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Re-roofing Over Old Shingles
Shingles are one of the most prevalent roofing materials that you can find in the market. There are a plethora of different shingles with their own unique traits and characteristics. Since this roofing material is known for being able to adapt to any known habitable environment and can last decades, it’s no wonder why shingles are widely used on residential houses in the United States.
But just like every building material that we use for our home’s foundations and structure, roofing shingles do have a limited lifespan. Sooner or later, your roof will give in to the test of time and will you’ll need to replace it.
However, there are some homeowners who choose not to replace their old layer of shingles and would rather place a newer layer over their older layer. In theory, this might seem better since you can save up thousands of dollars which might have gone towards tearing down your old layer and avoid the messy chaos that comes afterwards. But this isn’t necessarily the right choice and overlaying might cause more problems than benefits.
But before we get into why or why shouldn’t be re-roof over old shingles, we have to first look into some preparations and considerations on what we have to do first so that your roof is in the right shape for re-roofing.
Preparations
If ever you’re going to push through with your plans of overlaying on your older set of shingles, then it’s best to make some preparations first. Looking after your older layer of shingles can help prevent future damages which might happen to your newer layer.
Inspections
One of the first things to do when preparing your older layer is to inspect for any forms of damages. If these damages are left unchecked this could inadvertently affect your newer set of shingles since this your newer layer will adhere to the shape and structure of your older layer.
Fungal and organic growths should be spotted so that necessary actions can be taken to avoid having molds and mildews grow towards your newer layer. Moreover, molds and mildews can absorb water which might trap them on the interior of the roof.
Repairs
It’s only rational that if you ever find damages on your older layer that you repair them as soon as possible. Yes, they will be covered up by your newer layer, but these damages will cause even more damage to your newer layer if you or your contractors are not careful during the installation process.
Considerations
Precipitation
Most contractors would highly advise against re-roofing or installing roofs when there’s heavy rain. If it rains while the roofing process is being done, this could lead to water and moisture being trapped on your roof.
Hazards
Treading on a sagging and creaky roof is one of the more dangerous tasks that roofers have to partake in. If ever your older layer of roofing materials is susceptible to impacts or changes in weight, then it’s best to let your roofing contractor know so they can set up the appropriate safety equipment.
Why Should You Overlay
Tearing off an old roof before your new roof installation can be one of the most stressful processes that homeowners and even contractors have to endure. Most of the time, this will be messy, expensive, debris will be scattered everywhere, and then there’s that looming danger of falling hazards. It’s no wonder why most homeowners would rather skip the whole re-roofing process.
You’re also saving time and energy. If you’re on a tight schedule to get your roof done, then overlaying will help expedite days to completion.
Why Shouldn’t You Re-Roof Old Shingles
Almost every roofing contractor will tell you that it’s not advised in placing a layer of new shingles over your old one. Not only are you adding more weight to your roof, you’re also placing stress on the supporting structures of your house’s metal and wooden beams. Moreover, this won’t look good in any inspection report since you’re practically hiding all the damages from the older layer.
Additionally, certain warranties are very specific when it comes to damages and overlaying. If these conditions hold true, then your warranty for your roof might become void.
Ultimately, overlaying your roof can cause more harm than good. Tearing off your roof can be an expensive and messy process, but in the long-term, you won’t have much problems coming from your older layer. Most contractors would recommend removing the older layer of roofing and investing on a sturdier and long-lasting roof. Sure, you’ll be spending more on a roof replacement, but you’re also making sure that you won’t have to replace your roof ever again. Regular maintenance and repair can also extend the lifespan of your roofing Randolph NJ.
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