Modern roofs are extremely durable structures that can withstand decades of harsh weather and strong sunlight without suffering significant damage or losing efficiency. However, even the sturdiest roofs will eventually reach the end of their lifespan.
When this happens, your roof in San Diego, CA, may need to be completely removed before a new one can be installed. This removal process is best left to a professional roof tear-off service.
But when is the best time to tear off old shingles and what does it include? How long does it take to tear off an old roof? These are the questions we’ll be answering in the following article. Read on.
Should you always tear off old shingles?
A tear-off makes sense for several reasons. For example, the original roof might be sagging. Left unchecked, it can collapse and drag down many other parts of the house with it. A great way to avoid this is to get a revamped roof that’s more stable and requires less maintenance.
The first step is to detach the original roof, which involves many stages, like preparing the area and cleaning up the site afterward. But do you also need to tear off old shingles, regardless of their condition?
The answer is no. You don’t need to tear off old shingles always. Sometimes, new ones can be installed over the original shingles, which is known as a layover.
That said, removing old shingles generally makes more sense because:
- It lets you detect cracked decking, water intrusion, and other signs of large-scale damage.
- It enables you to install a new underlayment or felt for additional support and lower the chances of leaks.
- It reduces the weight on your supports and trusses.
- It gives you a better-looking, cohesive roof.
- It ensures you don’t void the warranty of the new shingles by mounting them over old shingles.
How long does it take to tear off and replace a roof?
Tearing off a roof normally takes up to 2 days. However, that’s just the first step in installing a new roof. The entire replacement process can take more than 4-5 days, depending on the following factors:
Complexity of the roof
Not every roof is easy to replace. Those with a large number of angled facets, valleys, hips, and a significant pitch take additional time to replace than roofs with 2-4 facets. Complexity also increases the price of the project.
Accessibility of the roof
Having smooth access to the roof is essential for several reasons. If a technician struggles to climb your roof, it’ll take them longer to prepare for the project and reach the shingles. It also extends the time it takes to dump them into a truck and hoist the new ones atop the house. A number of factors determine the accessibility of the roof, including fences, a lack of pavement, and landscaping.
Weather
Nobody can work on a soaked roof. If rain interrupts contractors in the middle of the tear-off, they’ll postpone the job until the skies are clear.
Where in San Diego, CA, can I book an expert-level roof tear-off service?
Tearing down a roof may have sounded daunting, but that’s no longer the case. If you hire the right company in San Diego, the process runs smoothly from start to finish. Before you know it, you’ll get a new roof and have all the time in the world for a trip through history at the USS Midway Museum.
Best of all, finding a reliable provider won’t take forever because 619 Roofing is available 24/7. Whether your current roof is made up of asphalt shingles or slate tiles, we guarantee a seamless tear-off service. We’ll use the finest equipment and go out of our way to minimize disturbance.
Our expertise has come through for thousands of homeowners. You can become one of them. Simply give us a call or schedule our services directly from our website.