Can You reroof over existing shingles?
You should only reroof over existing shingles if the roof decking is in good condition and there is presently only one layer of shingles on your roof. Adding more than two layers of shingles can cause the roof structure to sag under the weight. It’s best to replace flashings when re-roofing.
How to choose the right roofing shingles for Your House?
On smaller houses where dormers add color to the roof, look for a dappled shingle. Here, the roof’s lighter gray-blue tones reflect the house color, while the darker ones add balance and have a grounding effect. Introduce an accent, like these diamonds, with standard shingles trimmed as needed.
Can you put a new roof over an old roof?
But, to be clear, installing a new roof over an old one is a purely exclusive process for roof materials in the form of shingles, like asphalt, wood, and metal. Installing a new roof over an old one is also known as reroofing.
Do you need to replace or reshingle your roof?
However, with wear and tear, roof shingles need to be replaced. You can hire a roofing company to replace your shingles. You can also buy all of the materials needed to reshingle your roof at a home improvement or hardware store and do the work yourself. Use these tips to reshingle your roof.
How hard is it to shingle your own roof?
Roofing work is hard. Carrying shingles up a ladder is not easy. You have to figure out how you're going to install the first rows of shingles down at the bottom edge of the roof. If the roof slope is shallow, you can do this backwards facing towards the ground, but it's not as easy as you might think.
Do roofers put new shingles over old ones?
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 the old roof will not be removed/teared off.
How do you redo shingles on a roof?
8:3321:12Tearing Off & Replacing an Asphalt Shingle Roof - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCorrect there was no ice and water there's a hole right here. This is another spot that they wereMoreCorrect there was no ice and water there's a hole right here. This is another spot that they were getting leaks in the home. And absolutely moisture was getting underneath the shingles. Making the
How do you reroof an existing roof?
Roof replacement is the process of installing a completely new roof that includes tear off of the old one. Roofers will tear everything off, down to the deck of the roof, and basically start from scratch with the new roof, from putting felt paper to installing shingles.
How do I replace my roof myself?
1:579:19DIY: How To Reroof A Roof - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow time start installing our building felt so I take a measurement from the end of the roof to theMoreNow time start installing our building felt so I take a measurement from the end of the roof to the house itself and start cuttin I then unroll my felt on a nice flat surface.
Do I need to tear-off old shingles?
In most cases, more than two layers of roofing shingles does require a tear-off. Laying new shingles over old shingles is easily prone to leaks and reduces the life of the new shingles. This alone ought to be reason enough to do a tear-off; it's just a bad value not to.
Can I shingle over old shingles?
It's possible to shingle over shingles, to lay new shingles over existing ones and avoid the cost of a tear-off. If conditions are right, new shingles laid over old ones can be just as attractive and durable as shingles laid on bare sheathing.
Can you replace just a few shingles?
In the end, if your roof needs just a few shingles replaced or a few minor patches made, you can get a roofer to make those small repairs for you. But, if you need anything more than half of your roof repaired, it's in your best interest to simply re-roof your entire home.
How long does a reroof last?
The life of a roof is how many years you get out of it. For a standard 3-tab asphalt shingle roof, that's 25-years. As long as your roof has been properly ventilated and installed you should get pretty close to that 25 years of roof life.
Can I put new roof felt over old?
When felting over any old felt you can use a bitten primer to get a proper fix, some felts are also a 3 layer system allowing them to go over old felt, however if he has quoted for old felt to be removed then that is what he should have done.
Is it better to remove old roof?
The main advantage of leaving the old roof on is obvious—you can minimize the mess, removal costs, and disposal expense if you can leave the old shingles in place. Other advantages are that you end up with an extra barrier against leakage and a little extra insulation.
How many layers of shingles can you have on a roof?
two layerAs mentioned above, homeowners are legally limited to two layer of roof shingles. Therefore, if you already have two layers, you'll need a full tear-off. Additionally, if your roof is severely damaged, it likely won't be able to support the weight of a reroof and will need to be torn off.
Basic Planning and Preparation For A Re-Roofing Job
Plan the entire job in advance, always plan for 10% roofing materials waste in your calculations, and NEVER take any shortcuts to get the job done....
