The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.
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Up on the Rooftop
Reroofing With A Metal Roof
Lori Silva
Upgrading your worn shingle roof to a new metal roof can be a smart move. Metal is extremely durable and fire resistant. It is also more likely to withstand storms without damage. The initial installation costs of metal can be higher than that of a traditional asphalt shingle roof, but there is a way to help lower this expense—reroofing.
What Is Reroofing?
When it comes to metal roofs, reroofing refers to installing the metal roof panels over the top of the old roof materials. In most cases, this means installing over asphalt shingles. It is also possible to install metal over cedar shake. The main benefit is that there is no need to pay for the labor and disposal of a roof teardown. Further, the old decking and shingles act as the new decking under the metal roof, which can cut down on the need for additional labor and materials.
Is Reroofing Durable?
A metal reroof is just as durable as a metal roof placed over new decking, as long as the proper preparation is put in first. In this case, proper preparation means checking the old roof for wood rot and major leaks before installation. Any rotted sections of shingles or decking must be replaced, and even small leaks should be repaired. Once this preparatory work is completed, the new metal roof can be installed.
Can Any Roof Be Reroofed over?
If you have a slate or a tile roof, then the old roof must be removed before metal can be installed. Part of the issue is weight—tiles and slate are heavy so reroofing over them can lead to structural issues. Further, even roofs with asphalt shingles may not be suitable for reroofing. If the shingles have begun to rot, then they should be removed. A metal roof should also not be installed over more than two layers of asphalt shingles due to the aforementioned weight problem.
Are There Any Issues to Watch for With Reroofing?
Most issues with metal reroofing have to do with existing leaks that weren't addressed first. It's also important to hire a roofing crew that is experienced with reroofing so that they can ensure that the metal roof fits properly and is fastened down to the old roof correctly so that water doesn't seep beneath the metal. Improper installation can lead to leaks, which can result in the old roof rotting beneath the metal panels.
Contact a roofing contractor in your area if you have further questions.
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