Sometimes a roof repair just won't cut it anymore. San Diego homeowners often delay re-roofing longer than they should, patching leaks and replacing shingles until the underlying problems become impossible to ignore.
How to Know When Re-Roofing Makes Sense
Re-roofing means adding a new layer of shingles over your existing roof. It differs from a full replacement, which strips everything down to the deck. Both approaches have their place, but understanding when each is appropriate can save you money and headaches.
Age matters more than appearance. An asphalt shingle roof that looks fine from the ground might be nearing the end of its functional life. After 20 years in San Diego's sunny climate, even well-maintained shingles lose their protective granules and become brittle. If your roof is approaching this age and you're seeing multiple problem areas, re-roofing becomes the smarter choice over continued repairs.
The math is straightforward. When repair costs start approaching a third of what a new roof would cost, you're throwing money at a losing proposition. Those dollars could go toward a roof that will protect your home for another two decades.
Multiple leaks in different areas signal systemic failure. A single leak usually means localized damage—a cracked boot around a vent pipe, deteriorated flashing at a chimney. But when water finds its way in through several spots, the entire roofing system is likely compromised.
San Diego's building code allows re-roofing over one existing layer of shingles. This saves money on tear-off and disposal, but it only works if the existing roof is in reasonably good condition. If your current shingles are curling, buckling, or missing in large sections, a full replacement becomes necessary.
Re-roofing over damaged shingles is like painting over rust. It might look better temporarily, but the problems underneath continue getting worse.
Check your attic before making any decisions. Water stains on the underside of the roof deck, daylight visible through gaps, or sagging sections all indicate damage that re-roofing won't address. These conditions require a complete tear-off so the deck can be repaired or replaced.
The inspection process should be thorough. A qualified contractor will examine not just the shingles but also the flashing, valleys, and penetrations. They'll check the fascia boards for rot and look at the soffit vents for proper airflow. All of these factors influence whether re-roofing makes sense.
Timing matters in San Diego. While our mild climate allows for roofing work year-round, scheduling during our dry season (April through October) minimizes weather-related delays. Most re-roofing projects complete in two to three days, but weather can extend that timeline.
The warranty situation deserves attention. When you re-roof over existing shingles, manufacturer warranties often have different terms than for new installations. Make sure you understand exactly what coverage you're getting and for how long.
Your choice affects future options too. Once you've re-roofed, your next project will require a full tear-off since building codes don't allow three layers of shingles. Consider this when weighing the cost savings of re-roofing against full replacement now.
