The answer depends on what lies beneath when it s time for a new roof your options are to re roof over the one you have or tear the old one off and start from scratch.
Roofing layover vs tear off.
This contractor told me i don t need to tear off my existing shingles when we re do our roof we get it.
The tear off method is exactly what it sounds like.
In roofing a tear off removes all layers of shingles and underlayment from a roofing system.
Roof tear off vs.
2nd layer of shingles.
Dave law last updated january 24 2020.
While some municipalities allow by code a second layer we do not recommend it.
Replacing a roof is not what many people want to spend their hard earned money on.
Why you would opt for a tear off.
Choosing the right strategy will save you money and make sure that the roof you get matches your buildings needs.
This is primarily because it is going to allow you to replace your aging roof instead of covering it up completely.
If you don t take your roof down to the sheathing you will never know if you have proper underlayment or are experiencing sheathing rot or ice or water damage.
An overlay roof occurs when keep your existing roof as is choosing instead to shingle on top of it.
Most codes allow two layers of shingles before tear off is required.
It takes a lot more labor to completely remove all the existing roofing material and then replace all the layers removed.
What you need to know.
It s good to know that you can only choose this option if your roof has not been overlaid previously.
A layover typically refers to adding a new layer of shingles over the existing shingles.
You can t examine the decking to determine if there is any damage that needs repaired.
In our chicago area we almost always do a tear off.
In just about every scenario you are going to be able to experience better overall results when you opt for a tear off versus a layover.
Here is a scenario we hear about all the time.
When the roofing company you hire tears off your existing roof and then puts on an entirely new roof.
The old roofing also has to be disposed of properly which adds to the cost.
Tear off or re roof.
