QA

Question: How To Do A Roof Over

Can you put a roof over an existing roof?

Roofing over an existing roof is also called reroofing or an overlay. It is the process where roofers install a new roof over your existing one, i.e. add a new layer of shingles, which means that there is no tearing off of the old roof.

Can roofing shingles be installed over old ones?

You might be able to lay new shingles over existing shingles and avoid the cost of tear-off. Asphalt shingles can be laid over cedar shakes or shingles, however, this is a roofing project best left to pros.

How long does a roof overlay last?

Overlays have a Viable Life An overlay is a viable option if the existing roofing materials have not already been overlaid. Home Reference.net notes that on average you can expect the overlay to last for fifteen or sixteen years.

How do you install rolled roofing over existing roofing?

Before you begin, thoroughly clean the existing roof, removing any debris like leaves or sticks. Then, install a layer of roofing felt to provide a sturdy base for the new roll roofing. Once this has been done, the roll roofing can be installed in the same manner as if it were over bare roof sheathing.

Is re roofing a good idea?

When Reroofing Can Be a Good Idea Reroofing can sometimes be a good choice for homeowners who have a roof that is nearing the end of its lifespan, but that is in overall good shape. There may be some minor issues or leaks, but no major water damage, soggy or missing shingles, or large amounts of moss or mildew growth.

How many layers of shingles can you put on a roof?

In most states, you’re only allowed to have 2 layers of shingles on a roof for fire safety reasons. However, you’ll still see roofs that have 3 or 4 layers today. If you already have 2 or more layers, a contractor will recommend a full replacement.

What is a roof overlay?

By overlaying, you’re essentially adding another roof to the top of your home. Another roof adds weight to the top of your home, which can put the structural integrity of your roof into question. Depending on the age of the existing roof, it could be uneven due to years of wear and tear.

Are two layers of shingles OK?

Two layers of shingles trap more heat, which in turn damages the shingles and shortens the life span of the roof. Adding a second layer could compromise the structure of your roof. Problems fixing leaks: A second layer of shingles only complicates the job when a roofer is trying to fix a leak.

How hard is it to re shingle your own roof?

Laying down shingles isn’t really very complicated, as long as you have the right tools and the slope of the roof isn’t too insane. If you’ve got a small area to cover, it’s a reasonable project to take on. For a smallish garage (about 450 square feet of roof) it took me two full days (and I had help).

How do you shingle a roof step by step?

Roll out the self-stick underlayment. Stick on the underlayment. Cover the roof with felt paper. Roll on the felt paper. Overlap the ridge. Waterproof your valleys. Fold flashing over the peak. Install the shingles. Working around vents and stacks. Shingle over the vent flashing.

Are roof overlays worth it?

In the long run, an overlay roof is likely to cost more than a complete tear-off and re-roof installation project. That said, an overlay roof will save you money upfront, and can be done more quickly if you’re on a time crunch.

Can you install metal roof over shingles?

The short answer is yes, you’re able to roof over your old asphalt roof with a new metal roof under the right circumstances. You’ll be able to save up to 25% in labor costs by not tearing off your old asphalt roof, installing new underlayment, or the fees to dump the old roofing materials.

Is it better to remove old roof?

If any areas of the roof have become severely damaged, it’s usually better to remove the old shingles and start from scratch. If you’re going to add a roof on top of an old one, it’s a good idea to remove any loose shingles and apply a new layer of 30-pound roofing felt before laying the new shingles.

Can you go over rolled roofing?

Rolled roofing is very adaptable and can be cut into 12-inch by 36-inch strips to act as hips and ridges or 9-inch strips for eaves and rakes. If removing your current shingles is a problem, it is usually permissible to re-roof over your existing roof with rolled roofing.

Can you layer roll roofing?

Roll roofing is made from the same asphalt composition material as shingles, and it’s easier to install. You can install roll roofing directly over a single layer of existing roof covering, but if there are already two coverings, you must remove both.