|
|
Replacing a Roof
Dear NH,
At the risk of a book length reply, I am going to redo my roof this summer, and am wondering if it is better to remove the old asphalt shingles, or (as many people have told me) just lay the new shingles on top of the old. There is only one layer on the roof now.
JG from Exeter, NH
JG,
That is actually a great and very straight-forward question, with an equally great and straight-forward answer. You can generally lay a new roof over the old without any problems as long as:
- You only have one layer of asphalt shingles on the roof. Most roof frames can support two layers of asphalt shingles, rarely three. Depends on the framing, of course.
- The shingles lay fairly flat. The new shingles will take on the shape of the old, so if the old shingles are very curled, twisted, or buckled, the new roof will eventually look the same AND the life span of the new shingles may be decreased. This may also void the manufacturer's shingle warranty.
- There are no existing leaks from undetermined sources. Just putting a new roof over an old roof will not necessarily fix underlying problems, such as with flashing or roof vents. These leaks will most likely recur unless they are properly repaired prior to installation of the new roof.
- You were satisfied with the performance of the old roof... e.g.. no occasional leaks during rainstorms, etc. This refers back to item (3)... new roof over old roof may not guarantee elimination of leaks.
Ideally, your or your contractor should repair, reseat, or (ideally) replace all flashing around chimneys, valleys, vents, etc. He should also cut off or replace any curling shingles so the new ones lay flat. If you have had ice dam leakage, he should also remove the bottom few feet of old shingles and install an ice and water shield right against the roof sheathing plywood. You can then be assure that your roof will have a long and healthy life!
NH
COPYRIGHT 1999 G.G. ALONZY
Have a small home repair question for THE NATURAL HANDYMAN? Just click here www.naturalhandyman.com/aitikia
For more home repair information, visit NH's growing list of original home repair articles and quality links www.naturalhandyman.com
If this information has been valuable to you, please consider making a small donation to support NH's free service to the home repair community! For more information, please visit our "Friends" page www.naturalhandyman.com/friends
The Natural Handyman Site Directory
- Home Repair Articles www.naturalhandyman.com/iip
- Home Repair Links Library www.naturalhandyman.com/linkslibrary
- NH's Bookshop www.naturalhandyman.com/bookshop
- Find a handyman at www.naturalhandyman.com/network
- Win unique home repair gifts and prizes at www.naturalhandyman.com/contest
Please read the important copyright and disclaimer information is located at www.naturalhandyman.com/copyright
Subscribe to TDS Newsletters
Join over 250,000 other subscribers!
To subscribe, check the newsletters you wish to receive, enter your email address and then click Subscribe.
View the TDS privacy policy.
Get free money-saving articles in your inbox!
Sign up for our free weekly eNewsletter Surviving Tough Times.
Looking for an answer to a frugal living question? Click here to ask a
Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!
Copyright 1996 - 2013 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.
Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
941-761-7805
"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.
| About Us | Privacy Policy | Writer's Guidelines | Sponsorship | Media | Contact Us |