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Do I Need To Remove The Old Shingles When Getting A New Roof
Your existing roof is starting to get worn, and its time for new shingles. Its an exciting prospect and a significant investment. One of the biggest decisions is whether to install new shingles over your old ones or remove and replace them for a completely fresh start. There are some cost advantages and time savings to overlaying your existing roof. In some cases, we can make it happen with terrific results. But it often makes sense to tear off old shingles and start from scratch.
Why Are Multiple Layers Of Shingles Bad
Multiple layers of shingles are bad because it makes the roof prone to cracks and breaks and leads to more renovation costs.During the reroofing process, the roofers will attach the ladder to the roofs edge, as they carry the heavy shingles one at a time and place them on the rooftop for easy access when they start roofing.
As this process goes on, it may put untold stains on the layers of the existing shingle, and something may crack or break somewhere, leading to more damage and uncertainty.
Let us agree that reroofing is taking the shorter but most uncertain route to a place. As much as your roof will have to be replaced, you will eventually incur a heightened renovation cost.
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When And Why To Put A New Roof Over An Existing Roof
When your roof starts to fail, but it is in an overallgood condition, a reroofing might be the best choice for you. What does it meanto have a roof that is failing but is still in a relatively good state? Itmeans that your roof may be at the end of its life, but its underlyingstructures and sheathing are in a generally good condition. Your shingles maybe losing granules and are worn out due to age or weather, but they are notcausing leaks, they are not curling or missing. These are all goodpredispositions for installing a new layer of shingles over the existing one.
Reroofing can also be done when you simply want orneed a change on your roof you may want a different design or color, or youmay be completely renovating your home so you want the roof to match your newstyle. But even if your main goal isnt redesigning your roof, it willnonetheless gain a new aesthetic appeal. Installing a new shingle layer willgive your roof depth and even a three-dimensional appearance, as it is slightlyraised due to the existing layer of shingles beneath it.
Pros And Cons Of Reroofing Over Existing Shingles
Does it look like your asphalt shingle roof is approaching the end of its lifespan? Thats never the type of news homeowners want to hear, because it often means a big expense and a messy project. But did you know that stripping the old shingles and installing a brand-new roof is not your only option? Thats true! In some situations, it may be possible to install a new layer of shingles over your existing shingle roof with similar success. Let our tell you everything you need to know about reroofing.
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When Can You Install A Layover
Layovers as a repair technique are the equivalent of putting a bandaid on a bandaid. It doesnt look right and it just makes things worse. Even the ideal conditions for a layover arent ideal. Your roof would have to be lacking any of the signifies that repair is necessary, which would mean that youd basically have to have a new roof. But a layover is bad for your new roof!
A second layer of shingles will decrease the integrity of your new roof and lower its lifespan. Thats because shingles arent designed to have a second layer of shingles on top of them! Plus, all that extra moisture and heat being applied to the first layer of shingles will make that first layer age faster.
Cover The Old Shingles
Install a layer of roofing felt over the roof before you begin installing the new shingles. The felt should be secured every six inches with nails or staples. The layers of felt should be overlapped by 1 inch as you work toward the roof ridge. This will help keep any moisture from getting under the felt. You may want to wear work gloves to avoid injuring your hand or developing blisters.
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The Pros Of Completely Replacing The Roof
- Completely replacing the roof lasts longer than re-roofing.
- It can be done no matter how many layers of shingles are on the roof.
- Unlike, re-roofing that may cover up any issues with the deck, such as rot, which can eventually cause the roof to give out, a fully revamped roof addresses all issues for a safe and sturdier roof.
- Saves more money over the long haul because it enables you to identify early signs of rot and sagging caused by water damage to the deck, which can eventually permit water to leak and drip down inside the walls where it can damage the drywall and flooring and lead to costly repairs.
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If there is just one layer of shingles on the roof and you are adding one more, then, yes, it might be all right. From what Ive read, most roof structures can support a couple of layers of shingles without causing problems.
It is important, however, that the roof underneath be able to accommodate the one being installed on top of it. If a lot of the old shingles are curled, the new ones might assume that shape.
Does the existing roof leak? You might be covering it over rather than repairing it.
There is also a manufacturers warranty to check out before anything is done to make sure that you dont inadvertently void it.
Q: Two of my sisters have made renovations to their bathrooms. They have removed the bathtubs to replace them with walk-in showers.
