Replacing Roof – Is Putting New Shingles Over Old Worth the $ Savings?

Q: I have an asphalt-shingle roof that I am thinking of replacing.

In our neighborhood I have seen other roofs replaced. Some have had the old shingles removed and others have had the new shingles installed over the existing ones. Is one way better than the other?  I imagine putting new shingles over the old ones is cheaper, but is it as good?

A: It is cheaper, but I’ve never considered it wise. My roof was done just before I bought the house, and I’ve seen just one layer underneath. Most of my neighbors have new roofs, and the roofers took off the old to make sure the decking was solid and what needed to be replaced was done.

If there is just one layer of shingles on the roof and you are adding one more, then, yes, it might be all right. From what I’ve read, most roof structures can support a couple of layers of shingles without causing problems.

It is important, however, that the roof underneath be able to accommodate the one being installed on top of it. If a lot of the old shingles are curled, the new ones might assume that shape.

Does the existing roof leak? You might be covering it over rather than repairing it. There is also a manufacturer’s warranty to check out before anything is done to make sure that you don’t inadvertently void it.

Thanks to Al Heavens at the Chicago Tribune for this content

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