If you know it’s time for a new shingle roof on your home, you may have heard that you can just put a new layer of
shingles over the existing one. But is this true? In short, the answer is yes, but doing so may not always be a good
idea.
In this article we’ll explain:
When roofing over your existing shingles can be a good idea
When you should tear off your roof and start from scratch, instead.
Why Installing New Shingles over Old Shingles Can Be Good
Let’s start with the good. Many homeowners with shingle roofs do decide to roof over their existing shingles because:
Less expensive. You can save money because there’s no dump fee for removing your old roofing, and there’s no need for
additional felt paper over the old roof.
Less hassle. Installing a new roof over shingles takes less time than tearing off the old roof.
Looks just as good and lasts as long. As long as it’s done right and under the right conditions, installing new
shingles over old ones can last as long and look just as good as a complete re-roof.
Has the same manufacturer’s warranty. Manufacturers will still warranty the roof for the same amount of time as a re-
roof, as long as it’s done by a qualified installer.
Can serve as added protection from storms. Assuming your old roof is in good shape, the additional layer can serve as
added protection in case a top shingle gets blown off in a storm.