Why should homeowners be concerned about 'roofing over problems'?
Short Answer
Because covering a problem does not necessarily solve it. Examples include covering rotten decking, covering damaged flashing, covering moisture problems, covering inadequate ventilation, and covering deteriorated substrate.
Detailed Explanation
'Roofing over problems' means installing a new roof without addressing underlying issues that will continue to cause problems beneath the new roofing. Examples include: installing over rotten decking (the new roof won't fasten properly); reusing damaged flashing (the known leak source remains); covering moisture problems (water intrusion continues under the new roof); ignoring inadequate ventilation (the new shingles will age prematurely from heat); and covering deteriorated substrate (the new roofing has an unstable foundation). Covering problems doesn't solve them — it hides them temporarily while they continue to worsen beneath the new roof. A responsible contractor identifies and addresses underlying problems during the replacement, rather than covering them up. This is why a full tear-off and thorough inspection are so important.
Why It Matters
Covering problems during a roof replacement wastes the investment because the underlying issues will cause the new roof to fail. Addressing problems during replacement ensures the new roof performs as intended.
Common Mistakes
- ✕Installing over rotten decking
- ✕Reusing damaged flashing
- ✕Ignoring ventilation problems
- ✕Covering moisture damage
- ✕Not inspecting the substrate
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
- ?Will you do a full tear-off?
- ?How will you inspect the deck?
- ?Will you replace damaged flashing?
- ?Will you evaluate and upgrade ventilation?