Why Aren't You Allowed to Reroof in El Paso County?
What Is The Difference Between a New Roof and Reroofing?
Reroofing is when new asphalt shingles are laid on top of old shingles. With a new roof, your roofer would remove the old shingles before applying new shingles. When a new roof is installed, the roof deck, underlayment, flashing, and other parts of your roof may also be replaced or repaired depending on their condition and your needs. With a reroof, all you get are a new set of shingles with the old shingles remaining underneath.
In El Paso County, the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department forbids reroofing. Keep reading to find out why.
What Is the PPRBD?
Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) is the regulating body that controls the "design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy of all buildings and structures" in El Paso County, including Colorado Springs. They enforce building code standards through a comprehensive range of inspections, including roofing inspections.
When it comes to roofing, PPRBD regulates:
- Materials
- Methods
- Required roofing features, such as ice barriers
- Who can install and/or repair roofs
- Who can install and/or repair different types of roofing vents
PPRBD also issues roofing permits and outlines rules related to posting roofing permits, stocking roofing materials on job sites, and more.
Why Aren't Reroofs Allowed in Colorado Springs?
According to PPRBD Reroofing Guidelines, all existing layers of residential roof coverings must be removed before installing new asphalt roof coverings. Consequently, reroofing is not allowed in residential settings in Colorado Springs or El Paso County at large. Reroofing is frowned upon for several reasons, the main one is that reroofing compromises the roof's overall integrity.
Other problems associated with reroofing include:
- Hiding existing damage, allowing it to worsen
- More prone to leaks and water damage
- Uneven roof surface, making the roof more susceptible to all kinds of damage
- Reduces the life span of your shingles and other roofing parts
- May negate the warranty on the new shingles
- Makes future repairs more difficult
- Creates a safety hazard for roofers who work on the roof
Despite the many problems associated with reroofing, it is still allowed in many areas of the US. Many people find it an attractive alternative to roof replacements because it costs less. However, when you factor in the cost over time and that a reroof doesn't last nearly as long as a full replacement, you end up spending more money.
Reroofing & Hailstorms
Another major reason you should never reroof your home in the Colorado Springs area is that it makes your home more susceptible to hail damage. Because reroofing asphalt shingles can lead to excessive granular loss, the new shingles are more exposed and likely to be damaged in a hailstorm. Additionally, during a hailstorm, the uneven surface can allow wind to get under shingles, ripping them off the roof and exposing the old, worn-out shingles, leading to further damage and leaks.
In short, reroofing is not only illegal in Colorado Springs, but it's just a bad idea. If a roofer comes to you and offers to reroof your home with asphalt shingles, you should be wary of working with them at all. Instead, if you believe it's time to replace your roof, reach out to a reputable, honest roofing company, like Divine Roofing, Inc. We can help you install a new roof, and you can rest assured it will be up to code.