Architecture/New Roof

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Expert: - 4/30/2004


Question
Our roof is more than 25 years old and trying to get quotes from roofing contractors. Our roof already has two layers and in Connecticut we can not have more than two layers. One contractor told us that we can remove top layer of the roof and recover with new layer. One contractor told us that we have to get complete new roof.

What is best thing to do? To put a complete new roof OR remove one layer and put new layer on the original layer.

Thank you very much for your help and best regards

Prakash Lapsia

Answer
Prakash:

Thanks for your question!

It's impossible to remove only one layer of roofing.  Take the whole thing off down to the plywood, and install new paper and shingles.  Make sure the specs include:

--removal and hauling of all materials and clean up
--protection from weather during construction (tarps)
--patching or replacement of sheathing as needed
--(1) layer of 15# roofing paper
--seal-tab asphalt shingles, at least 25 year warranty
--new metal drip edges
--replace/repair/install metal flashings and valleys where needed including at chimneys, b-vents, stack vents, skylights, etc.
--repair/replace/install roof vents
--realignment or reinstallation of gutters at completion

Also, stick with large, well-known reputable companies - there are hundreds of "fly-by-night" roofers in every town.  Don't give anyone any money up front until the materials are delivered to the site.

There's no substitute for a proper job when it comes to the roof.  A bad roofing job can ruin the entire house in a storm.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtaylorarchitects.com

Architecture

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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