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Overlaying a fresh batch of roofing materials over another is an acceptable practice. In fact, many local building codes allow it under certain conditions. Then again, just because you can does not mean you should.
To help you decide whether buying a new layer of roofing without leaving your existing one untouched is the right move, Oberg Roofing & Remodeling Inc. sheds light on its pros and cons below.
Why You Should Consider It
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Less Cost – Obviously, an overlay costs less than a total roof replacement. The former is much less labor-intensive because tearing off the old shingles is not necessary.
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Less Mess – Any home improvements produce construction waste, but do not expect a bunch of debris when tackling a roof overlay.
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Fast Completion – An average asphalt-shingle roof replacement takes about one week to finish. It is considerably much less disruptive than other major renovations. But a roofing project will not take up too much of your time when the removal of the old materials is not part of the job.
Why You May Want to Think Twice Before Doing It
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Extra Weight – Reliable roofing companies will not recommend an overlay if your roof lacks the necessary structural support to bear twice the weight of the materials it currently deals with.
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Complicated Maintenance – Detecting the source of any water leaks is hard, but the task gets even more difficult when there is more than one layer of roofing to contend with.
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Compromised Shingle Longevity – Do not expect your new batch of shingles to last as advertised. Too many layers of material trap heat, so an overlay could make your roof much hotter.
If you really want to get new roofing materials and leave your old asphalt shingles alone at the same time, consider getting one of Oberg Roofing & Remodeling Inc.’s steel roofs. Metal roofing offsets many of the drawbacks of overlaying.
To talk about your roofing project in Sauk Rapids, MN, call (888) 687-5980 to schedule your appointment with us and receive a free estimate.