When looking into a new roof, you may have realized that you might be able to save some money by not tearing off the roof but placing the new layer on top of the old layer instead. While you certainly can put new shingles over old ones, and while it will save you a good chunk of money, you may want to consider the drawbacks that this will have.
By opting to skip the process of tearing off the roof, you won’t reveal the decking and any hidden damage that you may need to have looked at. While you can maybe overlook the damage, for the time being, it will come back to haunt you. Adding another layer of shingles doesn’t make your roof more waterproof, so your decking is still at as much risk of rotting and water damage as it was before.
While you’ll be saving money initially, you are only delaying a proper replacement, in reality. The damage will become evident in the future, and when the time comes, tearing off two layers of shingles will cancel out the money you had thought you saved before.
Placing a new layer of shingles on your roof may also not be the best for the home’s aesthetic appeal. Shingles are typically made to lay on flat surfaces and won’t do much to hide the bends and curls of your previous shingles. You can opt for laminated shingles, which are thicker, heavier, and may flatten the old shingles down a bit, but this will increase the weight on your roof and may cause sagging.
It’s relevant to keep in mind that some places don’t even allow double-layering. In areas that do, inspectors may keep note of double-layered roofs, so that if you ever choose to sell your home, the new owners will know about it. After all, they’ll be the ones responsible for paying for both those layers to be torn off eventually.
So, yes, you can place new shingles over old ones. The fact of the matter is, though, that the cons outweigh the pros, especially if looking at the long-term. Be cautious about your decision, and if anything, speak to a reputable roofing contractor for a more solid opinion.
