Have you noticed the asphalt shingles on your roof wearing down, becoming discolored, or even breaking off? Shingles can also be vulnerable to mold growth and leaks. Eventually, minor repairs won’t be enough, and you might find that you need to have a whole new roof installed. However, this is expensive, time-consuming, and can disrupt your home life.
Instead of replacing the whole roof when in need of repairs, many people find that just adding on an additional layer of shingles is quicker and easier. This is mostly only an option when the sheathing and structure of the roof are intact. In general, building and city codes limit the number of shingle layers to a maximum of two layers. However, some older houses have up to four layers of shingles on their roofs when it comes time for a full replacement.
What Are the Advantages of Additional Layers of Shingles?
One of the most significant advantages of adding on a layer of shingles instead of stripping the roof and laying a new set is the money you save. Tearing off old shingles takes a lot of manual labor, and the costs for the labor can build up. An additional cost you can avoid is the cost of disposing of the old shingles and other discarded roofing material. And finally, the process takes much less time, and you have to face fewer hours of inconvenient and noisy work being done in your home.
What Are the Disadvantages of Additional Layers of Shingles?
With a new layer of shingles being laid onto the old ones, the roofers are not able to add a water and ice shield. This is because the shield is meant to go between the roof itself and the first layer of shingles. So, in case of damage to the first layer, your roof might be vulnerable to ice and water seeping through.
Another disadvantage is that you need to get heavier shingles for a second layer in order to cover and hide the old shingles and any holes or damage. These heavier shingles are a bit more expensive than regular weight shingles and also add extra weight and stress to your roof. Due to the extra weight, there can be some movement to the house’s foundation, resulting in wall cracks.
Lastly, you also have to undergo the cost of a roof inspection beforehand to ensure that your roof is sturdy and stable enough to handle the second layer of shingles.
Should You Re-Roof or Add Another Layer of Shingles?
Only a professional roofing contractor would be able to advise you on whether you should re-roof or add another layer of shingles. The contractor would have to inspect your roof and tell you if it is even possible to add another layer of shingles. The roofing contractor can also give you quotes for both options to better help you decide.
In general, if your roof has a higher pitch, a lighter frame, or structural damage, it would probably be a good idea to have it completely re-roofed.
How Many Layers of Roof Should Be Left On?
According to building and city codes, it is advised that you stick to a maximum of two layers of shingles on your roof. It is possible to get a special permit for a third layer, but it is usually not best practice, and most roofing contractors do not agree to add on a third layer of shingles.
So, in conclusion, only two layers of roof shingles should be left on your roof. If you feel that the second layer has become damaged, it may be time to tear off both layers and start again.
Top Tier Roofing Contractors – Spring Roof Maintenance in Philadelphia
At Top Tier Philly, we are a professional roofing company that provides services for commercial and residential properties. Our contractors are licensed and experienced in all types of roof repair and roof maintenance in Philadelphia. We also provide gutter services to ensure they function correctly, keeping water away from your home or business.
We are passionate about our work, and we only hire contractors with a proven track record of proficiency. To get in touch with Top Tier Roofing, Philadelphia, you can fill out our contact form on our website or email us at toptierphilly@gmail.com. You can also call us at (267) 506-0231 for a free estimate.