Roof Shingle Types and Differences
There are two styles of asphalt shingles you can use; a 3-tab, and an architectural. Both are installed in the same manner. The difference is in th...
Roofing Materials You Will Need
Drip edge,Waterproof underlayment (ice and water shield for cold weather areas)Roll roofingRake edge flashingValley flashing (if you have valleys)S...
Roofing Shingles Installation
Start by applying the drip edge to the eaves of your roof. If your eave is one straight length, then pick an end, and work to the other. Use a roof...
What is architectural shingle?
Architectural (also known as dimensional) shingles are made by compressing and adhering multiple layers of asphalt mat material to a thick base. This design gives a shingle a fuller layered (or 3D) look, and makes the shingle more durable, and longer lasting.
How many bundles of shingles are there per square?
There are between 3-5 bundles of shingles per roof square. Butt Edge: The lower edge of a tab on a shingle. Closed Cut Valley: When the shingles from one side of the valley are laid across the valley while shingles from the opposite side are trimmed back approximately two inches from the center of the valley.
What materials are needed for a roof?
Roofing Materials You will need 1 Drip edge 2 Waterproof underlayment (ice and water shield for cold weather areas) 3 Roll roofing 4 Rake edge flashing 5 Valley flashing (if you have valleys) 6 Stack flashing/boots 7 Starter rolls 8 Shingles ( fiberglass asphalt shingles) 9 Ridge vent (if not doing a box vent system) 10 Soffit vents (if using the ridge and soffit vent system) Flashing cement 11 Roofing nails 12 Tacks or staples 13 Box vents (If not doing a soffit and ridge vent system) 14 Plywood (if deck repair is needed and to use to protect shrubbery) 15 Large tarps to catch falling debris from the tear off
What is a vent on a roof?
Vent: Any outlet for air that penetrates through the roof such as a pipe or a stack. It can be any device installed on the roof slope, ridge, gable, or soffit for the purpose of providing ventilation to the underside of the roof deck. Terms you will hear are ridge vent, soffit vent, gable vent, and box vent.
What is a rafter made of?
Rafters are made from dimensional lumber (2” x6”, 2” x 8”). The thickness of the rafter is actually 1 1/2”, so when cutting to the rafter, you will cut over the rafter 3/4”. This is called cutting on center. After cutting out the rotted piece, install a cross member of the same size dimensional lumber as your rafter.
What is pitch in roofing?
Pitch: Is the ratio between the rise and the span. It is measured in feet but stated in inches. Example: 4:12 is 12 inches of span (or run when measured to the ridge) will generate 4 inches of rise. 4:12 is the most common pitch used in standard roof design.
What is the gable on a roof?
On the perpendicular ends there is a gable, which is the upper part of each sidewall that creates a triangular point at the ridge of the roof.
Can You Build A Roof Over An Existing Roof?
You can build a roof over an existing roof. But, to be clear, installing a new roof over an old one is a purely exclusive process for roof materials in the form of shingles, like asphalt, wood, and metal.
How Do You Tie In Shingles To An Existing Shingles?
Tying into an existing roof shingle that needs the expertise of an ardent roof contractor who will hack the job and deliver a flawless result.
Is It OK To Roof Over Existing Shingles?
It is not OK to roof over existing shingles most of the time. Roof replacement is a tough decision to make because it requires a lot of money plus time to carry out the job comfortably and delivers a befitting result.
Should Old Shingles Be Removed?
The importance of having a proper roof over your head is to provide shelter, but an adequate roof goes ahead to also protect the overall building from damage. Roofs get old, and when they do, a replacement should be on the offing.
How Many Times Can You Shingle Over A Roof?
As much as the Building Code and City Code allow reroofing as an accepted way of roof replacement, it limits the number of overlays to only 2. You are required to tear the roof down to the decking and replace it with new roofing materials.
Why Are Multiple Layers Of Shingles Bad?
Multiple layers of shingles are bad because it makes the roof prone to cracks and breaks and leads to more renovation costs. During the reroofing process, the roofers will attach the ladder to the roof’s edge, as they carry the heavy shingles one at a time and place them on the rooftop for easy access when they start roofing.
