Many property owners want to know if they can put a new layer of shingles over their existing roof. The short answer is ‘yes’. It is possible to install a new roof over an older one, provided your old roof is in good’ shape.
Many homeowners take this route when they decide on getting a new roof. Are you asking yourself, “Can I have more than one layer of shingles on my roof?” Let Watkins Construction & Roofing answer this for you! If the underlying parts of your old roof are still strong and sturdy and your home is structurally sound to support the additional weight of the second layer of roofing shingles, you can safely opt for re-roofing.
However, there are a few critical factors you should keep in mind when you choose re-roofing instead of installing a new roof from the ground up.
Reroofing vs. Roof Replacement
A total roof replacement, including roofing tear-off, is a complex and time-consuming process. The process starts with tearing down the old roofing system entirely. Regardless of the number of layers in your shingle roof, your entire roof will be torn off, down to the roof decking.
Understandably, the total roof replacement process requires more crew members and skilled labor to accomplish the project safely and efficiently. Therefore, it is more expensive than re-roofing.
On the contrary, re-roofing or overlay involves only the installation of a new roof on an existing roof. This is an affordable and cost-effective option if your existing roof does not have any major issues like roof leaks.
However, it is worth mentioning that the process of overlay or re-roofing should be performed only once. Having three or more layers of roofing can severely compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Re-Roofing: When It Is Feasible?
Let’s look at some of the cases where you can opt for re-roofing without having to deal with any major trouble in the future.
- Your home is in the northern region of the U.S. As the weather is moderate and not excessively hot or humid in these regions, your new shingle roof can withstand these weather conditions without any damage.
- Your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, but it is free from any major roofing issues and is structurally well intact.
- Your shingles are losing granules due to extreme weather conditions, but there is no curling or buckling yet.
- If your roof is free from any underlying issues and roof leaks.
- You want to boost the curb appeal of your home with a brand new roof at an affordable price. A high-quality new layer of shingles will add a new color, dimension, and depth to your roof. Re-roofing or overlay is faster and far more cost-effective than a total roof replacement.
When Re-Roofing It Is Not Possible?
Their many cases when re-roofing is not recommended. Let’s look.
If your roofer advises against re-roofing after a thorough inspection of your existing roof, it makes sense to go with the experts’ opinion even if the roofing damage is not visible.
If your existing roof doesn’t have asphalt shingles, re-roofing may not be feasible. That’s because for long-lasting results, installing a new shingle layer over an existing shingle roof is the best practice.
If you’ve already conducted re-roofing in the past, installing a third layer can be incredibly risky. This will put too much burden on your home’s foundation and make your home an extremely dangerous place to live.
If there is widespread damage to your existing roof, then re-roofing is not advisable. Going for a total roof replacement can be a better and more effective alternative in the long run.
If you have poor attic ventilation and your shingles have curled as a result, it is better to go for total roof replacement.
Pros and Cons of Re-Roofing
The Pros
- It’s more affordable than a total roof replacement
- Less time consuming and needs less labor in comparison to a complete roof replacement
- A quick and effective way to improve the curb appeal of your home at an affordable price
The Cons
- Underlying roofing issues may not be fixed
- Can put an excessive burden on your home’s foundation
- Multiple roofing layers can attract and preserve more heat. This can make your home excessively hot in summer, leading to the deterioration of your roofing shingles from the inside out.
- The long-term cost associated with installing a new roof from scratch in the future as both layers of roofing materials needs to be removed first.
There you have it – some of the most important pros and cons of re-roofing. For more information, you can reach Watkins Construction & Roofing at 601-488-3179. You can also come by and visit us in person to go over your roofing needs. We service areas in Jackson, Flowood, Clinton, and Ridgeland, MS.