For most homeowners, when it is time to install or replace shingles, the first thing that comes to mind is cost and effort. After all, it’s not an easy job to change your roofing; it’s messy, time-consuming, and not to forget about the costs! It’s for these reasons that many people question whether it is possible to install new shingles over the already existing roof. Why not?
It is a shortcut and a more budget-friendly option if you want to change your shingles. You are saving money on removal costs, if you can install new shingle roofing over your existing roofing, then why not? But before you jump into it, there are certain factors that you must take into account.
It is possible for you to install new roofing shingles over existing shingles, but only if certain criteria are met, like the current roofing condition, structural damages, if any, and the current capacity, along with any other problems the existing roofing may be having.
In this blog, we’ll let you know about all the pros and cons of installing a new roof over an existing one. So, be sure to stick with us till the end for the complete rundown.
While installing new roofing on existing ones seems like an easy task, certain considerations need to be made before installing the new roofing shingles. Here are some of the points that you, as house owners, need to note.
Before the installation of the new roofing shingles, the state of the existing roofing must be evaluated. For example, whether there are leak issues, check for damaged shingles, or check if there are underlying problems that could occur in the future. Covering them with new roofing will only compound the issues. It would be best if you hire a professional roofer to look for such problems before installing new roofing.
In some instances, you may have no problem with the existing roof. When installing the new one on top of the old ones, it will cause additional weight on the home structure. Even if the roofing shingles are of light materials, two layers of roofing (old and new) can cause severe roofing stress and affect roof decking, trusses, and walls. That’s why you have to ask your roofer whether the old roof is enough to handle the new one’s weight or removing the old roof is the most viable option.
The rules about roof installation regulations differ from region to region. Every area has its own set of rules and regulations, so you’ll want to be sure you’re following those rules and regulations. In many areas, it’s permissible to have a double layer of roofing, but there may be penalties if you exceed certain limits: fines, difficulty in selling your house, or denial of insurance claims.
The important thing to remember is that not all roofing shingles materials are appropriate for an overlay. It’s not uncommon to install new asphalt shingles over old asphalt roofing, but for other roofing materials such as metal shingles or wood shingles it may cause other issues. If your existing roof is not compatible with an overlay, then tear-off and replacement will be required in this situation.
In fact, many roofing shingles manufacturers have rules set for their warranty. For instance, many of them only provide warranty on your roofing installed on a flat and clean surface of the roofing. This is done to ensure the longevity of the roofing. Roofing overlays will give new roofing uneven surfaces which will ultimately shorten the lifespan of the new roofing. So if you are concerned about the new roofing life and durability, it is better to go for a full roof replacement.
While installing the new roofing on the existing one may look cost-effective and time saving at first glance, it may not be as cost-effective in the long run compared to complete old roofing removal. Roofing overlays clearly reduce the life of the new roofing and moreover, if there are any underlying roofing problems with the old roofing it could also affect the new one. Furthermore, future roofing replacement process will also become expensive as two layers of the roofing will need to be removed.
When installing new roofing on old ones, this technique can also be referred to as ‘roof overlays’, which can also be considered as a smart solution for installing the new roofing shingles. If you are planning to opt for a roofing overlay for your roofing installation, then here are some of the benefits you can also avail:
One of the most obvious benefits of installing a new roof over the top of your old roof is the cost. Roofing overlays can help you save the money that you would have otherwise spent in the process of roof installation. By eliminating the tear-off process during roofing overlays, you save money that would otherwise go towards labor costs and disposal fees for debris and landfill usage, which represent a significant part of your roofing budget.
Roof overlays enable a quicker installation because they eliminate tear-off time from the old roof, allowing installers to work directly over existing shingles, which streamlines the process. Normally, removing old roofing would take about a week, depending on the size of the roofing and all. For the new roofing installation, you will require another 4-5 days at least, depending on the size of the roofing. But if you go with the roofing overlays, the whole roofing installation process can be completed in a time span of just 3 days.
Removing old roofing will naturally result in debris and wastage; therefore, cleaning up can take a lot of time and effort, but by overlaying your new shingles, you can skip this step and have a cleaner property.
Overlaying a new roof will reduce waste output while providing your roof with an extra layer of protection because the new layer acts as an additional defense against potential damage.
If your roof has reached its expected life expectancy but has no apparent structural or roof-related issues then instead of going for a full roof replacement, you can overlay your new roof over the old one and will help you save money and will also give your old roof an upgrade to a new roof.
Undoubtedly, roofing overlays have their advantages, but there are certain limitations that come with the benefits. Overlaying Roofing shingles can lead to long-term roofing problems. Here are some of the cons of installing overlay roofing shingles.
The major con of installing overlapping roofing shingles is that it will simply cover the existing roofing problems instead of actually fixing them. Roofing will also make it difficult to locate any roofing problem in case of leaks or any other roofing issue, which would result in mold, rot, and structural damage. Such issues will make it difficult and expensive to repair.
Installing the second layer of roofing will add extra weight to your roofing structure, which could lead to roofing sagging or even collapse at certain points. Moreover, installing new roofing over the existing roofing will also decrease roofing durability, performance, and lifespan, making your new roofing age faster.
An existing roofing shingles often end up creating an uneven surface with cracks and curling. Hence, new roofing shingles on such a surface will only go on to affect the roofing aesthetic and make it more susceptible to damage.
Installing new shingles over an existing roof may seem like a tempting shortcut, but don’t make this mistake—it can cause serious long-term problems. Roof overlays are less time-consuming and save on labor costs and materials. However, there are many downsides to a roof overlay, such as hidden roof damage, structural issues, and reduced roof lifespan.
While both roof replacement and overlay have their pros and cons, the choice between the two often comes down to the current condition of your roof, local building codes, and your long-term home maintenance plans and goals.
If you’re looking for high-performance, reliable, and aesthetically appealing roofing materials, CertainTeed India stands out as the best roofing shingles manufacturer in India. We offer a wide range of roofing solutions that ensure long-term protection, energy efficiency, and unmatched durability.
If you have any questions about roof replacement or overlay, consult with a certified roofing professional before starting your project, and select roofing materials you can trust: CertainTeed India.
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