Most homeowners want to know if it is possible to put a new roof over an old one. The answer is Yes. You can put new shingles over existing shingles that are in good condition.
However, you can only install new shingles over asphalt shingles that meet the re-roof conditions. Also, you cannot mix materials; for instance, you cannot install shingles over wood tiles or slate.
The process of installing a new roof over an old one is called re-roofing, while tearing off the old roof to install a new one is called roof replacement. However, there are several conditions and factors a roofer will consider before undertaking a re-roof.
So, you will learn when a re-roof is possible, when you should not re-roof, the benefits of re-roofing, and the disadvantages of re-roofing.
As a homeowner, you may not understand the roofing dynamics. Choosing a re-roof over a roof replacement can only be recommended by a certified roofing contractor like Roof Master. Rest assured that you will receive quality roofing services.
Re-roofing is cheap, faster, and convenient compared to roof replacement; however, it has its limitation and can only be done under given conditions;
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;
The most straightforward reason your roof can not qualify for a re-roof is when you don’t have asphalt shingles. A re-roof is only possible if you have shingles since you can only place shingles over shingles. Besides, you cannot mix materials or install a new layer of shingles over wood tiles or slate.
You can only install a new roof over an old one if the old roof is completely flat and level. Several factors might cause the existence of curling shingles; therefore, it is advisable to involve a professional roofer to determine the cause and replace the shingle before proceeding to a re-roof.
Any time you install a new roof over an old one, you add more weight to the roof. Besides, most building codes will only allow two layers of the roof to your house. So, if you have already done a re-roof, your only option will be to tear off the roof to install a new one.
While most building codes allow a maximum of two roof layers, some local codes do not allow multiple roof layers. So, you can only install a single layer of the roof.
Tearing off an existing roof is not only time-consuming but also expensive. The roofers will take a day or two to tear off the roof and then several days to re-install the new roof.
However, re-roofing involves installing a new roof on the old roof; therefore, there will be no tearing off costs.
Re-roofing involves installing the new roof over the old one—no tearing off involved. Naturally, the task will be easier, and the installation will be quick.
A new shingle layer is added to an existing old layer, making the roof stronger and more protective. The roof acts as added insulation and prevents moisture from getting into the house.
The re-roofing process does away with tearing off, saving time, money, and is less messy. Besides, you don’t incur the disposing cost of the materials torn off from the roof.
Every manufacturer has its unique warranty conditions. So, before you re-roof your house, counter-check the manufacturer warranty conditions. Some manufacturers will not accept warrants on new shingles installed on old shingles.
An additional layer of shingles will add more weight to your roof since shingles weigh between 350-450 pounds per square. So, if your roof was designed to hold one layer of roof, you are probably overloading it with a re-roof.
Re-roofing will not involve a tear-off; therefore, the roofer will not see how the decks look. The roofer has to do a ‘walking inspection’ to identify spongy spots and problems on the roof and fix them before undertaking a re-roof.
An average roofer might miss some spots and go ahead with re-roofing, which might cause problems in the future.
A new roof layer over an old one will complicate the roofer’s effort to fix a leak. The roofer has to undertake thorough checks to identify the problem and fix it entirely.
A re-roof does not offer room for replacing underlayment. A good example is the roofing paper installed between the sheathing and the shingles. If it wears out, the roofer can’t replace it and can lead to water intrusion in the future.
When choosing a re-roof over a roof replacement, you must consider several factors to enjoy the long lifespan of your roof. To be on the safe side, engage a professional roofer to undertake roof inspection and give recommendations. That said, re-roofing can save you money, time and can be convenient compared to a roof replacement.
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
Arches have long held a timeless appeal in architecture—graceful, structural, and endlessly versatile. From a grand entrance to soft curves of an interior, arch design is making a reappearance in today’s interiors. Whether you like classic archways or clean lines of modern arches, every design aesthetic has an arch style. In this blog, we will […]
India, a nation bustling with innovation and a constant drive for progress, is increasingly embracing an unconventional yet incredibly promising architectural trend: container architecture. We are witnessing a fascinating transformation, as discarded shipping containers, once traversing the high seas laden with goods, now find new life as dynamic, sustainable, and surprisingly sophisticated living and working […]
In the world of interior design, luxury is no longer just about opulence—it’s about intentionality, emotion, and storytelling. Today’s luxury interiors blend comfort, artistry, and innovation, often reflecting a personalized experience that resonates with the inhabitants. From fashion boutiques echoing ancient geology to apartments that merge modern design with classic charm, luxury interiors are becoming […]
Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]
If you’ve ever struggled to visualize how a new sectional or bookshelf will look before you click “Buy,” you’ll appreciate the power of a free room design tool that lets you drop, resize, and style real-world furniture in seconds. Arcadium 3D—an online, browser-based design platform—pairs professional-grade 3-D modeling with an expanding catalog of parametric furniture, […]
Balcony decor ideas are a trend nowadays, as people have increasingly started living in apartments. These tiny spaces of the house have a larger importance in the day-to-day life of a person who lives on the upper floors of the apartments. Thus, balcony decor ideas must be very subjective to the people living in the […]
Staircase design for home plays a key role in shaping both function and style in interior architecture. Designers consistently push boundaries to create a staircase design for home that reflects personality, optimises space, and enhances aesthetics. From minimal floating stairs to ornate traditional options, each staircase design for home contributes a unique character. In this […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]