Sometimes the installation of a roof isn’t the problem. Rather, the issue is having to remove the old roof. It takes time to remove an old roof because it has to be stripped down tile by tile. Many people end up putting shingles over shingles — which works just fine for the first couple of times. But is it okay to put a metal roof over shingles?
Putting a Metal Roof Over Shingles
It’s absolutely fine to install a metal roof over shingles. People are accustomed to thinking of metal roofs as being heavy or cumbersome. In fact, metal roofs are so beneficial because they’re very light. They’re fast to install, and they come in large sheets and individual tiles.
When you install a metal roof over shingles, you actually get additional protection from the shingle roof as well as additional insulation. And having shingles under the metal roof can reduce some of the sounds that can transfer from a metal roof, though modern metal roofs have countered this problem very effectively.
Are There Advantages to Installing a Metal Roof Over Shingles?
It’s not just convenience or expediency, though these things do matter. Installing a metal roof over shingles takes far less time than trying to remove the shingles first. You can also save the expense of removing the old roof.
How Do You Install Metal Roofs Over Shingles?
When installing roofs over shingles, an underlayment is placed over the shingles. This will prevent any leakage onto the existing shingles, though ideally, the roof should already be watertight and in relatively good condition. Once the underlayment is in place over the shingles, the metal roof can be installed. Professionals will ensure that the roof is installed correctly and impervious to water.
Exceptions to Putting Roofs Over Shingles
Of course, you can’t always put other types of roofing over existing shingles, whether they’re metal or not. If the shingles have been covered over multiple times, the layers may have become too thick and will need to be removed before you can put another roof on it safely. You may also need to repair the roof if it has been damaged.
Putting a roof over shingles can only be an issue if the roof material is heavy enough to cause structural damage. Because metal is quite light, this is only likely to happen if there are many layers of asphalt shingles. It is Bert Roofing’s recommendation to remove the old roofing, but this is an option in many cases.
Keep in mind that we’re talking about putting metal over asphalt shingles. Wood shingles may be too thick to have metal roofs placed over them, as the wood shingles could deform the sheets. If the asphalt shingles aren’t even, this could also create other issues. If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is contact a professional. They’ll take a look at your existing roof and the material you want to put over it and determine whether it’s the best option.
The Advantages of Metal Roofs
Why would you want to install a metal roof over shingle roofs? There are a lot of reasons. Metal roofs are beneficial because:
- They’re fast and easy to install. Rather than having to install a single shingle at a time, workers can install large sheets of metal.
- They’re attractive and vary in style. Metal roofs can be fabricated in many styles, even mimicking the look and feel of other luxurious roofing.
- They’re long-lasting. A metal roof can last up to 50 years or more depending on maintenance, making them exceptionally good investments.
- They’re easy to maintain. A metal roof does not require a lot of maintenance, though it should be inspected after hail and other weather events.
- They can be installed over existing roofs. One of the major advantages of a metal roof is that it can be installed over an existing roof.
Are you interested in installing a metal roof on your home? Many people are switching to metal roofs because of their longevity and durability. Let us look at your roof today to assess its condition and determine whether a metal roof is your best option. Contact the experts at Bert Roofing. Call us at 214-307-8142 or through our website.