6 Things you don’t want to Know about Tearing off a Roof

If it is time for a new roof you might be wondering if your existing roof really needs to be torn off. There are certain things you need to think about before you take on this major home improvement step. Tearing off a roof is something that most homeowners have to consider over the course of owning their home.

There are some FAQs about tearing off a roof that you may want answered before you decide to take this step and go to all of the expense involved. Unless you are extremely knowledgeable about roofing and construction then you may not realize what this step involves or even if it is a good idea or not. Some of the top FAQs include those listed below:

• Why does the roof need to be torn off in the first place?
• Can I just add another layer of material to the existing roof?
• How many shingle layers can I have on my roof without breaking any laws?
• Can I tear off my own roofing materials or should I leave this to a professional instead?
• How can I tell that I really need to have the roof removed and replaced?
• How much will this type of work cost and is the expense included in the estimate for a new roof?

1. Why is Tearing Off a Roof Necessary in the First Place?

Tearing off a roof is not something that a professional roofing contractor does for no reason. But why is this step needed in the first place? If you have more than one layer of shingles on your roof already then state or local law may require the old materials be removed before the replacement shingles can be put on. Each state or local area will have a specific regulation concerning the allowable number of shingle layers.

Check your local building codes to find out if you can install your new roof over top of the existing one, and you could save yourself some time and money.

Source: Realtor.com

If your shingles are curled or broken the new shingles will not lay down smoothly. It is always best to tear off the existing shingles if that is the case. With age, shingles can dry out and become crumbly. The last thing you want to do is cover shingles that are brittle and chipping off.

It is not always easy to tell if there is damaged wood if you roof over an existing roof. Tearing off a roof allows for a complete inspection of the roof deck to see if any damaged wood needs to be replaced.

2. Can I Just Add Another Layer of Roofing Material Instead?

Sometimes it may be possible to simply place the new shingles over the older layer instead of tearing off a roof. The professional contractor that you are using can advise you on whether this is possible. The contractor will be familiar with your local building codes, weather patterns, and other variables that help determine the answer to this question.

Years ago it was more common to recover existing shingles, especially if there was only one layer. As time went on it has become more common to tear off the existing shingles.

3. How Many Layers of Shingles Can I Have on My Home?

You may wonder why you cannot just add another layer rather than tearing off a roof. More is not always better. Most experts recommend not having more than two layers of shingles or other roofing materials, so if you already have two layers then they will probably need to be removed. Most states limit the layers to two, or at max three.

If your current roof is dimensional shingles the actual 3D dimensions of the shingles will prevent you from putting a new roof on top of them You want a smooth new roof, not a rumpled and uneven mess.

Layering shingles has a few drawbacks that you should take into consideration before you decide to lay new shingles over the old.

4. Should I Have a Professional Tear Off the Old Materials or Can I do This and Save Money?

Tearing off a roof may seem like a simple task but it is more difficult than you might expect. The old shingles are securely fastened to the structure of the roof, and you could cause damage to the wood, felt, or other components by trying to loosen and remove the shingles. Hiring an experienced roofer for this job is usually the best choice to prevent any damage or problems.

If your roof is steep, or even a low pitch, it can still be very dangerous for an experienced homeowner to try and tear off their roof. Many accidents occur every year from homeowners falling off their roof or ladder.

Tearing off a roof is not the only part of the picture. Cleaning up the debris is a big job. Nails and fasteners will scatter and the shingles and underlayment will be heavy to pick up.

What do you do with the mess that you have torn off? Everything will have to be carefully put in a dump truck or other type of vehicle. You will then have to take them to a dump for disposal. This involves fees and a lot of labor.

5. How do I Know That a Tear Off is Really Needed?

If the contractor that you have chosen recommends tearing off a roof, and you trust their professional judgment, then this step is really needed. If you have doubts then have a second roofer come out and take a look to see if you get the same answer from someone else. If the second company also recommends that the roof materials be removed you know it is necessary.

6. How Much Will This Cost and Is the Expense Covered in the Estimate?

The cost of tearing off a roof and putting on a new one will vary, and there are many factors involved in the final expense. The size of your home, the steepness of the slope, the materials that you have chosen, and the number of layers to be removed are all part of the cost calculations that the contractor will perform. The estimate should include this cost but always double check.

Make sure your estimate includes the hauling away of all the debris and cleaning up the premises when the job is complete. Tearing off a roof makes a big mess and you don’t want anything left on your property.

So maybe you didn’t really want to hear all this information about tearing off a roof. It is hard work. Really hard work. Think about all of these things before you decide to make it a DIY project.

What questions do you think are important to ask a contractor before you agree to tearing off a roof?