If your roof is getting older…

you may wonder whether new shingles, or even a metal roof, can simply be installed over the existing roof instead of tearing everything off.

The short answer is sometimes, but not every roof is a good candidate.

Installing new roofing over an existing roof is often called a roof overlay or roof recover. Whether that approach makes sense depends on the condition of the existing roof, the number and type of roofing layers already in place, the roofing system being installed, manufacturer requirements and applicable building requirements.

At Roof Works, we don’t believe this decision should be based simply on whether an overlay is possible. The more important question is whether it’s the right long-term solution for your home.

What Is a Roof Overlay?

A roof overlay involves installing new roofing material over an existing roof covering rather than completely removing the old roofing first.

With a roof tear-off and replacement, we remove the existing roofing material before installing the new roofing system.

That difference is important. Removing the existing roof gives us an opportunity to see the roof deck and identify deterioration or damage that may have been concealed beneath the old roofing.

Can New Shingles Go Over Old Shingles?

In certain situations, installing new shingles over an existing layer of shingles may be possible. But we don’t recommend making that decision until the existing roofing system has been properly evaluated.

Some of the things we need to consider include:

• How many layers of roofing are already present?
• What roofing material is currently installed?
• Is there evidence of leaking or moisture damage?
• Are the existing shingles deteriorated, curled or uneven?
• What is the condition of the roof beneath the shingles?
• Is the existing roof suitable for the new roofing system?
• What does the roofing manufacturer require?
• What building requirements apply to the project?

In other words, don’t assume another layer of shingles can simply be added because your current roof looks relatively good from the ground.

Will We Recommend Removing the Existing Roof?

One of the biggest benefits of a complete tear-off is being able to evaluate what’s underneath the old roofing.

Once the existing material is removed, we can inspect the roof deck and address deteriorated or damaged areas before the new roofing system goes on.

It also gives us a clear opportunity to evaluate important areas of the roof, including:

• Flashing
• Chimneys
• Valleys
• Skylights
• Vents and other roof penetrations
• Roof-to-wall transitions

Homeowners naturally focus on shingles because they’re the part of the roof you can see. But shingles are only one component of a properly installed roofing system.

Putting new roofing over an existing problem doesn’t fix the problem underneath it.

What If My Existing Roof Looks Fine?

This is a question we often hear when a homeowner is considering replacement because of the roof’s age rather than an obvious leak.

A roof can look reasonably good from the driveway and still have conditions that deserve closer attention.

That’s why we start with a roof evaluation.

We look at the condition of the existing roofing system, including areas such as shingles, flashing and roof penetrations, as well as evidence of leaks or deterioration. Our goal is to understand the condition of the roof before recommending repair or replacement.

A professional evaluation also gives you an opportunity to understand why we’re recommending a particular solution rather than simply being told that you need a new roof.

What About Installing a Metal Roof Over an Existing Roof?

This question comes up more frequently as homeowners consider standing seam metal roofing as an alternative to another asphalt shingle roof.

You’ll find plenty of information online suggesting that a metal roof can simply be installed over existing shingles. While certain metal roofing systems and roof conditions may allow different installation methods, we don’t approach standing seam metal roofing as a one-size-fits-all installation.

Before we determine the appropriate installation method, we need to understand the roof that’s already on the home.

That can include evaluating:

• The existing roofing material and its condition
• The roof deck
• Roof geometry
• Ventilation
• Flashing
• Roof penetrations and transitions
• The specific metal roofing system
• Manufacturer installation requirements

At Roof Works, we specialize in standing seam metal roofing, and proper installation is an important part of the system’s long-term performance.

That’s why we do not simply assume that an existing asphalt shingle roof should remain in place when a homeowner chooses standing seam metal. We evaluate the individual roof and determine the appropriate installation approach for that home and roofing system.

Is a Roof Overlay Less Expensive?

An overlay may initially sound appealing because removing and disposing of the old roofing can potentially be avoided.

But we encourage homeowners to look beyond the initial price.

When you’re comparing roofing estimates, ask what you’re actually getting:

• Will the old roofing be removed?
• Will the roof deck be evaluated?
• What happens if damaged material is found?
• How will flashing and roof penetrations be addressed?
• What roofing materials are being used?
• What installation method is being proposed?
• What manufacturer requirements apply?
• What warranty options are available?

Two roofing estimates that look similar at first glance can represent very different scopes of work.

Understanding how the roof will be installed is just as important as knowing how much the project will cost.

Should You Put a New Roof Over Your Existing Roof?

There isn’t one answer that is right for every home.

An overlay may be possible in certain circumstances. In other situations, removing the existing roofing is the appropriate way to proceed.

That’s why our recommendation is simple:

Start with the roof you have before deciding how to install the roof you want.

We’ll evaluate the existing roofing system, discuss what we find and explain the options that make sense for your home.

If it’s time for replacement, we can also talk with you about roofing materials rather than automatically assuming you should replace your existing roof with exactly the same type.

Considering Asphalt Shingles or Standing Seam Metal?

A roof replacement is also an opportunity to decide which roofing material makes the most sense for your home and your long-term plans.

We install asphalt roofing systems and specialize in standing seam metal roofing, giving our customers the opportunity to compare different approaches when planning a replacement.

Standing seam metal may be particularly interesting to homeowners looking for a different appearance and a long-term roofing solution. But the right choice depends on the home, roof design, budget and homeowner’s priorities.

We’ll walk you through those considerations so you can make an informed decision rather than simply choosing a material based on price or something you’ve read online.

Talk to Roof Works About Your Roof

We’ve been serving homeowners throughout the Fredericksburg region for more than 27 years.

Roof Works is a Class A licensed and insured Virginia contractor and a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™ contractor. We provide roof inspections, roof repair and replacement, standing seam metal roofing, siding, seamless gutters, gutter guards and storm damage restoration.

Our Service Area

We serve homeowners throughout:

• Fredericksburg
• Stafford County
• Spotsylvania County
• King George County
• Caroline County
• Orange County
• Culpeper County
• Fauquier County

If you’re wondering whether your existing roof needs to come off, whether another roofing system can be installed in its place, or whether it’s time to consider standing seam metal, let’s start by taking a look at the roof you have now.

Our team can inspect your roofing system, explain what we find and help you determine the appropriate next step for your home.

Ready to Have Your Roof Evaluated?

Call Roof Works at 540-786-4552 or request an estimate below.

How can we help you?