Can you install a metal roof over existing shingles, or do the old shingles need to come off first?
When replacing a shingle roof with a metal roofing system, this is one of the most common questions homeowners have. In some situations, metal roofing can be installed over an existing layer of shingles, potentially reducing the amount of old roofing material that needs to be removed.
However, installing metal roofing over shingles isn’t automatically the right solution for every home.
The condition of the existing roof and roof decking is an important factor. If the decking underneath is damaged or rotting, simply covering it with a new metal roof won’t solve the underlying problem. Those areas need to be identified and addressed before the new roofing system is installed.
A full roof tear-off can also provide the installer with direct access to the roof deck, making it easier to inspect the entire surface and identify problems that may be hidden beneath the existing shingles.
Other factors can include:
The condition of the existing shingles
The number of roofing layers already installed
The condition of the roof decking Local building requirements
The specific metal roofing system being installed
Ultimately, there isn’t one answer that applies to every home. The existing roof should be evaluated first so you can determine whether installing metal roofing over the current roof makes sense or whether removing the old material is the better approach.
Thinking about replacing your shingle roof with metal? Get the existing roof evaluated before deciding on a tear-off or overlay.
Timestamps
00:00 Can You Install a Metal Roof Over Shingles?
00:28 Why Damaged Roof Decking Matters
01:23 How to Decide Between Overlay and Tear-Off
Thinking about replacing your shingle roof with metal? Contact Gator Metal Roofing for a professional roof evaluation and find out which option is right for your home.
