Is it okay to put a second layer of asphalt shingles on my roof?

Question

I believe that my roof need a new layer of asphalt shingles. They are not curling yet, but they are about 12-15 years old and they have been repaired a few times, etc. Is it okay to put a second layer of shingles over the top of the old? Do I have to wory about re flashing the chimney, etc?

Answer 1

Code allows 2 layers of shingles before you have to do a tear off. But before you do, check for dips or soft spots. There may be some sheathing you'll need to replace. I doubt you will unless you've had past leaks. I now live in Florida and I was told they must do a tear off here because of the heat causing the orig. layer to curl. And you shouldn't have to re flashing anything. Good Luck

Answer 2

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Answer 3

a few things 1 there would be a million holes in the underlining shingles 2 it will void any home owners insurance claims for any damage 3 when you do decide you need a new roof the building codes will require the cedar shingles to be removed before a new roof can be installed. Now for this bit of info , your shingle life depends on the materials under it. If you have cedar shingles under asphalt this will destroy the asphalt from the underside. Moisture is absorbed into the wood shingle then released via steam and gets trapped under the asphalt shingle destroying it. you are way better off to pull all the existing roofing materials and start with new paper and asphalt shingles. better yet switch to metal. Lasts much longer worth every cent.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

you can add a 2nd layer, but i wish i knew what the type / reason for your repairs. if the roofer uses the existing flashing correctly, it won't have to be replaced. if he buries it, water will continue to run over the old roof and under the new. on my house the last roofer did this, before we owned it, and it caused a lot of damage to the rafters, sheathing, and siding. what i tell my customers is; 1) the cost of disposal will continue to go up, it will cost you more when it needs the next roof, what will your financial situation be like in 20-30 years? 2) it's better for the new roof, it will last longer, lay flatter, and look better. 3) by starting with a clean slate, i can guaranty that the flashing is done correctly. this last part is especially important if you have had hard to fix mystery leaks that deify solving, and need repeated repair attempts. so, i guess what i am saying is, if you can afford to rip the old layer of now, it will be better in the long run,and cheaper in the long run, too. good luck, i hope this helps.

Answer 6

I wouldn't do it. The reason? I have done it before, and the life of the second roof was shortened by the heat build-up. So did I save any money? No, now I have a third roof on the property and had to pull the first 2 off before the third went on. In the long run, it would have been cheaper to pull each roof off, and then I'd probably still be on the second roof.

Good Luck

Answer 7

You can put a second set of shingles on. You should not have to reflash anything as long as it is not leaking now. I personally would not shingle over the first layer of shingles. The main reason is I would rather take the first set off and check the status of wood underneath.

Answer 8

Different municipalities have different codes regarding this. In my area, New Orleans, we are allowed up to three layers. I personally believe that it is better to pay for the tear off. The old layer of shingles will cause more heat for the new layer, shortening their life span. It is also a fire issue.

Answer 9

if you are going to go threw the expense of putting on a new roof you main as well do it correctly and tear off the old roof. having a flat surface is best for shingles to adhere themselves to the roof thus making it last longer. if you are trying to get out of the expense of having to do it again consider metal roofing yes it is more expensive but the metal roofing last 2 to 3 times longer than shingles!

Answer 10

as my grandpappy sez, if you are going to do something, do it right the first time. easier to take off 1 layer than 2 layers. better job in the end.