Reroofing Tips
Over the years of working as a Master Inspector, I have heard many roof renovation ideas from hundreds of homeowners. The following tips are ideas I can vouch on that will help a homeowner in his quest to have his roof replacement but by having the new one laid over the old one:
What is recycled roofing?
Many roofing contractors will agree that recycling is the way to go. Materials that can be created from recycled roofing substances include asphalt. Asphalt is one of America’s most recycled material. An asphalt shingle is made of the components limestone, sand, glass, and asphalt.
Can you recycle old shingles?
You may be thinking that is impossible, but actually, it is quite possible. Consider recycling your old shingles. In some cases, recycling is in high demand for old roofing material. Not only that, but it is also more cost-effective than dumping. Many roofing contractors will agree that recycling is the way to go.
Is it bad to reuse shingles?
But keep in mind it’s not always bad to reuse material. It is possible to reuse shingles that have been removed. There are pros and cons associated with reusing roof shingles. These include cost savings and maintaining appearance but also having less structural ability to withstand environmental conditions. Knowing when it is alright ...
Can felt be reused?
Another substrate is the felt, it can be reused too. For instance, you buy new shingles and have a technician place them on and you are unhappy with the results. Another roof repair personnel can come to rescue you by reusing the materials to save costs. One negative factor of using shingles over again is that they are worn ...
Can you reuse shingles that are already on the roof?
The other advantage of reusing shingles that have been removed either by hand or some natural phenomenon is the appearance of your roof. The look will not be altered if you reuse shingles that are already on the roof. Using new shingles could alter the appearance of your roof if you cannot find the exact shingle that is already on there.
How long do shingles last?
Shingle coverage Three-tab shingles usually carry a 20-, 25-, or 30-year warranty against manufacturing defects; laminated versions carry a “lifetime” warranty, which means for as long as you own the house, or for a maximum of 40 to 50 years . If the shingles fail at any point during that time span, expect a check for a prorated amount.
What is the top coat of shingles?
The top coat is a layer of igneous-rock granules, wrapped in a ceramic-pigment coating that protects the asphalt from UV rays. Made in one consistent thickness, these shingles are usually 12 by 36 inches with three to five tabs, or segments—all with the same rectangular shape.
How many layers of shingles are there?
Instead of one layer, laminated, or architectural, shingles have two or more layers with three-dimensional tabs of varying sizes. The shingles are usually the same size as the basic three tab, but a laminated shingle can weigh up to 50 percent more, which may increase durability and come with a longer warranty.
What pitch should I use for asphalt shingles?
“While asphalt shingle is a good roofing material, it’s not the best choice in all situations. Most manufacturers specify at least a 4:12 roof pitch for installing them, meaning for every foot the rafters extend out from the ridge beam, they drop down 4 inches. If I’m using asphalt shingles I always protect the sheathing with ice and water shield first, pulling it onto the fascia and rake boards, and cover it with trim. I expose only 4 inches of the shingle and drive in six nails for better performance in high winds and rain. On slopes less than 4:12, I’ll use EPDM rubber roofing instead, which protects against wind-driven rain better.”
How to brighten up a living space with a roof window?
First, the roofers cut the sheathing and frame an opening, then cut a corresponding hole in the ceiling. A light shaft, built like walls, then joins the two to bring daylight into the house.
What is a hard wearing roof?
While the shingles are all you see, a hard-wearing roof is considered a system with many parts that work together to keep your house dry and comfortable. The focus is not just on keeping the weather out but also letting fresh air in to prevent a buildup of heat and humidity in the attic.
How thick are shingles?
Made in one consistent thickness, these shingles are usually 12 by 36 inches with three to five tabs, or segments—all with the same rectangular shape. PROS: Price—these are always the less expensive option. Available in most neutral colors like blacks, grays, and browns; a clean, uniform look.
Is a roof graded?
Your roof is likely graded for a very specific amount of weight. This is factoring in not only the shingles but extra for snow that could accumulate as well. When you add extra roofing shingles over the top, you are only adding weight to the existing structure.
Can a roofer see what the decking underneath?
Without that tear-off process, roofers are not able to see what the decking underneath looks like. A roofer worth their salt will perform a careful inspection, known as a “walking” inspection, to look for spongy and problem areas. This allows them to make localized repairs before the re-roofing process.
