The time has come to replace your roof. Maybe there was a big storm that severely damaged your roof or it’s simply that your existing roof has reached the end of its life. A full roof replacement is a big job, and you might wonder about options to save some money. In this blog post, we’re discussing if you can – and should – put a new roof on top of your existing roof.
Can You Put a New Roof Over an Old Roof?
It may seem like putting new roofing shingles over the old roof could be a good idea. However, the truth is that approach is not a great way to go. If your roof is in rough enough shape that it necessitates a full replacement instead of a repair, removing your old, worn-out roof and putting on a new one is the best option for you home. Putting a new roof on top of an old roof that has issues will only cause you more problems in the future.
For example, if your roof is leaking and your roof’s underlayment or wood decking is damaged, wet, or soft, it must be removed and replaced. Here at Driftwood Builders Roofing, we always remove all the old felt down to the decking. This is the only way to see and assess the true condition of your wood decking.
4 Reasons Why you Shouldn’t Roof Over Old Shingles
- A new roof probably won’t lay down flat. It can be a struggle to get a good fit and lay shingles properly on an already-shingled and uneven roof.
- Having a second layer over the top of an old roof will prevent roofing pros from seeing the whole picture. Is your underlayment actually in good shape? Is there water damage, holes, or mold that should be addressed? Without removing your existing shingles, the damage could go undetected and this could lead to serious problems in the future.
- A new layer of shingles can be unnecessarily heavy for your home. Your roof is designed properly for your home’s overall structure. Adding more weight can be detrimental to your entire home. For example, cracks in your walls can show up, and your foundation may not be able to withstand the extra weight, causing future issues to develop.
- It’s possible local building codes or HOA restrictions will not allow a second roof to be installed over top of an existing roof.
Your Local Austin Roofing Professionals
We strive to bring you the best in roofing for the Austin, Texas area. We deliver decades of roofing experience, training, and knowledge in this area’s needs. We are a prominent roofing company in residential roof repair and roof replacement. We will not ask for a deposit on labor or materials as a dependable way to stand out from the competition while bringing you the best product and service in Austin.
When we inspect, install, or repair your roof, we want to provide you with the best options for your roof design, components, and ventilation. We are Master Elite Contractors bringing you the latest in roofing technology, and a member of our local area Better Business Bureau, so you know we take pride in our work and our community.
Contact us by phone or email to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and quote today.
