Have you wondered if you can put a metal roof over shingles? Installing a metal roof over shingles might be feasible. However, the homeowner needs to consider multiple factors before pursuing this project. Replacing your existing shingles with new ones might be a more cost-effective alternative. At Moore & Sons Roofing, we work with homeowners to assess their roof replacement options.
Do You Remove Shingles Before Installing A Metal Roof?
Many homeowners mistakenly believe installing a metal roof directly over asphalt shingles is cost-effective. Unfortunately, the reverse is true. Immediate savings almost certainly will result in long-range challenges when taking this approach. Indeed, the homeowner will save money at the outset. They will not need to pay the expense of demoing the existing roof. However, if issues exist under the outer surface, the roofing contractor has no easy way to analyze or repair them. Attaching a metal roof over the top will only delay or exacerbate unresolved problems.
What Happens When You Put A Metal Roof Over Shingles
A homeowner should understand the following risks involved with installing a metal roof over asphalt shingles:
Cause Unnecessary Structural Stress
A home is designed to withstand a certain amount of weight. When excess pressure builds up, structural problems result. The roof itself may be subject to sagging or, eventually, collapsing. The home itself could experience an unnecessary strain on foundational and supporting structures. For example, wall, ceiling, and foundation cracks might appear. Floors may become uneven, walls could bow, and gaps may form between walls and floors, resulting in an unsafe home.
Diminish A Roof’s Performance & Lifespan
The underlying shingles and the overlaying metal roof are not designed to work in harmony. Manufacturers do not anticipate or expect homeowners to install one over the other. Consequently, the shingles will continue deteriorating, aging past their expected lifespan. Metal roofing may also experience issues that would not be a factor if it were not for the shingle base. Moisture could become trapped between the two materials, resulting in additional corrosion and mold growth.
Make It More Difficult To Pinpoint Leaks
Most roofing experts will tell you they cannot analyze problem areas if they cannot reach them. Attaching a metal roof over shingles limits an inspector’s ability to comprehensively assess the roof’s condition and identify the source of roof leaks or other problems. Additionally, if the root cause of a leak is accurately pinpointed, reaching that location to perform necessary repairs could be difficult, if not impossible, given the complexity of two differing roof types.
Void Existing Home Or Roof Warranties
The actual details are in the fine print. Most home or roof warranties provide precise information concerning what actions are permitted to preserve coverage and what steps to avoid if the homeowner does not want to void protection. A warranty can be canceled if the homeowner pursues home improvement projects outside the norm. Layering a metal roof over shingles could void any warranty for the current asphalt shingles and the new metal roofing.
The Benefits Of An Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement
As a homeowner, if you have an asphalt shingle roof requiring replacement in the next one to three years, avoid the temptation to attach a metal roof over the top. Thoroughly evaluate whether to replace your roof with metal. In fact, consider installing a new asphalt shingle roof as an effective replacement. Note the following advantages this recommended course of action:
Easier Installation
Asphalt shingle roofs are generally easier to install quickly than metal roofs. This straightforward installation process reduces the time-consuming labor expense associated with a roof replacement.
Equivalent Energy Efficiency
Modern technology advancements enable asphalt shingles to reflect UV rays and minimize sunlight absorption. For instance, cool roofing shingles are Energy Star-rated, helping reduce home energy consumption.
Lower Price
Asphalt shingles are typically more affordable than metal roofing. Metal roofs can cost 25 to 50% or more than a comparable asphalt shingle roofing system. Save money by installing asphalt shingles.
Soundproofedness
Metal roofing is often noisier than shingles. For example, during a storm, heavy rain or high wind can disrupt your home’s comfort and enjoyment by creating excess noise when they impact a metal roof.
Wider Selection
Homeowners have few choices when deciding between metal roofing options. Conversely, asphalt shingle manufacturers customarily provide a wealth of possibilities based on color and style preferences.
Hiring The Leading Asphalt Shingle Installer
As a homeowner, you should never settle for “good enough” when involving a contractor for your roof replacement. Instead, retain a reputable roofing company with a proven track record. Homeowners in Western Michigan, including Grand Rapids, can trust the experts at Moore & Sons Roofing to steer them in the right direction.
Contact Moore & Sons Roofing today to learn more about our exceptional residential roofing services or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced roofing specialists.
