Shingle Layering Mistakes All Homeowners Need To Avoid!
Intro
Have you ever walked down the street and seen your neighbor’s roofer, doing that ultra-slick job of simply adding new shingles on top of the existing roof?
You may have felt like that was cheating, or not right. But it actually is a style of roof job some homeowners choose to go with.
Sometimes called a re-roof, the main selling point of shingle layering is that it’s quicker and easier with little downside.
There are drawbacks, however, and it’s important to consider the full picture before making a roofing decision for your home.
Yes, shingle layering can be done, but the more important questions are should it be done and do you specifically want it done on your home?
Consider the Pros and Cons:
First, it’s important to note that this process can only be done with asphalt or composition shingles, never with wood shakes or metal roofing systems. The type and style of roofing in the shingle layering should be the same, and you should never re-roof over more than one existing roof (the practice of shingle layering only allows for two layers total).
Pros:
It is cheaper…you save costs on crew (typically only one or two guys has to be present to nail on the new shingles), haul-away (there is none, whereas tearing off an old system requires a hefty container full of waste), and other roofing components (plywood, vents, flashings, all are replaced when you do a real roof replacement as opposed to shingle layering).
It is faster and you’ll endure less days of loud banging because a noisy crew is standing on top of your house.
Cons:
All that money you “saved” will come back to haunt you when your next roof is installed, because you will then have to remove and dispose of 2 layers of shingles. Remember, you can’t install more than two layers of shingles before you start violating codes and safety measures.
Your old roof needs to be in very good condition, so that you have a flat and clean surface to install the new shingles on.
Extra shingles cause extra weight and pressure on your roof’s framing, joists, and decking. All of this could cause your roof to ripple and sag.
Often times, when an old roof is torn off, areas that need repaired become imminently visible, like insulation, venting, or moisture problems. If you simply re-layer your shingles, you won’t be able to discover damaged areas, and these could fester and lead to greater home damage (especially if you have leaks) later on.
Two layers of shingles trap moisture much better (or should we say, WORSE!) and that can rot the wood underneath and cause leaks into your home.
The warranty on the previous layer of shingles will probably be voided, and your new layer won’t apply.
If you plan on selling your home now or in the future, when the home inspection takes place, the inspector will note the double roof and warn potential buyers of possible extra costs or problems they might have in the future — this counts as a negative against your home appeal and selling value.
If your roof is already leaking, shingle layering will only exacerbate the issue.
The bonding of the new shingles onto the old will not be as strong, making it easier for shingles to tear off, or for you to slip and fall should you be installing Christmas lights or cleaning your gutters.
Conclusion
Because the problems with shingle layering far outstrip the benefits, MasterCraft Roofing never does shingle “re-layering.” We strive to use the highest quality materials and craftsmanship for our clients, and re-layering is, overall, a cheap and shoddy way to “get by” for a few more years without actually improving your home. Consider what you’re looking for in your roof and in your home — quality and long-lasting benefits or a quick fix that won’t yield much benefit?
Ready for more? Call us today at (877)-350-1776 to schedule your free professional bid.