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New Roofing vs. Re-Roofing – Here’s The Difference

If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may be wondering whether it’s better to go with a full re-roof or a brand-new roof installation. It can be difficult to know which option is right for your home and budget, so our pros at Roof Bear are here to help explain the differences between these two services.

We’ll break down what each entails and help you make an informed decision about the best course of action for your property. Let’s get started!

What is The Difference?

First, let’s talk about new roofing. This involves completely removing the existing roof and replacing it with a brand-new one.

On the other hand, re-roofing involves adding another layer of shingles on top of an existing roof system. This option can be more cost-effective than installing a new roof as it eliminates some labor costs associated with tearing off old shingles.

Let’s dive into the difference and pros and cons a little deeper.

New Roofing Defined

A new roof is, you guessed it, when a roofing company tears all the existing shingles and underlayment off of the decking and installs a completely new roof.

A new roof installation is necessary when your current roof has exceeded its lifespan or if you want to upgrade to a better roofing system. Depending on the size of your home and the difficulty of the job, this process could take a few days to several weeks.

New Roofing Pros & Cons

There are several reasons why getting a brand-new roof is a great idea, including:

• New roofs have a longer lifespan and last longer than re-reroofing
• The value of your home will go up with a new roof
• A replacement allows you to choose a new roofing material if you’d like to switch to metal, tile, etc.

Now, let’s consider the cons. P.S. There’s only one!

• An entirely new roof will cost much more than a re-roof

When Should You Get a New Roof?

There are times when a re-roof is just not an option. Replacing your roof is best when:

• Your roof is nearing the end of its useful life
• You notice extensive leaking or water damage
• The flashing is missing or damaged
• You have already had your home re-roofed before

Re-Roofing Defined

Since the new shingle overlay protects the existing shingles while restoring the appearance of your roof, re-roofing may also be referred to as roof restoration.

Generally, re-roofing is used to update the appearance of your roof and prevent leaks. We consider this a quick-fix solution for homeowners who need to fix their roofs fast. But be wanted, this is only a temporary solution.

An important note: Re-roofing only applies to asphalt shingle roofing. It is not recommended for roofing materials like tile or metal. Additionally, if your roof already has more than one layer of shingles, you cannot have it re-roofed.

Re-Roofing Pros & Cons

There are several pros to having your home reroofed, including:

• Re-roofing is cheaper than a new roof
• A re-roof doesn’t take much time to install
• New shingles give your home a fresh look
• An overlayer of new shingles reinforces the structure of your roof

Some cons include:

• If the roof is in poor condition, it might not be suitable to be re-roofed.
• Some building codes prohibit reroofing
• Do not last as long as a new roof
• Re-roofing can void some manufacturer warranties
• It can lower the resale value of your home

When Should You Re-Roof?

So, when exactly should you choose a re-roof over a new roof? There are a few specific times when you might want to consider it:

• The roof is in good condition, but it is nearing the end of its lifespan of 20-35 years.
• You’ve noticed minor leaks but no major water damage.
• One area of your roof has damage or needs repairs, but the rest is in good condition.

How Do I Know Which is Right for Me?

Our licensed roofing contractors at Roof Bear will come out to your home to evaluate your roof to determine whether your home needs a re-roof or if you need to replace your roofing material completely. While completing our inspection, we will ensure that your roof is in good enough condition for a re-roof, and if it isn’t we will discuss your roofing options such as asphalt shingles, tile, metal, etc. with you.

Our team is here to give you peace of mind throughout the entire process, whether it is a simple re-roof or an entirely new roof!

Get Started with Roof Bear

Roof Bear is the best choice for any re-roofing and new roofing needs in Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, and The Villages. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched, making us the go-to roofers in Central Florida.

Not only that, but we also offer competitive prices that can fit within any budget. So, if you’re looking for a top-notch roofing service in the area, look no further than Roof Bear! Contact us at (727) 471-7442 for a roofing quote today!

Important Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Roofer

Many people will call up any roofing contractor they can find and hire them without question just because they don’t know anything about the industry themselves. But just because you’re not knowledgeable in roof installation doesn’t mean that you can’t prepare before you commit. Take a moment to review these important questions that you should be asking before you hire a professional roof company like Roof Bear Tampa!

