QA

How Many Layers Of Shingles Can You Put On A Roof

In most states, you’re only allowed to have 2 layers of shingles on a roof for fire safety reasons. However, you’ll still see roofs that have 3 or 4 layers today. If you already have 2 or more layers, a contractor will recommend a full replacement.

Can you put a third layer of shingles on a roof?

No, you can’t put three layers of asphalt shingles on a roof. In most states, you’re only allowed to have two layers of asphalt shingles on a roof for fire safety reasons. But that doesn’t mean you won’t still see roofs with three or four layers today.

How many times can you shingle over a roof?

Depending on the type of roof material used, the number of layers added to a roof range from two to three times. House roofs should never exceed three layers of shingles. Adding additional layers without excavation can save homeowners up to $1,000 in labor. Therefore, layering has advantages.

Why are multiple layers of shingles bad?

Two layers of shingles trap more heat, which in turn damages the shingles and shortens the life span of the roof. Adding a second layer could compromise the structure of your roof. Problems fixing leaks: A second layer of shingles only complicates the job when a roofer is trying to fix a leak.

Can you put new shingles over old shingles?

You might be able to lay new shingles over existing shingles and avoid the cost of tear-off. If conditions are right, new shingles laid over old shingles can be just as attractive and durable as shingles laid on bare sheathing. But you must take care to install shingles correctly so they lie flat.

Can you have 2 layers of shingles?

In most states, you’re only allowed to have 2 layers of shingles on a roof for fire safety reasons. However, you’ll still see roofs that have 3 or 4 layers today. If you already have 2 or more layers, a contractor will recommend a full replacement.

Can you put a second layer of shingles on a roof?

In most areas, building codes allow for up to two layers of shingles installed on a roof. If two layers already exist, you’ll need to remove the old layers before installing a new layer of shingles. Physically inspect the entire roof to determine the soundness of the wood roof decking, which is under the shingles.

How long does a reroof last?

Longer lifespan – A new, properly installed shingle roof can last 20 to 30 years, meaning it could potentially outlast an overlay by a decade or more. Increased property value – A brand new roof can add more than $10,000 to your home’s resale value and also acts as a strong selling point.

Is one layer of shingles enough?

Building codes in most cities and counties allow for two layers of fiberglass, or organic shingles on roofs that have certain pitches, usually 4-1/2 inches or less. Three layers are allowed for steeper roofs.

Is it OK to overlay shingles?

A: In general, it is not good practice to overlay a traditional asphalt shingle roof versus a complete tear off and replacement for the very reason you stated: you can’t examine the decking to determine if there is any damage that needs repaired.

Do you overlap shingles side by side?

When you reach a peak or hip, shingle all the way up the first side (until the reveal portion of the shingles is within 4 inches of the peak) and cut the 3-tab shingles just below the ridge. Shingle the other side and allow these pieces to overlap the ridge by no more than 4 inches.

How do I know how many layers of shingles I need?

The easiest way to tell how many layers of shingles are on your roof is to climb up a ladder and examine the edges. Usually, the roofs have a base of shingles and then above it another layer of shingles. Whereas, a roof over has up to four layers of shingles. The layer can be easily seen from the edges.

Should you tear-off old roof?

In most cases, more than two layers of roofing shingles does require a tear-off. Laying new shingles over old shingles is easily prone to leaks and reduces the life of the new shingles. This alone ought to be reason enough to do a tear-off; it’s just a bad value not to.

What are seconds shingles?

The product that has some color variations or imperfections are put aside as their overruns along with old stock. As a result we purchase these seconds and have a special team to sort the shingles. Waste is reduced and our customers are able to save money on products that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.

What color shingles last the longest?

Both light-colored and dark-colored shingles can last longer if given the necessary maintenance. The only thing tested and proven about light-colored shingles is that they help us keep the indoor temperature cooler in the hot summer season.

How long should 30 year shingles last?

The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it’s not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years.

What type of roof lasts the longest?

Slate roofs are often called the “forever roof” because they can last seemingly forever. If you ever travel abroad, you might notice many homes in Europe have slate or clay tile roofs simply because they were easy to manufacture years ago and have been proven to stand the test of time (and the elements).

How long does a shingle roof last?

Vented properly and installed correctly, you should get around 80-85% of the life span out of an asphalt roof. That means you can expect to get about 20-22 years out of your 3-tab shingle roof and 25-28 years out of your dimensional shingles.

Can you double up plywood on a roof?

Since a standard three-tab asphalt shingle roof typically weights between 225 and 300 pounds per square, the extra plywood will significantly increase the weight of the roof you install.