A Comprehensive Guide on Complete Roof Tear-Offs

Many things have to be considered before starting a roof replacement project. In addition to choosing the best materials and components, and finding the right roofer for the job, you have to also decide what to do with your old roof. You have two options: tear-off or roof overlay. 

With a roof overlay, roofing contractors are unable to determine if there are any issues with the decking that require immediate attention. Without taking down the sheathing, you won’t know if you have sufficient underlayment or water damage.

Discover the benefits of investing in a complete tear-off.

What Is a Tear-Off?

When a roof needs to be replaced, it is because a part of or the whole roof has aged and become damaged. This could mean that it is just the paper that is worn out, or it could mean that other parts of the roof are also failing. 

The tear-off process involves removing all the parts of the roof which need to be replaced. What exactly gets removed depends on the roof, but the roof is often stripped down to the wooden base. A tear-off normally takes around a day to perform, but the timescale varies depending on the type and size of the roof.

How Is Tear-Off Done?

Roofing contractors will normally schedule your roof replacement around the weather and aim to have it done during a few days of clear skies. The tear-off process is the first thing to be done. To prepare for it, the roofers will lay a tarp over your garden to protect it from debris coming off the roof and all the trash (old tiles, waterproofing, nails, etc.) will be taken away once the tear-off is finished.

Why You Should Opt for a Tear-Off

• Depending on the terms of your roofing warranty, a tear-off may be stated as the recommended installation method. In this case, you’ll have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the validity of the warranty
• Tear-offs are usually required by building codes. So, if you want to comply with these regulations and avoid a hefty fine and redoing roof repair, it’s best to have your old roof completely removed.
• A tear-off allows roofing companies to have a look at the roof decking and check it for mold, rot or damage. The condition of the roof deck can affect the quality, performance and longevity of the new roofing. So, if you want to maximize the benefits of a new roof, you should also ensure that the other roofing components are in good shape.
• The underlayment is a material located underneath the shingles. If your shingles are already damaged or missing, there’s a chance that the underlayment has been damaged and exposed to the elements. An underlayment in poor condition should also be replaced so that you can ensure the quality of your new shingles.

5 Benefits of a Complete Tear-off Roof

1. Long-Term Solution

When you opt for a tear-off roof replacement, your roofer will tear everything off your existing roof. That means old shingles, old underlayment and even any decking that’s been compromised or is starting to rot will be removed. Then, everything is replaced with brand-new materials. 

By completely tearing off the old roof, your home gets a start fresh. This is a long-term solution that can last you anywhere from 20 to 30 years depending on the new asphalt shingles you choose, and the materials your roofer uses. 

2. Upgrade Your Roof Structure

A tear-off roof project allows you to upgrade your roof structure if necessary. If you’re working with a roof structure that’s anywhere from 50 to 100 years old, a tear-off roof project allows you to make serious upgrades.  

Roofing technology has come a long way in the last few decades, and, if you’re hoping to make your home more energy-efficient with new insulation in your attic or reinforce older structures, a tear-off roofing project gives you the access you need to make those upgrades happen. 

3. Brand New Look

Since a tear-off will remove the old materials from your residential roofing system, this gives you a clean slate to make any necessary upgrades to your roof structure that will make it more resistant to weather and other issues. 

4.  Added Home Value

If you plan to sell your home in the future, then a roof tear-off is a wise investment since it can increase the home’s resale value, and many homes won’t sell without a new roof. Keep in mind that a new roof can provide up to a 105% return on investment. On the other hand, having a roof overlay can decrease your home’s value and curb appeal since prospective homeowners are turned off by the idea that they’ll have to remove two layers of shingles instead of one. So, if you’re planning to sell your home in the future, then, by all means, go for a roof tear-off.

5. Easy Maintenance

A key benefit of a brand-new roof is that you don’t have to think about it for a while. A new tear-off roof offers the same benefits. When your roof is replaced by a trusted roofer, and with high-quality materials, you shouldn’t have to worry about any troublesome leaks or problems for years to come. 

With a tear-off roof replacement, if you do need any maintenance completed down the line, leaks and problems will be easy to spot and easy for your roofer to fix. 

At Neumann Construction, we specialize in roof repair and installation, and use a variety of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal shingles, cedar shakes, composite shakes, stone-coated steel tile, natural slate tiles, rubber shakes and recycled rubber shakes. We specialize in every part of the roofing process. 

Neumann Construction is proud to have a reputation in the community for being a company our customers can trust with their homes. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call (218) 217-4892, or complete our online request form. We serve clients in Brainerd, MN. We look forward to working with you on your next project.