Whether you own a home, business, or any building that requires upkeep, you have to maintain the roof. You may have run into the debate about whether to put roofing over existing shingles. Should you build on what you already have or start a completely new roof installation process? As you might expect, it depends. Roofing over existing shingles is certainly allowed and won’t do any damage to your roof, but for some people, going through the new roof installation process may be a better option.
Shingles last a long time, but they don’t last forever–about 20 to 25 years. So, how do you know when you need a roof upgrade? What type of shingles should you buy? These are all questions homebuyers have when deciding whether the time is right for a roof revamp.
Starting the Process
The first sign that you need a new roof won’t be on the exterior. You’ll have to check inside–more specifically, your attic or crawl space. Leaks and water stains will be evident, so you’ll know it’s time to start thinking about upgrading your shingles. The outside of your roof will also have tell-tale signs like rot and unwanted plants growing. You can even check your home’s records to see how old your current roof is.
Roofing Over Existing Shingles
Now that it’s time for some roof maintenance, you have to ask: complete overhaul or go over what’s already there? For most homebuyers, it’s completely fine to roof over existing shingles. Most shingles can withstand another set being laid over them without compromising the integrity of the roof’s framework. And that’s good news because starting the roof installation process from scratch is more expensive. Applying shingles over the ones you already have will save you time and money.
Save Time
By roofing over existing shingles, you’re able to completely forgo the process of ripping off the old ones, and that’s perhaps the most labor-intensive part. Instead of wasting your whole day ripping out nails and shingles, you can use your existing shingles as a framework and begin your roof installation process right away.
Save Money
Cutting down on the time and labor portion of roofing saves you a lot of money. Contractors won’t charge as much for a re-roofing because they’ll use fewer people, fewer hours, and fewer tools. Getting the job done is a lot more manageable and quick when you roof over existing shingles.
Your Roof Renovation Headquarters
Getting a new roof can seem like a daunting process, but when you partner with trusted and quality home exterior companies, they make the job easy. At Evergreen, we only use the most reputable contractors for our customers. So, if you’re thinking about a new roof, call or text (253) 320-5383 today to schedule your free price estimate. We offer easy financing options with no interest fee.
