Roof Tear-Off: Why Georgia Homeowners Shouldn’t Skip This Step

If your roof is over 15 years old, showing signs of wear, or has been patched after a storm, you might be thinking about a roof replacement. One key part of the roofing conversation is whether to do a tear-off or simply layer new shingles over the old ones.

At Roof Nuts GA, we believe a full roof tear-off is the smartest, safest choice for long-term performance—especially in Georgia’s heat, humidity, and storm-prone climate.

Here’s what you need to know before making your decision.

What Does a Roof Tear-Off Involve?

A roof tear-off is the process of removing every layer of roofing material down to the decking. This includes:

• All existing shingles

• Underlayment or felt paper

• Flashing and vent boots

• Nails and roofing debris

Once the surface is fully exposed, we inspect the roof deck for signs of rot, mold, soft spots, or structural damage. If roof repairs are needed, we make them before installing a new roofing system—properly layered, sealed, and built to last.

This is different from a “roof overlay,” where new shingles are installed directly over the old ones without removing anything underneath. While faster and cheaper up front, overlays can hide damage and reduce the lifespan of your roof.

Why Tear-Off Is Better for Georgia Homes

Georgia’s climate puts serious strain on roofing systems. Between blazing summers, high humidity, heavy rain, and sudden hailstorms, your roof has to work hard.

Here’s why a tear-off is the best solution:

1. Reveals Hidden Damage

Roof decking can rot from trapped moisture or slow leaks under old shingles. Tear-offs expose these issues so we can fix them before installing your new roof.

2. Improves Roof Ventilation

During a tear-off, we can upgrade or reposition attic vents. Proper ventilation reduces heat buildup in summer, prevents mold, and increases shingle lifespan.

3. Protects Your Warranty

Most major shingle manufacturers—including Owens Corning, Malarkey, and Atlas—require a full tear-off for their top-tier warranties. Without it, you could be left unprotected.

4. Reduces Roof Weight

Layering shingles adds unnecessary weight to your home’s structure. Over time, this can lead to sagging or decking stress.

5. Creates a Smooth Finish

New shingles install flatter and tighter when applied to a clean deck. That means better water runoff, fewer raised seams, and cleaner curb appeal.

What Does Georgia Code Say About Tear-Offs?

Georgia follows the International Residential Code (IRC), which permits one overlay—but only if the existing roof is sound.

A second layer is not allowed if:

• Shingles are curled, brittle, or delaminated

• The roof has water damage or leaks

• There are already two layers in place

• The roof has poor ventilation

• The structure shows signs of sagging or movement

In these cases, a tear-off is not just smart—it’s required.

What Happens During a Roof Tear-Off?

At Roof Nuts, our process is clean, efficient, and respectful of your property. Here’s what to expect:

1. Jobsite Prep
   We protect landscaping, AC units, windows, and entryways with tarps and plywood.

2. Full Tear-Off
   We remove all old shingles, nails, flashing, underlayment, and debris.

3. Deck Inspection
   We check for soft decking, wood rot, mold, or moisture and make any needed repairs.

4. New Installation
   We install ice & water shield, synthetic underlayment, upgraded flashings, and your new shingles per manufacturer specs.

5. Cleanup
   We use magnet rollers to catch nails and remove every bit of debris—your yard will be cleaner than we found it.

How Long Does It Take?

• Most Georgia homes: 1 to 2 days

• Larger or steep roofs: 3 to 4 days

• Complex installs: 4 to 5 days (includes decking repairs, chimney flashing, etc.)

Rain or storm delays are always factored in when we plan your schedule.

FAQ

💬 How much does a roof tear-off cost in Georgia?

On average, expect to pay between $8,000 and $14,000 depending on:

• Roof size and pitch

• Shingle type (standard or premium)

• Flashing upgrades

• Decking repair needs

We offer free, no-pressure estimates across the state. Call us at 404-476-6851 to get started.

💬 Will insurance cover a roof tear-off?

If your roof was damaged by hail or wind, your homeowner's insurance might cover the full cost of a tear-off and new installation. We work directly with insurance adjusters to ensure you're treated fairly.

💬 Is a tear-off worth it long-term?

Absolutely. You’ll get a longer-lasting roof, better protection, and fewer repairs. It’s an investment that saves you money over time—and boosts your home’s value.

Serving Homeowners Across Georgia

Whether you’re in Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, or Savannah, Roof Nuts GA is here to make your next roof replacement simple, honest, and done right.

We’re owned and operated by Jay Bradley and Blake Williamson, two Georgia natives who treat your home like their own. No pushy sales. Just solid roofing work and straightforward pricing.

📞 Call 404-476-6851 or request a free estimate at https://RoofNutsGA.com