A roof replacement is a large investment that comes with several important considerations. One of the most crucial questions that homeowners and contractors alike frequently ask is whether old shingles should be removed from a home’s roof before a new metal roof is installed. If this situation concerns you as well, then keep on reading — we will guide you through.
It is a common occurrence in the roofing business to install metal roofing systems over existing shingles. This practice is largely encouraged by the fact that metal roofing is incredibly lightweight. As a comparison, steel shingles generally weigh about ¼ of what asphalt shingles weigh. This suggests that less weight is being added when you install a metal roof than what your existing shingles have lost due to erosion of granules and evaporation of oils in the asphalt.
Keep in mind that installing new asphalt shingles on top of old asphalt shingles is a no-go. According to a siding expert, doing so will likely void the warranty on the new roof. Moreover, the old shingles will not allow the sun’s heat to pass through and spill into the attic. This leads to the new shingles staying at a warmer temperature, shortening their lifespan.
That is not the case with metal. In fact, the temperature does not damage the metal or paint finish as it does to asphalt shingles. This means that the warranty on your new metal roof will stay intact. Going over old shingles also offers many benefits, including reduced waste that goes into landfills and more money saved on the removal and disposal of an old roof.
Pritchett Roofing, Inc. is a leading provider of home improvement solutions. We work with residential clients in and around Woodstock, GA to provide window installation, storm damage restoration and roof repair services. Call us today at 770-345-1622 or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment.
