Many property owners opt for a new roof layover instead of a complete tear off. Still, it’s important to point out the obvious: A roof layover will only delay the inevitable.
As outlined above, if you have one layer of roofing, you may be able to get away with a roof overlay for a new roof installation.
However, layering roof materials will only add weight to a roof structure. Additional roof materials will eventually have to be stripped off when too many layers accumulate.
A roof layover may help you to save money in the short-term, but it isn’t considered a long-term solution.
A roof layover may be used instead of a roof tear off for two specific reasons:
- Quick reroofing to repair damaged shingles.
- Temporary fix to give a home a facelift.
Based on the criteria listed above, your home or business may benefit from a layered roof instead of a full tear off if your property meets certain guidelines:
- You only have one roof layer. As mentioned above, the majority of building codes will only permit a maximum of two roof layers on a structure for safety purposes.
- Your structure is strong enough to support a second layer. In order to determine this, you may have to hire an inspector to come to your property to check that the frame is sturdy enough to support a second layer of roofing materials. If not, internal structural braces must be built to compensate for a roof overlay.
- Your roof is in fairly good condition. If your existing roof is splitting, peeling, or curling, visible damage may show through the second layer of shingles. A roof in good condition may not need a tear off yet.
- You live in a temperate climate. If you live in a very cold climate with freezing temperatures, a roof overlay could increase the likelihood of ice dams to cause long-term structural damage.
The truth is that most roofing contractors will recommend a tear off to provide the best quality product. But that doesn’t always mean that a roof overlay is out of the question.
Many property owners will choose to overlay roofing materials to save money. Experts estimate that a roof layover could save roughly 25% compared to a new roof installation.
Yet depending on the current state of your roof, a roof layover could cost you more in the long run.
Placing new shingles on top of old shingles will cut down on the lifespan of roofing materials. A 25% savings may not be worth the investment if you have to tear off your roof completely and start fresh in a few years’ time. The choice is yours…