They only have other half-baths, therefore no other bathtubs. What are your feelings regarding sale values of homes if no bathtub is available in the house?
A: Although we have become a people that appears to favor the quick shower over the long bath, most buyers want to have the option available.
I can see a point in having just one tub in the house rather than in every bathroom, but I wouldnt go out of my way to remove one, especially if it did the job.
Older bathtubs tended to be shorter than modern ones. People who use tubs prefer to stretch out in them rather than curl up their legs. If the existing tub was, say, 4 feet and I could add a longer one without having to spend thousands of dollars to do so, I would.
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Youll Have A Lumpy Roof If You Upgrade Your Asphalt Shingles
When getting a new roof in general, you need to consider if you want to keep your current type of shingle or if you want to upgrade. For example, if you have 3-tab shingles and you want to upgrade to dimensional shingles.
If you try to upgrade your 3-tab shingle to a dimensional shingle when nailing over, it causes an aesthetic issue. The issue happens because 3-tab asphalt shingles run on a 5-inch exposure while dimensional shingles run on 5 inch exposure.
This difference in size creates a hump on your roof every 8 shingles. Thats why I recommend going over your old roof with the same type of shingles when nailing-over.
Why A New Roof May Be Better
In some situations, it may be more cost-effective to tear down the old shingles and start fresh. Here are a few signs that this may be the best option for you:
- Your roof already has two or more layers of shingles
- You have recently experienced roof leaks and water damage
- Many shingles are curling, crumbling or missing
- It appears that the previous roofing job wasnt done up to code
Give us a call today to schedule a roof inspection. Well be happy to evaluate the condition of your roof and let you know whether it warrants reroofing, replacement or a simple repair.
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Can You Roof Over Existing Shingles
Roofing projects require professionals who can handle the labour-intensive work while possessing knowledge of the citys building guidelines and the proper roofing procedures. A good roofing contractor can advise you on the best options for your roof and get the job done. Count on Quinn Roofing Solutions for quality roofing and re-roofing services throughout Windsor and Southwestern Ontario.
Are you wondering if you can roof over existing shingles? The simple answer is that yes, you can. Given that, lets discuss when re-roofing is a valid option. There are certain prerequisites for installing a new layer of shingles over an existing roof, such as:
- The existing roof must be composed of asphalt shingles because re-roofing is a procedure restricted to asphalt shingles. It cannot be done with clay, wood or any other tiles.
- The roof should be in good condition. Meaning, there should be no extensive damage to the shingles by way of warping. Shingles are made to be laid out flat, so any irregularities in the base on top of which they are supposed to be laid out will make proper installation impossible.
Re-roofing: Is It Always a Good Idea?
Re-roofing has its benefits but in the long run it can cause problems. Here are a few reasons why re-roofing is unfavourable:
Contact us today for a free estimate on roofing services.
When Can I Leave My Old Shingles In Place
The advantage of leaving existing shingles in place is cost savings. Reroofing avoids the cost of removing and disposing of the old shingles. Its also a faster solution than a complete replacement. If your existing shingles are in good shape, they can provide an extra layer of weather protection and insulation underneath your new roof. Reroofing is an option if your shingles are worn or faded but not damaged or curled, and youre looking for a new look or fresh color. If your roof isnt leaking, covering existing shingles is a possibility to explore. But its important to talk with a qualified roofing contractor and make sure this approach complies with your roofs warranty.
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Your Current Asphalt Roofs Flashing Has To Be Used
Your roofs flashing will be checked out when a contractor performs an inspection for your new roof. Flashing is the metal placed anywhere the shingles butt up against something, such as a wall, chimney, or in open valleys.
When you get a nail-over, your current contractor has to rely on the past contractors flashing job. If the metals integrity is compromised or the work was done poorly, I would not recommend a nail-over.
Youre just asking for one of the common roof leaks if the flashing doesnt do its job. To learn more about the common roof leaks, check out this article on the 6 most common roof leaks.
Shingles Are Designed For Flat Surfaces
Shingles are not meant to bridge over gaps, humps, or dips. This includes the stepped texture that is created by overlapping shingles. While some experienced roofers have tricks for laying new roofing shingles over the old, there is still a chance that they are curled, cupped, or misshapen.
