Roof Revamp: Understanding the Difference Between Roof Restoration and Roof Replacement

The question of roof restoration vs. replacement will impact every homeowner at some point. Generally, restoring a roof is not practical for particular roofing systems, such as traditional three-tab or architectural asphalt shingles.

Perhaps you own a “historic” home with an ornate roof that is original to the house. The roof may provide numerous architectural features that make it unique, and you want to maintain this aesthetic rather than replace it. 

But what if your roof needs significant repair? Does it suffer from persistent leaks or have loose or missing tiles? Is there an option to keep your existing roof without replacing it? Or would you be better served with a new roof?

On the other hand, if a knowledgeable roof restoration specialist provides guidance, they can restore many types of antique roofing systems, including clay tile, slate, wood shingle, and metal (lead, copper, galvanized steel, etc.).

Roof Restoration Vs. Replacement

The roof restoration process involves repairing and refurbishing an existing roof rather than removal and replacement. A roof restoration specialist will:

1. Identify and repair leaks.
2. Remove and replace damaged or missing shingles, shakes, panels, or tiles.
3. Or apply protective coatings to extend an existing roof’s serviceable life.

For a historic roof with relatively minor damage or normal wear and tear, restoration provides a viable and affordable alternative to the costly decision to remove and replace the current roof with a new one. Depending on the complexity of the home’s layout, installing a new roof could cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more.

The Benefits Of Roof Restoration

If your historic home is part of a neighborhood with other historically significant homes, preserving the existing roof may be especially important. Your neighbors might appreciate your effort to help maintain a consistent aesthetic! A new roof could stick out like a sore thumb and cause your neighbors substantial consternation.

Roof restoration also serves a valuable purpose in today’s environmentally conscious society. More homeowners than ever are making decisions to minimize their adverse environmental impact. “Going green” is more than just a fad. It is a movement toward sustainability. Restoring an existing roof reflects the choice to repurpose rather than replace.

When To Pursue A Roof Replacement

For historic homes, restoring an existing roof is generally the recommended course of action. However, roof replacement may be the path to pursuit if certain variables suggest restoration makes little or no sense. Consider the following factors that could tip the scale in favor of roof replacement:

1. The Age Of The Roof Dictates Replacement

All residential roofing systems have a shelf life. Eventually, even the highest-quality, most durable roof will require replacement. When that time comes, restoration is no longer a viable option. However, before reaching that conclusion, a knowledgeable roof restoration specialist should be involved in comprehensively assessing the existing roof.

2. The Code Requirements Have Changed

State or local building codes evolve, often annually. A new building code requirement might adversely impact your ability to restore an existing roof without significant inconvenience or expense. Sometimes, you might not have any viable alternative but to replace the roof to ensure compliance with current standards and regulations.

3. The Cost Effectiveness Favors Roof Replacement

The homeowner should perform a cost-benefit analysis when considering a roof restoration. Suppose the price to restore an existing roof to receive a benefit of 10 or 20 additional years of life far exceeds the expense of removing and replacing it with a new roof that could last 40 to 80 years. In that case, replacement might be the better option.

4. The Extent Of Roof Damage Is Significant

Even the best roof restoration company can only do so much to repair or restore a historic roof if it has suffered extensive damage. Troubling issues such as mold, mildew, persistent moisture intrusion, or degradation of the roof surface or sublayers (e.g., decking, underlayment, framing, etc.) could necessitate a roof replacement.

5. The Type Of Existing Roof Necessitates Roof Replacement

A historic roof needing restoration may involve locating replacement tiles or other roofing components that are no longer readily available. A roof restoration specialist might not have a feasible way to restore the roof without performing a patchwork (“shoddy”) job. Most homeowners probably would not enjoy a roof lacking a consistent aesthetic.

Choosing A Roof Restoration & Replacement Expert

As Virginia’s historic roof restoration expert, Stevens Roofing Corp has nearly eight decades of knowledge and experience working with homeowners to address their roof preservation needs.

For homeowners in Richmond, Norfolk, and surrounding Virginia communities, we deliver exceptional guidance, ensuring your antique roofing system receives the highest degree of attention.

We understand the historical significance of preserving ornate roofs while making them perform optimally for years to come. Contact Stevens Roofing Corp today to schedule your free consultation.