“Can I Shingle Over Existing Shingles?”
We get this question frequently. For homeowners on a tight budget, laying down new shingles on top of their existing roof structure has definite appeal – there’s no need to pay to have someone pull up the old shingles, there’s less time spent on cleanup, there’s no need to pay to haul away the discarded materials. Add to this the fact that some less than reliable roofing companies will offer this as a “discount” option, and we completely understand why this sounds like a promising idea.
There are plenty of ways to save money on your roofing project, but this isn’t a good one.
Roofing Layover – Shingling Over Existing Shingles
In the roofing business, we call it a “layover” or an “overlay” when a client wants to put new shingles on top of older shingles.
It can be a cost-saving measure for sure, but in general we advise strongly against doing an overlay. Moisture can get between the shingles, and the water degrades those shingles – both the original, old ones underneath and the new ones that are essentially papered over the top.
Having the two layers of shingles also increases the heat up there. Heat gets trapped between those layers. This heat will also degrade the asphalt in the shingles and cause those shingles to curl and buckle, which can undermine the entire roof structure. That is not what you want.
Another negative aspect of overlaying is that it is not good for the ventilation of the roof – air and moisture can become trapped up there and can even feed back into your attic and your home.
Add to this the fact that if there are any fundamental issues with the roof that is underneath, you’re doing nothing to improve it, and only, at best, obscuring the problems. Whatever leaks, instability, damage, or degradation that was there, which is probably why you wanted to replace your roof in the first place, is still there. You’re only making it harder to access, diagnose, and repair.
An overlaid roof has a shorter lifespan than a brand new roof, too. So, although you might save some expense today, in the long run this approach will actually cost you more.
Shingle the Right Way for a Better Roof
Tearing off the older, existing shingles before laying down new ones will give you much better and longer-lasting results. Starting fresh, with new shingles going straight onto a clear, clean surface, will create the base you need for a stable, resilient roof. This will also give your roofing contractor a chance to inspect and repair any underlying damage or deterioration, ensuring your roof has a completely fresh start and a long lifespan.
Rather than having multiple layers, with different life expectancies and varying levels of wear and tear, start fresh. You’ll see the difference, and you won’t see your roof sag from the added weight of older shingles. You will also be able to identify and repair leaks faster and more accurately when you know all of your shingles are new.
For a detailed, professional roofing estimate, call us at 513-444-6098, and we can come look at your roof with you. Our service is efficient and affordable, and we have a wealth of experience with Cincinnati roof work.