Are you considering a new roof, or do you have shingles that need fixing? The question of whether to re-shingle over your existing shingles is probably top of mind. This guide will show you why some homeowners choose to do this and what you can expect if you decide to install new shingles over old ones.
Can You Put New Shingles Over Old Ones?
It’s easy to put new shingles over your existing shingles. However, in most cases, it’s not recommended. Old shingles are more likely to blow off in high winds, which can be dangerous. They’re also more likely to leak water into your home and cause damage over time. If you want to install new shingles on top of existing shingles, make sure they’re made differently than the original shingles, so they don’t tear or break as easily. You should also use a roofing cement that has been specifically designed for this purpose.
Why It’s Best to Tear Off the Old Roof
There are times when it’s better to tear off the old roof and start fresh. Most building codes only allow two layers of any type of roofing on your home—including shingles. In other words, you can’t have more than one layer of asphalt-based shingles over another. If you do have a second layer of shingles on top of your existing roof, it may be necessary to remove them before adding another layer of new shingles.
If your current asphalt-based shingles are curling or in bad shape and require replacement, tearing off the old roof is your best option. You can save money by tearing off an existing set of asphalt-based shingles yourself, instead of hiring a contractor for the replacement job. But if there are other factors at play—such as leaky spots that indicate an underlying structural problem—we recommend hiring a roofing professional.
When Installing New Shingles Over Old Shingles Can Be Good
Shingling over an existing shingles roof is a good solution for homeowners who want to make their house look better but are not ready to do full replacement. It’s also an economical way to add more life and beauty to a home that may be getting older by giving it a fresh new look. The installation process for this type of job is typically less expensive and less time-consuming than installing a new roof from scratch.
If your old shingles are in bad shape, you can use them as a base for the new shingles. This will result in a longer lifespan for both roofs since there will be less wear on each of the layers. You may also want to consider using felt paper underlayment when installing over an existing asphalt shingle roof structure to help prevent leaks.
Thinking about re-shingling your own roof? We hope this article helped answer some of your questions. Make sure to contact our experts at Herbert Roofing for additional guidance.
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