Should I Tear Off My Old Shingles or Roof Over Them?

When it comes to roofing, one of the most frequent questions we get as roofing contractors, is “When putting on a new roof on my home should I tear off my old shingles or roof over them?

This is a great question and the answer creates a few other questions that need to be answered before a final decision is made. Let’s take a look at those questions, and hopefully by the end of this blog post, we can provide you with some information to help you make an informed decision.

1. How many layers of roofing are currently on your house? 

We can’t recommend more than two layers of shingles on your home. The weight of any more than that will over time impact the effectiveness of the roof in keeping out the elements. If you already have two layers of roofing on your home, a complete tear-off and re-roof is needed.

2. Do you have leaking or water stains in your ceiling?

If the answer to this is yes, no matter the amount of layers of shingles on your roof, we would recommend a tear off to find the source of the leak and any other potential problems. We’d also recommend replacing affected plywood and inspecting for any signs of mold growth in your interior ceiling and walls.

3. What type of shingles are on your home know and are they in OK condition?

Without getting into specifics on shingle design, some shingles are designed to sit flatter on roofs than others. We would only recommend roofing over shingles that are laying flat on the roof and are in decent shape. Shingles that are curled up or don’t lay flat can cause moisture to easily penetrate the roof and sub-roof.

Now, with these three questions answered, there are some other thoughts to consider when it comes to roofing your home. In the short-term, laying shingles on top of old shingles will be cheaper than tearing off your old shingles and replacing them. However, keep in mind a tear-off could save you more money in the long run.

Tearing off your old shingles give us the opportunity to assess the condition of what lies beneath the flashing. Without inspecting your the sub-roofing and other parts of your roofing system, it’s impossible for us to make an assessment regarding it’s worthiness. Think of it like buying a car. Would you rather buy a new car or a used car you haven’t inspected . If you can afford it, a new car is preferable every time.

Naperville Roofing Company Carmody Construction

Carmody Construction has been replacing roofs in the Naperville, Oswego and Plainfield area since our founding in 1948. We are experts in determining whether your roof needs to be completely torn off and replaced or whether we can roof over your existing shingles.

Give us a call at 630-355-0002 for a FREE no hassle roofing consultation. We will give you an honest assessment, and can get to work on a new roof for your home.