Roof Recovers Are Just a Band-Aid: Here’s Why We Always Tear Off

When it’s time to replace your roof, you might encounter contractors offering two different approaches: a “recover” (also called an overlay) where new shingles are installed over your existing roof, or a complete tear-off where everything is removed down to the deck before installing new materials. While a recover might seem like the faster, cheaper option, there are reasons why 1st Choice Roofing and Construction only uses the tear-off method, because it’s simply the right way to do the job. Putting new shingles over an old, damaged roof, is like putting a bandaid over a wound that will never heal.

So What’s the Difference?

A roof recover takes the “out of sight, out of mind” approach. It skips the removal process and gets straight to installation, nailing new shingles directly over the old ones. A complete tear-off, on the other hand, means stripping your roof down to the wooden deck. It reveals the truth about possible damage underneath the shingles. And there could be no damage! However, the sight remains unseen and the condition remains unknown otherwise. We inspect its underlying structure, make any necessary repairs, and then build your roof system back up with all new materials.

Hidden Damage Stays Hidden

Here’s the fundamental problem with recovers: they hide everything underneath. It’s the roofing equivalent of sweeping problems under the rug. There are many unknown issues that could compromise the safety of your home. Rotted decking, damaged underlayment, compromised flashing, and moisture problems all get covered up, continuing to deteriorate beneath your new roof.

With a complete tear-off, our team inspects every inch of your roof deck. We identify soft spots, water damage, and structural concerns that would remain invisible during a recover. This inspection is critical because your shingles are only as good as what’s underneath them. Premium shingles on rotted decking won’t perform any better than cheap shingles on rotted decking. Quality starts with a solid base.

Weight Concerns Add Up

Roofing materials are heavy! A single layer of asphalt shingles can weigh 200-300 pounds per square (a 10×10 foot area). When you add a second layer, you’re doubling that weight. Many roof structures simply weren’t engineered to handle this additional load, especially over time as materials absorb moisture and become even heavier. Factor in the weight of snow and ice during winter storms, and you’re pushing your roof structure well beyond its designed capacity.

This extra weight is a disaster waiting to happen. The question isn’t IF problems will occur, but WHEN? Your home’s structural integrity is at risk when rafters begin to bow, framing is cracked, pockets are created where water collects and rot happens.

A tear-off removes this danger entirely, ensuring your structure only carries the weight it was designed to support.

Shorter Lifespan, Compromised Performance

New shingles need a smooth, flat surface to perform as designed. When installed over old, weathered shingles, the surface is inherently uneven. Old shingles warp, buckle, and create an uneven surface that shows right through the new layer, compromising both how your roof looks and how it performs.

This uneven surface prevents proper sealing, allows wind to get underneath shingles more easily, and creates pockets where moisture can accumulate. The result? Your new roof fails faster than it should. When you invest in a new roof, you deserve the full lifespan and protection that materials are designed to provide.

Ventilation and Energy Efficiency

Proper roof ventilation is essential for controlling attic temperatures, preventing ice dams, and extending your roof’s lifespan. A recover makes it difficult or impossible to properly assess and improve your roof’s ventilation system. Existing ventilation might be inadequate, blocked, or damaged, but you won’t know until problems develop.

A complete tear-off allows us to evaluate your entire ventilation system, upgrade components as needed, and ensure your new roof has the airflow it requires for optimal performance. This attention to ventilation not only protects your roofing materials but can also reduce your energy costs by preventing heat buildup in your attic.You can read more about why roofing ventilation matters, here!

Resale Considerations

When it comes time to sell your home, the condition and quality of your roof matters to buyers and their inspectors. Home inspectors routinely flag multiple-layer roofs in their reports, and savvy buyers understand the implications. They know that layers often hide problems and typically have shorter remaining lifespans than properly installed replacements.

Explaining why your roof has multiple layers can raise red flags for potential buyers, leading them to wonder what else might be hidden. These concerns can translate into lower offers, requests for roof replacement as a condition of sale, or buyers walking away entirely. In contrast, a new roof done right adds genuine value to your home and makes your property more attractive in a competitive market.

The Long-Term Value Proposition

The uneven surface of a recover prevents proper sealing, allows wind to get underneath shingles more easily, and creates pockets where moisture/rot can accumulate. The result? Your new roof fails faster than it should. Manufacturer warranties often reflect this reality because many offer reduced coverage for recovers or exclude them entirely. The truth is, we can’t provide a warranty when we’re covering up unknown problems. At 1st Choice Roofing and Construction, we stand behind our work and provide a warranty, which is why we insist on tear-offs. A roof replacement is too important to leave you wondering if it was done thoroughly and correctly.

Our Commitment to Quality

At 1st Choice Roofing and Construction, we’re committed to installations that stand the test of time and don’t accept short-cuts. We want to see what we’re working with, address any underlying issues, and give you a roof system that performs exactly as it should for its entire intended lifespan. Read more about The Total Protection Roofing System® we use containing an ice & water barrier, synthetic underlayment, ventilation and insulation.

When you choose 1st Choice for your roof replacement, you’re getting transparency, thorough inspections, proper preparation, and quality installation from the deck up. You and your roof deserve nothing less than the best approach, and we’re here to deliver it!

Ready to discuss your roof replacement? Contact 1st Choice Roofing and Construction today for a comprehensive inspection and honest assessment. We’ll show you exactly what your roof needs and why our tear-off approach is the smart investment for your home’s protection.