When your roof is leaky and messy, what solutions run through your mind? A lot of options will be going through your mind, and that is why we want to do a quick review of one simple solution and show you how to go about it.
Most times, people do not think about overlaying their roofs until it starts leaking, rusting, or changing color, and subsequently causing inconveniences. These situations call for prompt attention especially when it occurs during stormy and rainy seasons.
Roofing shingles are overlapping flat surfaces used to protect the ceiling, wood, and decking of a rooftop. So, when there is any scratch or damage to it, it can harm the entire building. In a bid to find quick and less costly options, homeowners ask the question: can you put roofing shingles over old ones? The answer is yes. You can do a temporary fix by overlaying the old ones with new roof shingles.
Roofing shingles can serve as a viable option for restoring your damaged roof. Please continue reading as we explain more in detail.
Factors to Consider Before Putting a New Slate on Old ones
The following are some factors to consider before deciding to put new roof shingles over old roofs:
Cost
It is important to always consider the cost of any project before going ahead with it. Unlike total roof replacement, overlaying a roof with new ones saves cost. It is cheaper to just repair a part than repairing the whole roofing system. However, this depends on the level of damage to the old one. If it is minute there will be no need to go for a replacement, re-roofing will do.
Type of Material
You should know that not all materials can be overlaid with new ones. Roofing shingles like tiles, wood, cedars, and metals cannot be patched. Asphalt is one of the materials that can be easily overlaid. Also, it is impossible to combine two different materials while overlaying old roofs. If you need help on the type of material to use, you can check here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmkEbEyfnBk
Time Required
This is one of the important factors to consider before putting on another roof. A great deal of time can be saved by overlaying an existing roof as compared to pulling down the old one and replacing it. You can also seek the services of a roofing expert to give you advice on the best option to go for.
Government Regulations
Government regulations on roofing vary from county to county. Some may allow overlaying of roofing sheets while some may have restrictions on the number of layers to use. So, find out which is the stipulated government regulation in your county before making your decision.
Appearance
As stated earlier, new and old roofs have different appearances and colours. Overlaying a roof will give that spot a unique look that will be easily noticeable at any time. if you are concerned about the outlook, you can go ahead to overlay or replace the entire roofing system.
Pros of Putting New Roofs Over Old Ones
Here are some pros of re-roofing with new roof shingles:
- It is more economical
- It saves time
- It is durable if installed properly
- It can be used for little repairs
- It has the same quality and warranty as to the old one.
Cons of Putting Roof Shingles Over Old ones
The following are some cons:
- It adds extra weight to the roof
- It cannot be used to repair major damages on old shingles
- It may not align properly with the existing roof. This can give it a puffy look at the joining areas.
- It requires well trained and experienced roofers.
These are some of the things you need to know about putting new shingles on old ones. Also, if you need more information on understanding how to maintain it, you may want to check out this article.
Conclusion
There are numerous pros and cons of putting new shingles on existing roofs, and we outlined some of them in this article. However, you must take into careful consideration the factors we shared above.
Therefore, before going ahead, ensure that you consult a certified and licensed roofing contractor to guide you on the recommended best option for you. You can also do your research and ask questions from people. In all, do all it takes to give your home that beautiful look again.