Roof Installation vs. Roof Replacement

As a South Florida Homeowner, choosing the right approach for your home’s overhead protection is a significant decision. Perhaps you’re building a new property or dealing with an aging or damaged roof, whatever your situation is, it’s crucial to understand the difference between roof installation and roof replacement. Our comprehensive guide on these differences will discuss the differences of each process. When you’re done reading, you’ll be able to make an informed choice that suits your needs, budget, and the unique climate challenges in South Florida.

Understanding the Roof Installation Process

As the name suggests, roof installation refers to the process of putting a brand-new roofing system on a structure that has never had one before. It could also apply to a building where the entire existing roof structure has been removed down to the bare framework.

Let’s have a look at some of the key components and characteristics of a roof installation:

Blank Slate

The process begins with a clean deck, typically made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), securely fastened to the roof trusses or rafters. While the trusses or rafters provide the initial structural support, the roof deck or sheath adds significant strength to the roof by preventing it from flexing. So it has a dual purpose of keeping the roof rigid as well as being the foundation of all other weather-proofing materials to follow.

Multiple Layers

A complete roof installation involves several crucial layers, where each layer serves a specific purpose:

Underlayment

While the roof deck is the primary means of keeping water at bay, the underlayment is installed directly over or onto the roof deck to completely seal the roof surface from water ingress. Made from durable and waterproof materials, it’s an effective means of waterproofing your roof deck, even if shingles are damaged or blown off. In humid South Florida, a high-quality, water-resistant underlayment with excellent uplift ratings is particularly important to combat heavy rainfall and potential leaks.

Drip Edge

Metal flashing installed along the eaves and rakes (roof edge) directs water away from the fascia and into the gutters. This important component prevents wood rot in your rafters and roof deck. As South Florida sits right in the middle of a High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), properly installed drip edges are essential for protecting your home’s structural integrity.

Asphalt Shingles, Tiles, Metal Roofing, Or Membrane

This layer is broadly known as roof covering and is mostly chosen based on aesthetics and cost. South Florida homeowners often opt for materials that can withstand a beating from the intense weather conditions in the region. Each type of covering has its own durability and cost profile, so it’s important to consult with a reputable local roofing contractor to assess what will work best for you.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is a critical component of any roof system and allows air to circulate in the attic or crawl space. Ventilation assists in regulating temperature, reducing moisture buildup (mold and rust, eek!), and extending the lifespan of the roof. This typically involves soffit vents at the eaves and ridge vents or other exhaust vents near the roof’s peak.

Flashing

Flashing is special metal pieces installed around roof penetrations as well as valleys on your roof surface. Penetrations are items like chimneys, vents, and skylights, while valleys are areas where two angles meet, forming a v-shaped channel. Flashing these areas prevents water ingress to the underlayment layer.

Warranty

New roof installations typically come with manufacturer warranties on the roofing materials and workmanship warranties from the installing contractor. It’s crucial to choose a reputable South Florida roofing contractor who offers a solid warranty.

When is Roof Installation Necessary?

The most obvious scenario where a complete roof installation is required is in the case of new construction. In certain cases where an existing roof is severely damaged and has widespread rotting or structural issues as far down as the roof deck, then a roof installation may be required. Sometimes a complete tear-off and new installation might turn out to be the most budget–friendly and prudent solution, especially in terms of safety.

Understanding the Roof Replacement Process

Roof replacement involves removing an existing roofing system down to the roof deck and installing a new one in its place. While it shares many of the same steps and materials as a new roof installation, we’ll walk you through some of the key differences.

Tear-Off

The first step in a roof replacement is the removal and disposal of the old roofing materials, which include:

• Shingles
• Flashing
• Underlayment
• Potentially damaged decking and penetrations

This process needs to be handled carefully to avoid further damage to the structure.

Roof Deck Inspection

It’s important that after removing the old roof, your roofer then carefully examines the roof sheath for any signs of damage, such as rot, water stains, or loose or damaged sheathing. At this point, necessary repairs or replacement of damaged sections are performed before the new roof is installed.

Installing The New Layers

Similar to a new roof installation, a roof replacement involves installing new underlayment, drip edge, roofing materials, ventilation components, and flashing. The quality of these materials and the expertise of the installation crew are just as critical as in a new roof installation, especially in the demanding South Florida climate.

Warranty

Just like new roof installations, roof replacements typically come with manufacturer warranties on the new materials and workmanship warranties from the roofing contractor.

When is Roof Replacement Necessary?

Depending on your specific situation, a roof replacement may be just what you need to restore peace of mind as well as structural integrity for your home. Let’s have a look at two of the most common reasons why someone might consider a roof replacement over a roof installation.

Old Age

Tiled and shingled roofs in South Florida typically last anywhere from 15-35 years, depending on the type of roof covering if you have a well-maintained roof. Once the roof reaches the end of its useful life, a replacement is necessary to prevent or repair leaks and other problems.

Extensive Damage

Unfortunately, not all Floridians can avoid the worst of hurricane season. Falling debris, torrential rains, and prolonged neglect may necessitate a complete roof replacement. If your local roofer can no longer guarantee the roof’s integrity, or the cost of repairs begins to spiral, perhaps replacement is the best option.

Roof Installation vs. Roof Replacement: Summary

Feature	Roof Installation	Roof Replacement
Starting Point	Clean, bare roof deck on a new structure or after complete deck removal	Existing roof system that needs to be removed
Tear-Off	None	Required
Deck Inspection	Standard procedure to ensure proper base	Crucial step after tear-off to identify and repair damage – more in-depth
Purpose	Initial roofing on a new building	Replacing an old or severely damaged roof

From the table above, you can see the key differences between the two options for your South Florida home. It’s important that whatever you consider doing, you choose the right professional roofer for the job. Choosing a reputable local roofing contractor with experience is essential for both jobs, so don’t appoint a roofer without the required qualifications.

SK Quality Roofing: The Preferred Choice For Delray Beach Homeowners

As a family-run business for three successive generations, SK Quality Roofing is a bastion for integrity and professional workmanship. Whether you’re looking for a brand new installation or a roof replacement project is looming, we can do them all. As a pioneer in the area of Roof Maintenance Programs, we will help to ensure that your roof is well cared for across the duration of its lifespan, and we’ll be there to assist when the time is right for a new roof. To get an estimation for your new roof installation, call us at 561-276-8040.