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How Many Layer Of Roof Shingles

Everything You Should Know About Home Roof Replacement In Nj

How many layers on a roof

In New Jersey, violent thunderstorms, blizzards and intense low-pressure systems put residential roofs to the test. High-quality materials and expert installation are very important in a state where temperature extremes range from a historic high of 110 degrees to an all-time low of minus 34 degrees.

Since roof replacements on any given home usually happen decades apart, the average homeowner does not always know about the various steps involved. A little upfront effort to learn about the process is well worth it. Once your home roof replacement is complete, youll enjoy what a new warrantied roof provides.

Should You Add Layers

Most homeowners would say that having multiple layers of shingles can keep your roof waterproof, this is not true. This may even contribute to more problems, so why do homeowners overlay their roofs? To save time, money, and energy. By keeping the shingles on, you are saving energy that would have gone towards tearing your roof off and then creating a mess. Moreover, youll be able to save thousands of dollars of labor costs from roof replacements.

Disadvantages Of Adding A New Layer To Your Roof

Adding a new layer to your roof is not all beneficial, as it can end up costing you. One issue is that roofers cannot apply water and ice shield on the existing shingles prior to placing the new roof. This means that your roof will be vulnerable to ice and water, which gets under your shingles. This water could end up damaging your roof and even your house. Another downside is that you need to pay for heavy weight shingles that are meant to hide the high spots and dips of your old roof, which could be visible through single-weight shingles. Apart from these issues, an extra roof means more weight, which might cause unnecessary stress on your house. That weight can lead to structural problems in the future.

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When Should My Home Be Re

Just like any other part of your home, your roof needs inspection and adequate maintenance. Dont wait for the roof to cave in or to have bucket loads of water leaking into your home before you do something about it. Do a quick inspection once a month and look out for the following:

If you notice any of the above, you may want to get in a professional to repair the damage before it gets worse. Damage to the roof will only escalate over time, costing you more in the long run. If the roof is in a bad state, you may want to look at a complete roof replacement. You can however look at remodeling your roof at any time to improve the curb appeal or simply to improve the look to suit your own preferences.

It is recommended that homeowners do not attempt to do a second layer of roof shingles on their roof unless they are qualified to do so. Attempting repairs such as these without professional experience and qualifications can result in serious damage to the home and even the homeowner. There are specific inspections and techniques required to ensure a home can safely have two layers of shingles and that these are applied correctly.

It is important to look at the positives and the negatives before deciding on adding a second layer of shingles to your roof. The positives of convenience, faster completion and cheaper price may be perfect in the short term, especially if you are buying to repair and resell.

Are Fiberglass Shingles Better Than Asphalt

Layers of a Roof

What Makes Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles Better? Because of their fiberglass base, fiberglass asphalt shingles are more fire-resistant than organic asphalt shingles. They do not have the flammable paper or felt base, making them a better shingle for hot climates. Theyre both fire retardant and heat resistant. 10 thg 9, 2020

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Los Angeles County Cool Roof Code Requirements

Second, for the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, asphalt shingles must meet or exceed an SRI value of 20 for all new construction and reroof applications in residential and commercial buildings. This is also a mandatory requirement per the Green Building Standards Code of Los Angeles County.

Reasons Not To Put Shingles On Top Of Shingles

However, when it comes to a re-roof, overlaying shingles has become a method of the past. While a repair job can often be more convenient and somewhat more cost-efficient, placing new shingles over old ones is never a good idea.

Whether repairing one section of roof, or a replacing a whole one, its always best to pull up the old shingles before putting down the new ones.

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Start Your California Cool Roofing Project Today

Ready to take the next step towards building an energy-efficient home? Whether youre embarking on a reroofing project or adding the finishing touches on your newly constructed house, Owens Corning Roofing can help.

Owens Corning® COOL asphalt roofing shingles meet various levels of California COOL roofing requirements in a great selection of colors that complement many home exteriors.

Be sure to take advantage of Californias incentive programs for home and business owners who use COOL roofing materials.

Why Does It Matter How Many Layers Of Shingles On A Roof

Roofing Contractor CT – The Problem With 2nd Layers / Multiple Layers On Your Roof

If you have too many layers of shingles on your roof, it can put strain on the support beams and sheathing. Over time, this added weight may cause structural problems that affect the integrity of your home!

This is why its very important for homeowners to discuss their specific needs with a contractor before they agree to purchase any type of roof.

If you have too few layers of shingles on your roof, it will be much more expensive to replace in the future!

