What would be heavier - 4 layers of asphalt shingles or 1 layer of slate roofing?

Answer 1

Real slate is by far heavier than ever 4 layers of asphalt. Slate roofing tiles weight 25lbs per square yard on average as I recall. But anyway, you should only put one layer of asphalt shingles over an old asphalt shingle roof. 4 is not allowed. So if going with asphalt and you already have two or more layers, tear all layers off and replace with new.

Answer 2

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 3

Isn't the question mute? Check with your building code, I don't think you can get away with that many shingles on your roof.

Purely as a guess, I would have to think that the asphalt shingles will be heavier. I have lugged some bundles up a ladder and I know they are heavy. good luck.

Answer 4

Not sure, but 4 layers of asphalt is against code. Most codes require tear-off after 2 layers.

Answer 5

1 layer of slate has to be much lighter than 4 layers of ashault. If roughly the average house is 30 square and 1 square is 240lbs thats 7,200 lbs. Four layers would be 28,800 lbs. I've heard of roofs with 7 layers......wouldn't wanna be in there when that roof collapes.