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After the beating it took this winter, our roof needs to be replaced. Is it okay to put the new shingles right over the old ones?
If you need to redo your roof, you might be tempted to save some money by having another layer installed over the existing shingles. But any savings you reap could cost you more later if the sheathing under the shingles is damaged and you don't replace it now. (Watch video, right.)
While the building code in most towns won't require a tear-off down to the sheathing unless your roof already has two layers, we at least a thorough sheathing inspection from beneath as well as an assessment of its condition during a walk-over evaluation. If there's a history of leaks or insect infestation, it's probably best to remove even a single shingle layer. This will allow your contractor to check whether rot, mold, or insects has damaged the sheathing.
As for which type of shingle to use, three-dimensional, laminated-asphalt, or architectural, shingles used to cost roughly twice as much as ordinary three-tab shingles. But the Owens Corning Oakridge and CertainTeed Landmark CR Best Buys in our latest review of roofing products cost roughly the same as most three-tab shingles we tested—$65 and $70, respectively, per 100 square feet, or square—yet performed better overall. Our ratings include 26 laminated and three-tab shingles (available to subscribers), and we also covered composite and metal roofing materials.
Whichever material you choose, be sure the estimates you get cover other possible parts of the job, including installing ridge vents, ice-dam protection, and flashing, as well as the cost for a building permit and removal and disposal of old shingles, which could run up to $100 or more per square.
—Ed Perratore
Essential information: Check out our free buyer's guide to roofing products. Be sure to take advantage of the federal tax credit if you install Energy Star-qualified roofing, and learn about cool roofs.
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