Its possible that only one layer of shingle is necessary for protecting your home from water damage and extreme weather conditions.

However, if you live somewhere with heavy snowfall or very high winds then two or more layers may be necessary.

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Which Shingles Are The Best For Roofing

Not all types of shingles are created equal. Which shingles are the best?

The most common types of roofing shingles are:

  • Clay, concrete, or slate tiles

The most important thing is that you use a high-quality material thats suitable for your weather. Asphalt shingles with a steel ridge cap are a good option for most climates and are usually the most cost-effective.

If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, such as high winds or hail, consider using a metal shingle roof.

Clay or slate tiles are a good option for beauty and durability, but theyre not ideal in areas with a lot of rain or snow, as they can be quite slippery.

If youre looking for an eco-friendly option, solar shingles are the best choice. They come with a higher price tag, but the energy savings will pay off in the long run.

Take into account the climate, your budget, and the look youre going for when choosing your shingles. With so many options on the market, its easy to find something that will fit your needs.

Brenda Rinehart Real Estate Professional

Solving Real Estate Buying and Selling Problems using Creative Solutions

A house is more than just four walls and a roof. However, when your roof springs a leak, shingles start to blow away or age has just gotten the best of it, all youre thinking about is that darn roof. You may ask yourself a few very serious questions, like how am I going to pay for this? and what are my least expensive options?

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Other Factors To Consider

If local building codes allow for an additional layer of shingles, youre adding composition shingles over composition shingles, and your structure is sound, there are other considerations to examine before moving ahead with re-roofing:

  • No mixed mediums: Not only can you not add a second layer to cedar or tile roofs, you cannot put composition shingles over them as a second layer. Neither cedar nor tile are flat enough to put composition shingles on them and damage or defects to existing shingles will transfer through to the new layer.
  • Voided warranty: You want your roof to last for several years, but if theres an issue, you want to be able to recoup loss and pay for repairs using your warranty. Unfortunately, most manufacture warranties are either voided or significantly reduced for re-covering composition shingles with new shingles.
  • Soft spots: Roof replacement requires an inspection to determine if there are soft spots on the wood sheathing which can indicate a need for repairs. Because a re-cover does not involve a tear off, soft spots may go undiscovered and unaddressed, leaving your home vulnerable to damage from wind, rain, ice dams and more.
  • Flashing replacement: Flashing prevents water from penetrating your roof and should be replaced if youre adding additional layers.

Cant Inspect Underlying Materials

GAF Stormguard Peal and Seal Roof Leak Barrier  Cox Lumber

Foregoing the cost of tearing off the old shingles means that you are also foregoing a chance to inspect the underlying materials. While shingles are the part of the roof we think about the most, a roof is not just made of shingles. Decking, underlayment, flashing, etcall lie below the shingles and are just as important. When you fail to remove the shingles and inspect these materials when installing a new roof, you miss the opportunity to catch weak points. These weak points include rotting plywood, tears in the underlayment, or rusted flashing. All of which can cause unexpected, and costly damage. The longer they go un-repaired, the high the chance they will develop into leaks, cave-ins, or mold.

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Snow Guard For The Roof

Q: Our house sits only 11 feet from our property line, and our neighbors house is so close to the line that their gutters are almost right over it. Last year, they added another story to their house and installed a metal roof. Now, when the ice on their roof begins to melt, it slides past their gutters and sails into the side of our house where our bedroom is. Can you please help us?

Lisa, Austin, Texas

A:Tom Silva replies: Ive never encountered that problem, but there is a straightforward solution. Ask your neighbors to install a snow guard on their roof near the eaves. These guards effectively halt roof avalanches and hold the ice in place until it melts. The type of guard that best suits your situation has two or three pipes mounted parallel to the eaves and a screen on the pipes to catch flying ice.

Problems With Two Layers Of Shingles

Not many people would argue with the idea that quality trumps quantity. Most roofers would agree that adding a second layer or even multiple layers of shingles to your roof is NOT a good idea and cuts back on the quality of the roof. Yet we still run into homes with 2 or more layers on a fairly frequent basis. Why is this? Unfortunately, many homeowners opt for adding a second layer of roofing because the immediate cost is much less than completely tearing off and replacing the existing roofing. What they dont see, however, is the long-term cost. While it may seem that two layers of roofing equal twice the protection, this is in no way true. Quantity does not equal quality. Heres why:

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When To Consider Re

Roof maintenance is a major part of any homeowners responsibility. Although roof maintenance tasks are typically minor and fairly quick, its crucial to stay on top of repairs so you dont get saddled with costly, time-intensive repairs down the line. If you notice any of the following issues, reach out to your roofing professional to schedule a quick repair or a major remodel:

