Tear off vs. Adding another layer on top
My clients often ask me: “Why do you want to rip existing roof off? Another roofer gave us price for up & over, and it’s much less comparing to tear off.” – No it’s not. You might save upfront, but will pay many times over later. I always recommend full tear off when installing new shingle roofing.
When you install new shingles over existing shingle layer you cannot expect the same performance as then you lay it out on a clean roof decking.
Biggest problem for roofs are leaks. If you don’t fully remove existing roofing material you don’t know what is going on underneath: is wood decking solid? is roof flashing ok? is there moisture underneath shingles?
Tear off is the right way to go.
- Biggest concern in my regard is the state of wood decking. Even if there are no apparent leaks, the wood might be rotted and this means that nails will not hold new shingles properly.
- Same problem exists with flashing. Without tearing off shingles you are not going to be able to see if flashing is in good condition. Damaged flashing may lead to leaks in a future.
- Shingles put on top of existing layer will never lay completely flat. You will always see bumps and shingles sticking out.
- Adding another layer will also double the weight of the roof possibly causing damage to the structure.
- Most “roofers” who advise up & over for costumers complete ignore proper roof ventilation. Roof ventilation is one of the most important factors influencing how long your roof will last; not ensuring proper ventilation will shorten the life of your roof drastically.
- Without tearing existing roof of most manufactures will not honor full material warranty.
Saving some money now will cost you significantly more in near future. That’s why I always recommend full tear off to my customers.
Lukasz Sobczuk, LGC Roofing
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