Are You Licensed, Bonded, And Insured?

The most important question you need to be asking has to do with the contractor’s qualifications. Having the appropriate licenses while being bonded and insured will ensure that the roofer you hire will be responsible for anything that happens on the job. This is absolutely crucial because you don’t want to suffer the consequences for anything that isn’t your fault which can happen if you decide to go with an amateur without the right credentials.

Can You Provide A Written Estimate Beforehand?

No one wants to be surprised by an unpayable bill after the work is already done and accounted for. You have the right to know what you’re getting into before you agree to anything so you can avoid any unwanted financial trouble down the road. A roofer who understands the business should be able to give you a roofing estimate beforehand and help you make adjustments as needed. After all, nothing is better than having a beautiful roof without the burden of buyer’s remorse.

Will You Be Doing An Inspection First?

A good roofer doesn’t just show up and wing it. For the best results, your contractor should begin with a thorough inspection in order to do some careful planning. By taking the time to account for every little detail in your roofing installation, you’re less likely to come across any problems later on and you’ll be able to experience a longer lifespan for your new roof.

Are You Able To Remove My Old Roof?

Dealing with your old roofing before getting a new one is a valid concern, and it’s one that you shouldn’t be tasked with dealing with. Tearing down a roof yourself is incredibly dangerous and there’s always the risk of damaging your property in the process, but looking for someone else to do it can cause you to spend way more than you need to. There are many roofers who will gladly remove your old roof for you with a re-roofing service, and some of them are even keen to recycle the materials so they don’t go to waste!

What Brands Do You Offer?

The quality of a roof is in the installation, but the materials that are used also play a huge part in your overall experience. Find yourself a roofer that’s able to supply you with materials from top brands like Owens Corning, FiberTite, and Premier Metal Roof MFG. These brands are known for crafting the highest-quality materials that are both stunning and durable for lasting protection.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

You don’t want to go through the entire process of getting a new roof just to find out that the roofer you hired doesn’t accept your preferred method of payment. To avoid any awkward conversations concerning payment after the job is already done, be sure to sort that out beforehand by asking your contractor which payment methods they are able to take. Top installation companies should support popular credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and more modern payment options like PayPal.

The Best Roofer In Tampa!

Ready to get started on your brand-new roof? Call Roof Bear Tampa to ask for a roofing estimate! We are licensed, bonded, and insured for your safety and we’re able to do roofing inspections and remove your old roof if needed. You can get all of the best roofing products from top brands like Owens Corning with flexible payment options and competitive pricing.

Florida Storm Season Is Coming – 4 Ways to Tell If Your Roof Has Damage

With storm season just around the corner, it’s important to make sure your roof is in tip-top shape. After all, we all know how unpredictable and harsh Florida weather can be.

If you’re a homeowner in Central Florida and are unsure if your roof has any damage from previous storms or wear and tear over time, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

In this article, our roofing pros go over some key ways to tell if your roof needs repair before the next big storm hits. So, sit back and let’s dive in together.

Don’t Wait for the Rain: Ways to Tell if Your Roof Has Damage

As we prepare for the upcoming storm season, it’s important to make sure your roof is in good shape. After all, a damaged roof can lead to costly repairs and potentially even put you and your family at risk during a storm.

Here are some ways to tell if your roof needs repair:

#1. Visible Damage

The first thing you should do is check for missing or damaged shingles. High winds and heavy rain can cause shingles to be ripped off or broken, leaving gaps in your roof that can lead to leaks. It’s crucial to have any missing or damaged shingles replaced as soon as you can.

• Wind damage: Roofs might have loose or missing shingles, chimney problems, curling or peeling shingles, granule loss, damaged soffit, or fascia, and inside leaks as a result of wind damage.

• Hail damage: On an asphalt shingle roof, hailstones will cause dents and craters that resemble hammer blows. Even a small hailstone can cause substantial damage if the asphalt shingles have already started to “fish mouth” or bend due to exposure to Florida’s sunlight.

#2. Leaks

If you’re a homeowner, the thought of a leaking roof is enough to make you shudder. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell whether your roof has been damaged or not. That’s why it’s important to know what signs to look for so you can catch any issues before they become major problems.