  • Buckling, curling, or blistering shingles
  • Missing granules on shingles
  • Missing or damaged chimney cap
  • Leaks or excess moisture in the attic
  • Cracked caulk or rust spots on the flashing
  • Rubber flashing boots that are cracked or worn

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So how many layers of shingles are allowed on a roof? The short answer: two. For a more thorough explanation, reach out to your roofing professional. Ultimately, its not recommended that homeowners complete roofing work on their own. Although this might seem like a way to save a few dollars, untrained homeowners can do serious harm to their roof or themselves by using incorrect or irresponsible roofing techniques.

Is it time to upgrade your roof? Taylor-Made Roofing is here to help. As a family-owned company with more than 20 years of experience meeting the roofing needs of those who live and work in southern Missouri, we know how to spot a roof in need of replacement or repair. Whether youre in need of basic maintenance, a roof repair, or a total replacement, were ready to help. Contact Taylor-Made Roofing today to learn more.

What Are The Benefits Of More Than One Layer Of Shingles

Roofing How to tell how many layers of roofing you have

Depending on the pitch of your roof and the type of shingles currently being used, the number of layers may be restricted. For fiberglass-asphalt and organic shingles and a pitch under 4:12, as long as the roof structure remains sound, you should be able to have two layers of shingles. One of the largest benefits associated with double layering as opposed to stripping and laying a complete new set of shingles is simply saving costs. There is a significant labor cost involved in tearing off the current layer of shingles before replacement.

This can save the homeowner a chunk of cash. There is also the cost involved in disposing of the old shingles and other roofing material. These can actually become quite high as well if there are a variety of material types that need to be disposed of. The underlying wood is exposed while the new shingles are being laid. The time taken in stripping the roof and disposing of the rubble can be significant as well, making the project take longer and adding noise and inconvenience while the project is ongoing. Double layers of shingles can also reduce the likelihood of ice dams.

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Should I Get 3 Layers Of Shingles On My Roof

  • Home Improvement
  • Should I Get 3 Layers
  • Consistent leaks, mold growth, and shingle loss are all signs that your current roof has reached the end of its lifespan. It is time that you think about replacing your roof. While many homeowners believe that you have to strip away everything from that existing roof, that is not always the case. If the shingles and structure are in great shape, your roof replacement service might apply more shingles over the first or second layer. This is a cost-effective option for many people, but is it a good choice? Here is what you need to know about adding additional shingle layers to your roof.

    Pros And Cons Of Layering Roofing Materials

    There are several benefits to adding another layer of roofing materials to your home. In many cases, it does save time on the project since you will not have a day of tearing off existing materials. Along with that, you dont have to worry about disposing of the old shingles and other materials. More importantly, it is a cost-effective option.

    The drawbacks of adding a second or third layer of shingles are significant. Typically, finding leaks and repairing the damage on a single-layer roof is straightforward. Many residential roofing contractors can fix the problem within a few hours. Fixing a double- or triple-layer roof is more complicated. Water leaks are harder to find. Once the leaks are discovered, they can be harder to repair since the water has saturated several layers of materials. As you have guessed, these repair jobs are more expensive and time-consuming.

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    Benefits Of Adding A New Layer To Your Roof

    Building codes in most cities and towns allow you to have two years of asphalt or fiberglass shingles on roofs, as long as the structure can support the extra weight. Adding a new layer of roof is considered less expensive compared to full removal and replacement of the old roof. You are also able to save money on demolition labor, disposal, site cleanup, and many other expenses.

    How Many Layers Of Roof Shingles Are Allowed

    cedar shingles

    Whether you are considering having your home re-roofed or whether you simply want to upgrade your existing roof you should consider exactly how many layers of shingles you can and should have on your roof. You should also check with a roofing contractor that your roof and the building itself could cope with the extra weight burden that will be placed on them.

    Obtaining a building permit.

    A roofing contractor will know exactly how many layers of roof shingles are allowed in your area for your building but it is normal that you will be permitted up to three layers of shingles. In most cases two layers of shingles is advisable and three arent normally required but if you live in an area that suffers from particularly strong wind or lengthy periods of heavy rain then you may want to consider a third layer. You should consult a roofing contractor to ask them whether you require a permit because even if they dont know off hand they will certainly know the correct people to contact.

    General building codes.

    Re-roof or strip the roof down.

    To obtain a Building permit in Fairfax county, Virginia, please visit

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