When it comes time to replace your roof a lot of roofing contractors in Rochester NY will suggest a re roof application or that they are “re roof specialists”. A re roof is when an additional layer of asphalt roofing shingles are applied over the original roof without performing a roof tear off. Although a reroof in Rochester NY will achieve a lower price point for the consumer it will not leave your home protected against the worst of winter weather.
Harsh Monroe County winters can cause ice damming and require additional waterproofing that a re roof simply doesn’t provide. Roofing companies in Monroe County like to perform reroofs because they are less labor intensive, there is no roofing debris removal or dumping cost and roofing jobs can be completed faster without having to provide any real long term roofing warranty. Just because a re roof benefits your local roofer does not mean it will benefit you in the middle of a Rochester NY winter storm.
A complete roofing tearoff is your best option. Then your certified roofing specialist can determine whether or not you need to replace roof decking, roof flashings and make sure there is adequate roofing ventilation at the roof peak and in the soffits. A waterproofing ice and water shield can then be applied directly to the roof deck. A reputable roofing company will install a minimum of 2 courses of ice and water shield to help delay the damage caused by heavy snow and ice build up and ice damming.
Please keep in mind that whether you choose a roofing tear off or re roof that your new roofing is designed to shed water- No residential roofing system or waterproofing underlayment for pitched roofing is made to withstand the damage caused by the “pooling water” behind an ice dam. Remember I said the proper waterproofing underlayments will only help delay damage.It is necessary to keep the snow and ice removed from your roof no matter what the age or type of roof you have. Any roofer who tries to convince you otherwise either doesn’t know any better or doesn’t have your best interest in mind.
The pros at Ron Ferris and Son have been protecting homeowners in the Greater Rochester Area for over 35 Years! We won’t sell you roofing products that you don’t need and refuse to install a roof that won’t leave you protected. While we will install an additional layer of roofing over an original roof we caution our clients to evaluate the complete cost and overall situation and let us inspect to make sure the roof ‘s decking, flashing and roof ventilation are all in compliance with building and shingle warranty standards; before moving ahead with a re roof. Cheaper is never better if you have to sacrifice the level of protection provided. Remember your roofing system is your first and only line of defense against the worst Mother Nature has to offer.
To learn more about roofing Rochester NY visit our roofing page at www.ronferrisandsonroofing.com or call us today for a free roofing estimate @ 585-288-0895
Ron Ferris and Son 