular maintenance on your roof, and replace it before you start to see leaks. Too many people just assume their roof is in fine shape until there’s an obvious problem, and this can lead to a much longer, and more expensive roof replacement job once you get around to it.

If you replace your roof after you start to see leaks appear in your home, there’s a good chance that there’s water damage within the sub-roofing, and possibly into your home’s attic. And a new roof can’t go on top of damaged supports. When you wait too long to replace your roof, you can expect a longer roof replacement time as roofers shore up supports, sub-roofing, and then finally put on the new roof. This is why it’s always a good idea to have regular roof inspections and have your roof replaced as soon as it shows signs of serious wear and tear.

There’s No Predicting the Weather

Finally, when it comes to giving you an estimate on how long it will take to install your roof, you have to remember there’s no predicting the weather. Roofing is best done in warm, dry, conditions, but we all know that West Michigan weather doesn’t always cooperate. While roofing crews will do their best to work through inclement weather to finish your roof as quickly as possible, they can only do it so long as they’re safe. If it becomes too dangerous for the crew to remain on top of your roof, they’ll have to stop until the weather clears up.

Though poor weather can mean your roofing job will take longer, don’t worry about the security of your new roof. Roofing crews will always make sure your roof is covered in plenty of tarps, and well-secured against wind and water while they wait for warmer weather.

In the end, the time it will take to install your new roof depends on a variety of factors: the size of your home, the pitch of your roof, what shape your old roof was in, and what the weather will be like. Any quality, experienced roofing company will work to make sure you get the absolute best roof, in the shortest time frame, but there are some factors you just can’t account for.

If you’re looking for an accurate estimate on how long it will take to replace your roof, don’t hesitate to reach out to Werner Roofing. A trusted, local West Michigan roofer, we’ve been doing business in the area for years, and are here to help you get the best roof replacement, in the shortest amount of time. Give our office a call at 616-844-5382, or contact us online today for a free roofing estimate of both cost and time.