One of the most obvious signs that your roof is leaking is water stains on your ceiling or walls. If you notice brownish-yellow stains or bubbling paint, there’s a good chance that water is seeping in through your roof. Another sign to look out for is missing shingles or tiles on your roof. These can be caused by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and other weather-related events that can cause damage to your home’s exterior.

If you have an attic, take some time now and then to inspect it for signs of moisture or dampness.

#3. Water Stains

Another sign of storm damage is water stains on your ceiling or walls. Even if you don’t see any visible damage on the outside of your roof, water stains inside your home could indicate a leak caused by storm damage.

#4. Clogged Gutters

One way to check for roof damage is by inspecting clogged gutters. If your gutters are filled with debris or leaves, it’s a sign that they’re not functioning properly. This could be due to a blockage caused by shingles or other roofing materials that have fallen into the gutter.

Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing away from the house which can cause overflow onto the foundation leading to water damage inside the house.

Expert Roof Repairs

Florida weather can be unpredictable and cause significant damage to your roof. However, with the right team by your side, repairing the damage doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

Don’t let roof damage cause you any more stress, especially as we begin Florida’s stormy season! Contact Roof Bear today at (727) 471-7442 for all your Central Florida roofing needs and experience the peace of mind that comes with a reliable and sturdy roof.

7 Risks Of Working With An Unlicensed Roofer

Why would anyone want to hire an unlicensed roofer? The most common reason is the lower upfront cost. However, there are too many dangers and uncertainties that come with hiring a contractor without the appropriate paperwork which could lead to more expensive costs anyway. Learn about the risks of working with an unlicensed roofer and why you should call up a reputable roofing company like Roof Bear Tampa!

1. You Can Be Sued If Your Unlicensed Contractor Is Hurt On The Job

When you hire a roofing contractor, you should be able to just pay and wait for the work to be completed. Since you’re not directly involved with the building process, it doesn’t make sense for any accidents to fall back on you. It’s not your fault if your roofer suffers an injury, especially if it’s due to their own personal neglect. However, it is still possible for unlicensed roofing contractors to sue you for damages since nothing was specified on paper beforehand and if the worker has no insurance.

2. You Will Be Held Responsible For Property Damages On The Job

If your unlicensed roofer happens to cause property damage on a neighboring building, the responsibility will ultimately be placed in your hands. Again, it’s not fair for you to own up to the mistakes of the one who is actually doing the work. But without the right licensing and insurance, it can’t be helped.

3. Your Building May Not Pass Inspections

Roofers who don’t take the time to get their license will most likely not know about proper building codes. These codes are set in place to lessen the potential of various hazards, which means that it’s crucial to hold them to a high standard. If your roofer doesn’t abide by these building codes, an inspector will have every right to shut you down if they spot anything out of place.

4. The Structure Could Pose A Safety Hazard

By not abiding by building codes, your property will be very susceptible to safety hazards. You and any guests that you have will be dancing with death as the roof and ceiling could collapse at any given moment. Saving a few bucks isn’t worth anyone’s well-being.

5. The Finished Product Will Be Of Poor Quality

Unlicensed roofers typically don’t go through with the licensing process because they’re not interested in making an honest living out of it. Each job is simply a gig that will get them some extra cash, so you shouldn’t expect the work to exhibit the same quality as that done by an actual expert who made this profession their career.

6. Your Insurance May Drop You

Letting your property be built or remodeled by an unlicensed roofer will be seen as a huge liability in the eyes of your insurance company. If they feel as though the risks are too high, it’s very possible for them to drop you from your insurance plan entirely.

7. You Could Be Breaking The Law

If the above reasons weren’t enough to deter you, then maybe more threatening matters will help you come to reason. In Florida, it’s illegal to knowingly hire an unlicensed contractor to handle commercial work. Even if you didn’t know that your roofer was unlicensed, you’d be walking on a thin rope. To avoid this altogether, it’s always good to ask for proof beforehand.

Hire A Licensed, Bonded, And Insured Roofer In Tampa!

For a high-quality roof without any of the risks or dangers, call the professionals at Roof Bear Tampa! We are proudly licensed, bonded, and insured in order to be your reliable roofing company. Contact us today for more information or to request a roof quote.