Perhaps your roof got damaged months ago in a winter storm, or maybe the years have simply taken its toll on your roof, resulting in leaks and discoloration and who knows what other damage.

So what should you do? Here are two pretty universal options:

1. Overlay the existing shingles with a new second layer.

2. Strip down the old roof and begin anew.

There is a time and a place for the overlayment method.

For instance, if you have a metal roof that has never been damaged — or if you are 110% certain that your old roof has no leaks or any structural problems with the flashing, et cetera. In this kind of ideal scenario, overlaying a second roof might save you a modest sum on the work, in terms of upfront costs.

It’s a possibly dangerous choice, though! If you do not analyze the decking to find damage, leaks, and problems with the flashing, you may be in effect covering over structural deficiencies. And can this cost you, big time. Consider:

• The second layer will add more weight to your roof, potentially compromising its integrity, especially after big leaf falls or snowfalls or icefalls.

• You can’t install a barrier for ice and water between the first and second layers. This means that ice/water can easily seep into old leaks and can create huge headaches, including problems with mold, air quality, and damage to structural components. It can even contribute to electrical shortages or even a house fire.

What You Can’t See Can Still Hurt You

Your current decking may look pretty good. But you may not have spotted a sheathing rot or other areas that are destined to become problematic. Perhaps they’ll be fine for the next two or three years. But then the sheathing rot, leaks, et cetera will begin, and you have to spend huge amounts of money on roof repair, provided that you want your home to remain standing.

The bottom line is that your roof is one of the most important elements of your home.

Get the job done right by investing in smart and strategic refinishing. Connect with the team at Century Roof and Solar to learn more about what choices to make, how to make them, and how to save the maximum amount of money on your project.