The Truth About Reroofing Your House in Sections: Why It's Not Advised

The Truth About Reroofing Your House In Sections: Why It’s Not Advised

Residential, Roofing / By /

Saving money. Most consumers, including homeowners, seek creative ways to keep more of what they have. Coupons, rebates, discounts, sales—whatever the marketing tactic, consumers love saving on their purchases. Many homeowners assume that reroofing their home in sections will produce financial savings in the short term while extending the longevity of the existing roof in the long run. But is this assumption accurate?

What Is Reroofing?

Grey home with new roof

Most roofing industry experts define reroofing as the process of layering new asphalt shingles over existing ones. The idea is that the current shingles need additional reinforcement to protect against the outside elements. In most instances, the existing shingles have fallen into disrepair or are suffering deterioration. In other cases, particular underlying layers may be experiencing accelerated degradation. Ultimately, the homeowner’s goal is to extend the roof’s lifespan for several more years. This delay would allow the homeowner to save financial resources for a full replacement.

Can A Home Be Reroofed In Sections?

Yes. Most homes qualify for roofing in sections where needed. Whether it is prudent to reroof a portion of the home’s roof or not, homeowners should be able to locate a roofer willing to do this work. Generally, reputable and established roofing companies will recommend against this course of action, knowing that the short-term “benefits” do not outweigh the long-range challenges.

7 Risks Associated With Reroofing In Sections

Homeowners must know that roofing only a portion of the roof could cause certain risks. Consider the following potential concerns:

As a homeowner, you must carry property insurance. Within your policy, you also must exercise reasonable care in the upkeep of your roof. You can compromise your ability to recover on a claim if you act negligently or irresponsibly. Roofing only a portion of your roof could be construed by your insurer as imprudent if repair or replacement made more sense.

Reroofing one section of your roof places additional weight on that portion, raising a question of structural integrity. Why? A home can only bear so much weight in any particular area before roof sag or collapse becomes a realistic possibility. Uneven pressure in one section increases the likelihood of structural problems in that area and other portions of the roofing system.

As a homeowner, you might think that roofing a section of your roof will save precious financial resources for necessary expenditures such as a full roof replacement in a few years. However, many homeowners have a very different experience after reroofing in sections. They learn that other sections may still suffer consequential damage, necessitating a new roof.

Life is about managing risk. For this reason, homeowners and vehicle drivers possess insurance. Unexpected problems or accidents can arise at a moment’s notice. Reroofing a section of the roof might seem like an effective risk management strategy. Unfortunately, it can create uneven or unnecessary seams where moisture intrusion or water leaks can occur.

Does plaid go with stripes? Most people would say absolutely not. The same axiom holds with reroofing in sections. Reroofing a portion of the roof requires installing new asphalt shingles adjacent to the current shingles. Will the new ones match (or even complement) the existing shingles? Certainly not. Your home’s roof will look like a high-heeled shoe with a slipper.

Many homeowners receive a roof warranty when installing a new system through a reputable roofing manufacturer or contractor. Generally, warranty coverage is limited and based on the assumption that you, as the homeowner, act responsibly in maintaining your roof. Reroofing only a portion of your roof could trigger a cancellation of warranty coverage.

Reroofing can extend the lifespan of your existing roof by several more years. Although most roofing professionals recommend against reroofing specific sections while leaving others untouched, many homeowners attempt to piecemeal the reroofing process. Avoid the risk of your current roof aging unevenly in a way that speeds up the need for replacement.

Home with a new roof

Finding A Reroofing Contractor

For homeowners in Grand Rapids, MI, and surrounding West and Central Michigan communities, Moore & Sons Roofing provides an oasis for residential roofing services. We are this region’s leading residential roofing company. We understand the reroofing process and under what circumstances it makes the most sense. 

At Moore & Sons Roofing, we will steer you away from bad advice and poor decisions. Contact us today to learn more about the reroofing process, to ask questions about our roofing services, or to schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Related Posts

Scroll to Top