Oftentimes, homeowners think their only options are between roof replacement and repairs. But reroofing (also known as roof restoration) presents a unique middle ground that can help homeowners get long-lasting protection without making the up front investment of a roof replacement.
PITCH Roofing is here to answer all of your questions about reroofing in Florida. As veteran Florida roofers, we’ve provided all kinds of roof replacements, repairs, and reroofing services to communities across Central Florida. Now, stick with us as we break down roof restoration and whether or not it’s right for your situation!
What Is Reroofing?
A classic roof replacement involves tearing off your old roof and installing a new one in its place. But what if you skipped that first step and put a new roof on top of your old one? This is essentially the idea behind reroofing: putting a new roof on top of your old one.
This approach has a lot of benefits. For one thing, reroofing is cheaper. Since nobody has to take off your old roof, you don’t need to pay for disposal, and your overall labor costs will go down since there’s less work to complete. But is reroofing safe?
Yes, reroofing can be just as safe and reliable as a roof replacement. Assuming that there is no damage to your roof decking, then it should have no problem supporting the weight of shingles or even metal roofing. And as long as your new roofing material is correctly installed, it should have no problem protecting your home from the Florida elements.
This covers the basics of what reroofing is and how it works. But is it right for your home?
Should You Choose Reroofing in Florida?
Reroofing is great for a lot of situations, but it’s not always the right call. Signs that your roof is a good candidate for roof restoration include:
- Having a shingle roof and wanting either new shingles or a metal roof. Other types of roofs are not compatible with reroofing.
- Not having any leaks. Leaking water can damage your decking, which then would not be able to support the weight of two roofs.
- Only having one layer of roofing on your home. Most homes can support the weight of two roofs, but three would be structurally unsafe.
- Having a sloped roof. Reroofing does not work well for flat roofs, which need to be replaced at the end of their lifespans.
If your roof meets these criteria, then reroofing could be perfect for your home. Up to now though, we’ve only covered the good sides of roof restoration. To help you make an informed decision, we have to look at the downsides of reroofing as well as the positives.
Cons of Roof Restoration
Reroofing is a great way to save money while getting the protection of a new roof. It isn’t perfect, though. So what are the downsides of reroofing that you should know about before committing?
First, let’s talk about cost savings. As we’ve established, reroofing is cheaper than roof replacement because you have lower labor costs from not disposing of the old roof. You can only reroof once, though, before you have to replace the roof entirely. So what happens the next time you need a new roof?
Well, you (or whoever owns the property at that time) will have to pay for both roofs to be removed and disposed of. So in a sense, roof restoration just kicks the can down the line — you still have to pay for your roof to be removed eventually. There are situations where this isn’t a problem, though. If you think you’ll have more money in 20 years or you don’t plan to be in the home by then, reroofing can make a lot of sense.
The other issue is the stability of your home. If your decking has been damaged, it may not support the weight of a second roof. At PITCH Roofing, we take your safety seriously, and we would never install a roof that we didn’t know would protect your home. However, there is no way to check your roof decking without tearing off your old roof.
Does that mean roofers have to work blind? Absolutely not. When you choose us for your reroofing job, we’ll chat with you to make sure that your roof hasn’t shown any signs of damaged roof decking. While this is not as reliable as seeing your decking for ourselves, it’s the best way that we can make sure your roof is ready for the additional weight.
We’ve covered the good and the bad of reroofing, but don’t worry if you still have questions. PITCH has been doing this for a long time, so we know the burning questions local homeowners have about reroofing! Now, let’s get to answering them.
FAQs About Reroofing in Florida
Q: How much does reroofing cost compared to a roof replacement?
A: Reroofing is less expensive than a full roof replacement because it involves lower labor and material costs. However, the exact cost will depend on the size of the roof, materials used, and which roofers you pick. To find out how much reroofing will cost you, the best thing you can do is start collecting roofing quotes.
Q: How long does reroofing last?
A: When getting a second layer of shingles installed, you can expect them to last for 15-20 years. The numbers are slightly different for metal roofs, which may last an additional 5-10 years but will not last as long as a newly installed metal roof on new decking.
Q: Does roof restoration come with warranties?
A: Yes, most roof restoration jobs come with both workmanship and material warranties. However, these warranties will likely not last as long as those for a roof replacement since your new roof will sit on top of someone else’s old work.
Q: How long does reroofing take?
A: Since nobody needs to remove your old roof, reroofing jobs are quick. They can usually be completed in just a day or two, although the size and dimensions of your roof will be a factor.
Q: Will reroofing add too much weight to my home?
A: If you only have one layer of shingles, reroofing typically won’t add too much weight. However, if the roof already has multiple layers or the structure is weak, the added weight could cause problems, and a roof replacement may be a safer option.
Get a Free Roof Restoration Estimate
At this point, whether you have more questions or you’re seriously considering reroofing, your next step is the same: collecting estimates. At PITCH, our estimates come with no fees, no obligations, and no hidden terms! By providing clear, thorough roofing estimates, we give you all the information you need to make the best decision for your home.
To get your free reroofing estimate, call us at 727-677-4824 or schedule your estimate online. Either way, we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions and take a look at your roof so we can give you a reliable estimate for your reroofing costs.
Reroofing may be less expensive than a roof replacement, but it’s no less serious. When you need a new roof, only trust experienced, local contractors. We’re the only ones who know how to Florida-proof your home and give you your money’s worth!
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