These defects will then telegraph throughout the new layer. If you decide that you absolutely have to re-layer your roof, use laminated or dimensional shingles since they are thicker and offer, have staggered edge profiles that help to hide any high spots or dips that might be in the old roofing.
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Subtle Issues To Complicate Things
When you need shingles for your roof, its best to get several quotes from different roofers. Theyre going to give you the best idea about what is possible with the budget that you have. Because you can often lay other roof types over an intact asphalt shingle layer without issue, it could be cheaper to go that route and avoid a tear-off entirely. But, this is only something your expert can tell you for sure.
Other things to consider when pondering the re-roofing issue include:
Why Choose The Shingle Over Method
If you choose to cover your existing shingles with new ones, there are a couple reasons why this is a positive solution.
- Cost savings: How much you can save really depends on the pitch of your roof. On average, its about 15% of the total cost. To think about it in dollars, youd save about $1/square foot of roof.
- Less hassle: Tearing off the existing shingles takes about up about 30% of the job site time, not including clean up. Skipping the tear off and disposal step allows the roofing crew to get started on installing your new shingles right away.
The main reasons homeowners choose to double roof their house is because it makes the roofing process less expensive and takes less time. You dont have to pay for tear off and disposal, nor does the crew spend time initially taking off your current shingles. Additionally, between removing and installing new shingles, precipitation wont undermine the project since there is a layer of shingles already there.
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Reasons Not To Put Shingles On Top Of Shingles
However, when it comes to a re-roof, overlaying shingles has become a method of the past. While a repair job can often be more convenient and somewhat more cost-efficient, placing new shingles over old ones is never a good idea.
Whether repairing one section of roof, or a replacing a whole one, its always best to pull up the old shingles before putting down the new ones.
When You Should Not Put A New Roof Over An Old One
A thorough roof inspection should precede any roof installation. The roof inspector will determine whether your roof is suitable for a re-roof or a roof replacement.
Also, you will get a roof inspection report that will have recommendations on whether your roof is suitable for a re-roof or you should consider tearing it off.
Some of the reasons why your roof might not be suitable for re-roof include
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Can I Add A Second Layer Of Shingles To My Roof
The short answer is yes, you can lay new roof shingles over the old ones. Lets take a look at why some homeowners go this route and then well consider a few reasons why we dont recommend it. But before we get started, one thing must be clear: adding new roofing over old is possible only with asphalt shingles . You cant do it with wood or metal, for example, and you should never mix materials, such as laying asphalt shingles over cedar shakes. Also, the old roofing has to be in pretty good shape.
Why do some homeowners choose to add additional layers?
Adding additional layers does not make a new roof any more waterproof, on the contrary, it often creates its own problems. The reason some homeowners choose to do it is to save time and money. By keeping the old shingles on, they skip the messy and labor-intensive tear-off step and they will save some money on the roof project. Even though you will save money in labor by not tearing off the old roof, you will need to do some special prep work and you still have to replace or add new flashing, which sometimes can be complicated over old roofing. Getting rid of the tear-off and disposal can easily save $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the size of your roof, but youre really just delaying the cost: when its time to replace the roof again and you have no choice but to remove the existing shingles , youll have to pay extra for the two-layer tear-off and disposal.
Why adding additional layers is not recommended?
Why Add New Roof Shingles Over Top Of Old Ones
It might seem like an obvious benefit to having multiple layers of protection on your roof, but that is not automatically true. As a matter of fact, having multiple layers of shingles does not mean that your roof is any more waterproof than it may have been before.
Also, having multiple roofing layers can create problems all its own. The biggest reason to lay down new shingles over existing ones comes down to a simple matter of convenience and cost. Keeping the old shingles allows you to skip the messy labor and disposal costs of a tear-off.
It is important to note that both of these have caveats. It isnt as simple as putting the new roof over the top of the old special prep work needs to be done to complete the new installation. Things like removing ridge caps, vents, and misshapen angles are just the tip of the iceberg.
In addition, you might still have to replace or add new flashing. This can sometimes be tricky to do over old roofing. And the fact is that while you might be saving tear-off costs, you really are just delaying the cost. When you have to start over with a new roof, youll just have to tear it off and start over.
Putting new roofing over the existing structure is a pay me now or pay me later scenario. You will save on costs in the short term, but you will eventually need to pay for the full cost of a new roof at some point.
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