Pros and Cons of Roofing Over Existing Shingles

Probably the number one reason why homeowners choose to put new shingles on top of old ones is cost. It costs a lot less in terms of time, labor, and materials. It’s also less wasteful as you are not adding discarded roofing materials to landfills.

Because it’s a lot quicker to place a new layer of shingles over your existing roof, there is no need to go inside your home, for example, to your attic. Also, homeowners don’t need to temporarily relocate during the process, which could be the case during an extensive, prolonged reroofing project.

Roof replacement can be messy, leaving your yard littered with debris. This can damage your landscaping and create an unsightly mess. Re-roofing over existing shingles can minimize that concern.

Layers upon layers of shingles can add significant extra weight to your roof, which can stress the roof frame and decking. If you live in a snowy climate, the roof must bear the weight of the snow, which can cause damage and even result in total roof collapse.

Multiple layers of shingles disguise roof damage, making it impossible to detect moisture damage or problems with the decking or flashing. It makes a roof inspector’s job nearly impossible and can cost you more in the future when you have to make expensive repairs or replace your roof entirely.

Roof overlays create a situation where moisture can get trapped between the layers of shingles, which blocks ventilation. Excess moisture can cause roof rot, mold, and mildew, as well as negatively impact the roof structure and indoor air quality.

Before you agree to a roof overlay, check your local building codes. Some jurisdictions may only permit one layer of shingles on roofs. Your HOA may also have a say in the matter.

While roofing over existing shingles may sound like a cost-effective solution to updating your roof, the drawbacks outweigh any advantages. In fact, if you talk to a roofing contractor who suggests doing this as a way to cut corners, beware. Premier Roofing prides itself on acting in the customer’s best interest by stripping existing shingles and replacing them with high-quality materials and skilled professionals to perform the installation. With locations throughout the US, Premier is your trusted local roofing contractor. Reach out to us to schedule a free, no-obligation roof inspection.

We’ll inspect the roof on your home, business, or multi-family buildings so you can have peace of mind that your roof is properly installed.