Can I roof over existing shingles?

Roofing over an existing roof is also called reroofing or an overlay. It is the process where roofers install a new roof over your existing one, i.e. add a new layer of shingles, which means that the old roof will not be removed/teared off.

Is it OK to put shingles on top of old shingles?

The Basic Rules

Know this: placing old shingles over top of the new ones is only possible with asphalt shingles, which are also known as composition shingles. You cannot place a new layer over top of slate or wood, and you should definitely never mix materials like laying asphalt shingles over cedar shakes.

Is it OK to put a second layer of shingles on a roof?

A second layer of shingles will decrease the integrity of your new roof and lower its lifespan. That's because shingles aren't designed to have a second layer of shingles on top of them! Plus, all that extra moisture and heat being applied to the first layer of shingles will make that first layer age faster.

Is it cheaper to roof over existing shingles?

Although it sounds like a good idea, we can assure you the cons heavily outweigh the pros. In fact, the ONLY pro to a shingle over is it's cheaper and cleaner.

Is it OK to roof over an existing roof?

Installing a new roof over an existing one can only be done if you have shingles because you can only put shingles over shingles. It is not possible to mix materials, nor to install a new layer over slate or wood tiles.

Can I Install New Shingles Over an Existing Roof? [Northern Virginia Roofing Tips]

How long will an overlay roof last?

Overlays have a Viable Life

An overlay is a viable option if the existing roofing materials have not already been overlaid. Home Reference.net notes that on average you can expect the overlay to last for fifteen or sixteen years.

How many layers of shingles can you put on a roof?

House roofs should never exceed three layers of shingles. Adding additional layers without excavation can save homeowners up to $1,000 in labor. Therefore, layering has advantages. Building and city codes require roofers to limit shingle layers to two.

Is a roof overlay considered a new roof?

Tear-off roofs are when a roofing contractor removes, or “tears off,” your existing roof, then installs an entirely new one. Overlay roofs are when a roofing contractor keeps your existing roof as-is, then places new roofing materials on top of it.

What is one of the drawbacks to adding a second layer of roofing over a first?

ROOFING - Drawback (inconvenientes) to adding a second layer of roofing over a first: The dead load is increased; Nails may not be long enough to penetrate the roof sheathing; Old flashing may not be replaced; the roof sheathing cannot be properly inspected; Roofing materials may not dry properly.

How long will a 2nd layer of shingles last?

Shorter lifespan – As you might expect, new shingles laid over damaged shingles and rotting decking won't last as long as they could. To make matters worse, a roof with two layers of shingles holds in more heat, which speeds up deterioration. On average, an overlay lasts around 16 years.

Can you put a second layer of shingles over architectural shingles?

The quick answer is yes you can re-roof architectural shingles over existing architectural shingles (however you must check with the shingle manufacturer as well). Having said that it will be nearly impossible to get a good looking quality installation.

Is re-roofing a good idea?

If you are a homeowner with minor issues or leaks, which typically occur as the roof reaches the end of its lifespan, but the roof is in overall good shape, re-roofing may be for you. If you only have one layer of asphalt shingles on your roof, you may also be a good candidate for re-roofing.

How long does a shingle roof last?

Vented properly and installed correctly, you should get around 80-85% of the life span out of an asphalt roof. That means you can expect to get about 20-22 years out of your 3-tab shingle roof and 25-28 years out of your dimensional shingles.

How can you tell if you have two layers of shingles?

In contrast, a roof with many layers can easily be seen under the top shingles from the edges. In addition to this, if you look at your roof, multiple layers of shingles will likely make your roof look lumpy. Also, near the vents or chimney will look like the shingles have a noticeable waviness.

How long do 30 year architectural shingles really last?

The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it's not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years. That's one of the big misconceptions in the roofing marketplace.

Can you install metal roof over shingles?

In almost every case, the answer is yes, you can lay down a new metal roof over an existing shingle roof. This is one of the many reasons metal roofs keep growing in popularity – their installation doesn't require completely tearing off the existing roof, which is a time-consuming and expensive job.

How often should roof Be Replaced?

In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used: Composition Shingles: 12-20 years. Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years. Wood Shingles: 20-25 years.

Is reroofing the same as roof replacement?

Reroofing: The process of recovering or replacing an existing roof covering. Roof Recover: The process of installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof covering without removing the existing roof covering.

Can you replace your roof yourself?

The truth is, anyone can replace their own roof, with the help of the many DIY websites. For residential houses, roof replacements typically take two days – the first day to remove the old roof, and the second day is to install the new one. A day or two more can be necessary depending on the size of the roof.

How much does it cost to add a layer of shingles?

The average cost to install shingles is $5,250-$15,250, with the average homeowner paying $6,960 to install architectural asphalt shingles on a 1,500-square-foot roof. For the same size roof with slate shingles, he will pay $24,788, depending on the pitch and shape of the roof.

Can you install architectural shingles over 3 tab shingles?

In most cases, you can apply a second layer of three-tab shingles over an existing roof that features three-tab shingles without having to tear off the existing roof. However, you cannot apply three-tab shingles over architectural shingles.

What color roof lasts the longest?

Both light-colored and dark-colored shingles can last longer if given the necessary maintenance. The only thing tested and proven about light-colored shingles is that they help us keep the indoor temperature cooler in the hot summer season.

What color roof is best for resale?

Roofs with good resale value tend to be neutral colored, such as tan, cream, brown, black or gray. These colors are classic and tend to stay in style over time. Meanwhile, trendier roofs include shingles that are mixed, with various color combinations of browns or blacks and grays.

Do darker shingles make house hotter?

In general, lighter-colored roofs reflect away heat rays from the sun, but dark-colored roofs absorb much of that heat and transfer it into the rooms below. So, yes, black roofs do attract more heat. Or course, color isn't the only aspect of your roof that affects home temperature.