Your Guide to Installing Metal Roofing Over Shingles

If you’re a homeowner that has shingles, you may have considered dumping them in favor of the benefits a metal roofing can provide. What many homeowners don’t know is that installing metal roofing over shingles is a viable option for your next roofing project.

Metal roofing installed directly over your existing shingles is an eco-friendly option that can provide your home with an extra layer of protection and a better structure to the roof. Plus, it cuts down on the costs normally associated with metal roofing and a new roofing installation because there is no teardown of the previous roof required. It’s a win-win.

HOW DOES INSTALLING METAL ROOFING OVER SHINGLES WORK?

Before even starting the process of installing metal roofing over shingles, you need to contact local building officials to ensure it can be done. The majority of areas allow for a re-roof over one layer of shingles, while some do allow for a re-roof over two layers of shingles.

You’ll want to get this sorted out immediately before you invest in researching a new roofer or worse yet, investing money into a roof you can’t have installed on your home.

Running New Underlayment Over the Existing Shingle Roof

If you are dealing with a decent number of cracked or damaged shingles, you will need an underlayment installed over the shingles. This can be identified and implemented via your roofing contractor during the roofing installation process.

An underlayment is meant to go over existing shingles to give added protection. This added protection then gives an extra layer of waterproofing to avoid leaks that may start due to old shingles with cracks and slight damage.

Note: A new underlayment will not be a quick fix for major damage to a shingle roof. In cases where your existing roof is badly damaged, installing a metal roofing over the existing shingles may not be an option for your home.

Do You Need Underlayment for Metal Roofing Over Shingles?

Underlayment is not required when installing metal roofing over shingles but is a definite plus. This extra layer ensures the previous shingles are not under continued stress which could lead to an increased risk of roof damage. While a metal roof is extremely durable compared to shingles, it is better to be safe than sorry.

STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE INSTALLING METAL ROOFING OVER SHINGLES

If you are trying to cut down on costs when it comes to pre-installation of your metal roofing over shingles, you should take these steps.

  • Remove obstructions like air vents or pipe flashings
  • Repair broken shingles that are torn or cracked
  • Sweep the roof and remove any debris that could pose a nuisance
  • Take note of any leaks or cracks in the roof that could lead to further damage if not addressed before installation

Installing any roof isn’t a task for homeowners. While basic roof maintenance and preparation can sometimes be fixed by a homeowner with some knowledge of roof care, it is always better to turn to professionals. Any time you are on the roof doing an amateur job, you are putting yourself at risk and risking damage to your home due to a lack of experience.

Do not put yourself at an unnecessary risk. Leave it to the professionals for surefire results that will make everyone happy and ensure your home has a properly and professionally installed metal roof.

IS IT BETTER TO REMOVE SHINGLES BEFORE INSTALLING A NEW METAL ROOF?

No, it is not better to remove shingles before installing a new metal roof. The removal process of shingles can be messy and raise the cost of the job. But, besides cost concerns, by leaving the pre-existing shingles, you are also giving an extra layer of protection to the roof.

ADVANTAGES OF METAL ROOFS INSTALLED OVER SHINGLES

Metal roofs have a number of benefits on their own, including their lifespan, curb appeal, eco-friendliness, and durability. Installing metal roofing over shingles affords you these benefits in addition to a few others. These include:

Some advantages include:

  • Lowered labor costs
  • Added layer of protection
  • Decrease in wear and tear on shingles increasing the lifespan
  • Gives more structure to the roof

METAL ROOF OVER SHINGLES PROBLEMS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

There are some issues to be aware of when installing metal roofing over shingles. If for any reason the metal roofing is damaged and then the shingles underneath are also damaged, you are looking at doubling up on repair costs. You also will have another layer to rip off when it comes to looking for leaks or checking the wood beneath the roof.

Installing Metal Roofing Over Wet Shingles

If your area is prone to random thunderstorms or snow, you should consider ensuring there is a layer of underlayment. This underlayment will create a waterproofing layer that will keep installing metal roofing over wet shingles from becoming an issue. It creates another layer of protection against the elements as well.

INSTALLING METAL ROOFING OVER SHINGLES IS THE BEST OPTION

Installing metal roofing over shingles is by far the best option when it comes to metal roofing. The extra layer of protection and support that is provided by the shingles creates a win-win situation. The only time this setup would not be recommended is in the case that the local codes or your HOA don’t allow the installation of a metal roof over pre-existing shingle roofing.