Why You Should Remove the Old Underlayment

Roof systems deteriorate over time, and this can happen due to normal wear or extreme weather events. At a certain point, you will need to replace your roof to ensure that it can provide the necessary protection for your home. During this situation, you may have to choose between tearing off the entire roofing including the old underlayment or simply laying new shingles over the old ones.

In general, it’s best to perform a complete roof replacement. Home Pro Exteriors discusses the advantages of a tear-off below.

Benefits of a Roof Tear-Off

In a nutshell, roof tear-offs are recommended by experts in order to comply with building codes and to keep the validity of roofing warranties. Furthermore, tear-offs typically result in a longer life span for the roof system, so they can offer more value for your money in the long term.

Below are some more specific benefits of a complete tear-off:

A tear-off involves the removal of the old underlayment, which is a layer found under the roof shingles. If the old shingles are already in bad shape, the underlayment is likely to be in a similar condition. Replacing the underlayment allows you to actively prevent any future problems in the underlayment, which could affect your new shingles.
A tear-off gives you the opportunity to check the roof decking for mold, rot, or damage — which can affect the quality of your new roofing. But if you know the current condition of the roof deck, you can address any existing problems by doing necessary roof repair. This way, you can ensure the best conditions for your new roof.
In some roofing warranties, the only recommended method is a complete tear-off. So before you choose between an overlay and a tear-off, make sure to check the terms of your roofing warranty.

When Reroofing May Be Considered

Reroofing may be considered in some cases, particularly if the roof is approaching the end of its service life but still in a generally good condition. Just make sure that the roof has no water damage, missing shingles, or moss and mildew growth, and your contractor may OK an overlay.

Home Pro Exteriors is known for providing high-quality workmanship that meets and exceeds the needs of our customers. Apart from being an excellent roofer, we are also a dependable siding contractor. Call us at (845) 343-1777 or fill out our contact form to request a free consultation. We serve customers in Monroe, NY, and the surrounding areas.

Jim Klein