Roofers have a tough job. They work at heights, carrying heavy shingles and nailing them to the roof's surface. In addition to working hard, roofers are also very knowledgeable. They can recommend the best roofing material to fit your budget and preferences, and they can make repairs, as needed, to ensure your roof continues to keep your home safe. There's a lot to learn about roofing. We are not professionals, but we consider ourselves to be well-informed, and we share the information we know on this website. As you read, you will learn more about roofing as a profession, and you may also pick up some roofing tips you can use on your own home.
Learning that your roof has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced is rarely good news for a homeowner. Replacing a roof can be quite expensive, so it is not surprising that many homeowners look for ways to save money. One method is by layering a second layer of shingles over the old, worn-out shingles. While this is usually a cheaper and faster method for replacing a roof, it usually is not a good idea. Opting to have a second layer of shingles installed over your old shingles can end up causing issues in the long run. Some of the top reasons to avoid layering roof shingles when replacing your roof include:
Shorter Lifespan
If you're going to spend money to replace your roof, you should not cut corners -- you are much better off having your old roof removed and an entirely new roof installed. When you layer roof shingles, it is important to note that the new roof will not last as long. Heat and moisture can get trapped between the layers of shingles, causing them to break down and develop problems much earlier than expected. The extra weight of a second layer of roof shingles can also put a lot of stress on your roof rafters, which can lead to expensive repairs.
Harder to Sell Your House
While layering roof shingles is technically allowed, it is not recommended. If you choose to have a second layer of shingles installed on your roof instead of replacing it entirely, you can expect to have issues when you try to sell your home. During a home inspection, a home inspector will look at the roof and indicate if there is more than one layer of shingles. A double layer of shingles is seen as a negative, and buyers may opt out of the sale if they discover that your roof was replaced using this method.
Less Visually Appealing
You may end up saving some money by layering roof shingles, but don't expect the end results to look great. As shingles age and reach the end of their lifespan, they tend to curl, crack, and warp. Thus, when a new layer of shingles is installed over a layer of old, damaged shingles, it is normal for there to be numerous imperfections since the new shingles were not installed over a surface that is completely flat and properly prepared.
To learn more about installing a new roof, contact roofers in your area.