Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. It takes the brunt of all weather conditions and keeps you dry and safe. If your roof is not maintained properly or has aged past its time, a replacement may be in order. Some homeowners opt to add another layer of shingles over the existing roof in hope of saving tear-off costs. But will this really save money in the long run?
Problems Installing a Second Layer
Shingles are made to adhere to a flat surface. When roofers are installing a second layer of shingles, they are trying to adapt the shingles as best as possible but they are not made to adhere to a bumpy, gap-filled surface. Even the flashing will be more difficult to install. Problems will inevitably occur including leaking and possible damage to your house.
Inability to See Problems
When roofers install a second layer of shingles over an existing roof, they could be just covering up undiscovered problems that will eventually cause larger issue. During the teardown of your existing roof, a reputable roofer will be able to perform an in-depth inspection and see if there are any issues with your decking, underlayment, and ventilation. Without taking off the original layer, some serious issues may not be discovered and there may be an increased risk to further damage.
Damage to the Structure
Shingles can weigh almost 500 pounds per 100 square feet. Now imagine the extra weight of an entire second layer of shingles over a whole roof. Yes, roofs are designed to withstand the weight of shingles and even large amounts of snow, but by adding a second layer, you are doubling the workload.
Are You Really Saving Money?
Homeowners may think that the main benefit of adding a second layer of roofing without removing the first will save them money. Yes, it will be cheaper to not take off the old roof, but if there are underlying problems, it can actually cost more in the long run. A second layer will not adhere as well as the first and there is a better chance of issues like leaking.
Warranties may not be honored and your house could actually lose value if you decide to sell. A house inspector will report the second layer to the potential new homeowner and will discuss all the issues associated with it.
Contact Us Today
Not all roofing issues are obvious to the nonprofessional. Just because there is not a current leak does not mean that your roof is necessarily sound or that it has other issues. Experienced professionals like The Northface Roofing Company can provide you with sound advice based on years of experience with exceptional customer service. Contact us today. In MA, call 774-203-9998 or in CT, call 860-255-8668.