04 Oct Can You Install Metal Roofing Over Existing Shingles?
One of the first questions homeowners should ask themselves when shopping for a new roof is: Can you install metal roofing over existing shingles? Unfortunately, newcomers don’t always realize they should find an answer to this question. Simply put, the type of metal roofing will determine whether you should remove your asphalt shingles.
That said, as you’ll learn below, several key factors influence the success of a metal roof installation over shingles. These include building codes, structural problems, and beyond. So read this list before installing your new roof to learn the options available for your specific home.
Simplifying the Installation
Before thinking about factors affecting the titular question, you should learn why this installation method is advantageous. To put it simply, installing metal roofing over existing materials removes an entire step of the process. The other option is to spend time and money on having a professional come in and take the old roof down. However, if you can put your new roof over a preexisting one, it can make the whole project less costly, time consuming, and stressful. It’s recommended to tear off the old roof when installing a standing seam metal roof. However, metal shingles can be installed over old asphalt shingles.
Fixing Problematic Roofing
Although metal roofs can easily fit over old shingles, they won’t fix all preexisting problems. For instance, the old roof should be repaired before installing the new one in case leaks or structural damage exist. That way, you get the most out of the metal roof’s performance instead of having old structural problems hinder it. Plus, it’s essential to consider applicable building codes.
Considering Building Codes
Thanks to the metal’s lightweight nature, you can almost always install metal roofing over existing shingles. However, local building codes can cause an issue. For instance, some building codes will only allow up to two layers of roofing.
Don’t worry; you don’t have to run off and do deep research to find details on your local regulations. Instead, consult your contractor. If they have sufficient experience, they should know what your local regulations require. Thinking about contractor experience goes far deeper than seeking help with building code information, though. This brings us to the next point.
Seeking the Experience
One of the most common tips newcomers will hear when discussing metal roofing is to seek professional contractors with experience and a good reputation. However, it’s crucial to understand that a background check includes more than finding out if you’re working with someone shady. Instead, you should consider their experience with the installation. For example, being an expert in one roof material doesn’t mean you know how to install them all.
Likewise, installing roofing over existing materials is something you should put in the hands of a trained professional. Looking at reviews is helpful, but homing in on specific attributes of contractors yields valuable information. For these reasons, the team behind our residential metal roof installations are experts, as should be the case with contractors doing any similar project.