Is Half Roof Replacement Possible?

by Sue White | Jul 25, 2022 | roof replacement

roof replacement Your roof is your shield from the elements and keeps you dry and warm in all seasons. Your roof’s lifespan will vary depending on the materials used, how you maintain it, and other factors. However, no roof is impervious to damage. you’ll eventually need a roof replacement.

Many homeowners are curious if partial roof replacement can be done as an alternative to a complete roof installation. Is it possible to replace half of the roof? Continue reading to find out more.

Half Roof Replacement

It can be tempting to replace only half of your roof if it is severely damaged. This will save you time and money. Most professional roofers will not recommend that you replace only half your roof.

Aesthetics

The most obvious reason is that replacing only half of a roof can cause problems in aesthetics. Even if you have the same roofing materials and architectural shingles, half the roof will appear older and more worn than the rest. The other half will be new and clean. Your roof will not look right.

Logistics

Roofs can be complicated, even if you don’t care about the aesthetics or design of your home. Many roofs cannot be divided in half. This could lead to leaky roofs or structural problems that could cause more serious, costly damage.

Your roof might be too worn or fragile to withstand partial replacement, depending on its age. The contractor might discover that there is rotten wood in the roof’s structure. This would mean that the entire roof will need to be replaced. Your roof could sustain further damage, which can lead to costly repairs.

Your roof should be viewed as a whole. You should not try to repair or replace parts of your roof, especially at the root or foundational points. This can lead to more failures after installation. Professional roofing contractors won’t do a half-roof because it is often difficult to tie together two sections.

A Uneven Lifecycle

Even if you were to replace half of your roof, your home would still have two halves with different lifespans. This means that the older part of your roof would need to be replaced sooner than the younger one, which can lead to an endless cycle of repairs and replacements.

It’s more expensive than you think

It might seem like you are saving money by replacing only half of your roof. You are likely to pay more per square foot because you still have the cost of the roof crew’s travel, equipment, labor, and materials.

Even though the initial cost might be lower, it could end up costing you more long-term. This uneven life cycle would lead to more roof repairs and higher utility bills. It may be worth spending more upfront to save money in the long term.

Insurance companies may not cover a complete roof replacement or roof repair. You will have to pay for most of the roof installation yourself. To reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, talk to your roofing contractor or roofer if this happens.

How to Replace Parts of Your Roof

Although it is not recommended to replace a complete roof, there are situations when replacing individual pieces is possible.

Patch Jobs

You may want to repair damage that is less than half the size of your roof. To determine the best course for action, it is a good idea to consult your roofer. Even a simple patch job can be more costly than if there is water damage to the roof or water leakage into the attic. Uncertain? Ask a roofer these questions.

If they find no water damage, however, your roof might be okay with a simple patch job. While it can be challenging to match your roof color and shingles, patches are more effective than replacing an entire roof.

Replacing individual architectural shingles

High winds and severe storms can cause shingles to fall off. Shingles that have been damaged, worn out or missing are generally not cause for concern. However, you should still consult a professional roofer to assess if any damage has occurred to the roof decking and underlayment.

You can easily fit new shingles where there are no shingles or damaged ones. It can be difficult to find identical shingles. New shingles may not be obvious, but they can prolong the life of your roof for a reasonable price.

You should contact your roofer immediately if you notice any missing or damaged shingles. The more they are missing, greater the risk of roof leaks in heavy rainfall and greater damage to your home.

There are many options for roof replacement

There are a few options available to you if your roofer decides that you need a complete roof replacement.

A second layer

It is also known as an overlay, or second layer. This is simply the addition of new shingles to the existing layer. This assumes that the roof is not damaged structurally.

Although an overlay is cheaper and takes less time than a complete roof replacement, it does have its limitations. An overlay won’t last as well. An overlay traps heat which causes curling and faster wear. The added layer of shingles makes it difficult to identify and locate future problems, such as leaks or rotting.

You will eventually have to replace your roof. Adding a second layer can make the process more difficult and more expensive. This is another temporary solution that can end up costing you more in the long-term.

A second layer might not be possible depending on the age of the home and the foundations. This is basically adding another roof to your roof. This weight can cause damage to the roof’s structural integrity.

If your roof is strong enough to handle the problem and you need a solution for an extremely serious roofing issue, an overlay cover might be the best choice.

Tear off

A tear-off, which is the preferred option by roofers and contractors, is a complete replacement. This includes new shingles, decks, flashings, underlayment, and replacements for damaged or rotten buildings. This has one major drawback: the initial cost. Talk to your insurance company about replacing a complete roof. There are many financing options available from roofing companies.

Apart from the cost, a complete tear-off replacement is the best option. A high-quality roof will last longer and have a renewed lifespan. A new roof will increase your home’s value, even though it comes with high upfront costs.

Can you replace only half of a roof? Although theoretically, it is possible, most experts would advise against replacing only half of a roof.