Duplex Roofing: Replacing a Shared Roof

Replacing a roof on a single residential home is fairly easy. The procedures are much more clear-cut than duplex roofing.

If you own 1/2 of a duplex and need a new roof, there are a lot of things you need to know. This is a guide for homeowners on the questions of duplex roofing.

What if we both have different home insurance carriers?

Though it may be the same structure, there are two homes. With that, each homeowner has their own separate insurance policy. As we’ve shared before, differing companies/policies produce different approval rates for a roof replacement.

There may be an instance where one duplex owner is approved of a roof replacement, while the other may not.

In which case, the roofing contractor will only work on one side of the roof while leaving the other side untouched.

This segues into the next point.

Do duplex owners both have to replace their roof at the same time?

If your insurance carrier approves your roof to be replaced and not your neighbors then there are some more considerations.

• You can’t force them to reroof, especially if they have to pay out of pocket.
• Make sure to inform them on when you are doing it
• Make sure they know you’re not roofing their house

If your side of the duplex is re-roofed (and the other isn’t) then it leaves some disparity between the age and condition of your roofs.

This might create a problem for a time, however, a large storm may allow both sides to eventually be re-roofed at the same time again.

Do we have to use the same roofing contractor?

Using the same roofing contractor has a lot of benefits for both homeowners of a duplex.

First, you can coordinate it at the same time so the noise, mess, and disruption of duplex roofing are minimized to a few days.

Secondly, we can ensure that the shingles are uniform.

This will allow the entire roof to be the same age and appearance.

Summary

If you live in a duplex, it would behoove you to make friends with your duplex neighbor.

Duplex roofing is so much easier when both homeowners communicating. You can be aware of each other’s repairs, coordinate the same company, or even use their insurance approval as leverage for your own.

If you live in a duplex and would like someone to take a look at your roof, give us a call at (402) 889-3381.