The saying, you get what you paid for applies to roofing projects. When it comes to choosing to install a metal roof, paying to remove the old shingles beforehand will save you money and lots of aggravation down the road. This article reviews some of the reasons to think twice before installing a new metal roof over old shingles.
Why a metal roof?
Metal roofing is a preferred roofing material by homeowners because it has many advantages. It’s durable and can last longer than a traditional roofing material. It can also be more energy efficient, despite the fact that it is metal. A metal roof will not lead to hotter summers. One other reason homeowners like metal roofing is that it comes in a variety of colors and styles.
The cost can be prohibitive for some homeowners, which is why choosing how the metal roof will be installed is important. If a family is investing in a metal roof, they want it to not lead to further costs down the road.
Metal Roof Over Shingles Problems
1. You may be covering up issues that will lead to future further damage
Covering up a water-damaged roof can spell trouble. Between rotting shingles and damage to the roof deck, you can expect issues in the future when it comes to your ceilings.
An inspection can show where you would need to make repairs or even replace the entire roof. At that point, it may be to your advantage to remove the old roof before putting in the metal roof. There will be more upfront work and costs, but the benefits will outweigh the minor savings of installing the metal roof over the shingles.
In addition, installing a metal roof on top of a degraded one will decrease the level of quality of the roof. The roof will not be attached to the house properly, as opposed to if the old roof had been removed prior to the metal roof being installed. If the installation leaves gaps that can allow for moisture to become trapped between the metal and the shingles, homeowners can expect the roof to fail and require repairs or replacement.
2. With a metal roof over shingles, you may face insulation and ventilation problems.
While there are potential benefits of installing a metal roof over shingles in the form of sound insulation, you may face ventilation issues. A roof needs to breathe, and without proper venting, your energy bills can increase to make up for the inefficiencies.
In addition, the lack of airflow can encourage mold to grow requiring future repairs. If you were thinking about falling back on your warranty to cover the repairs or replacement of the metal roof, you may be in for an unfortunate surprise. It is not uncommon for a metal roof manufacturer to consider the installation of the metal roof over shingles to void their warranty.
