How Do You Carry Shingles On A Roof
Essentially, there are three common ways to go about it: walk each bundle of shingles up a ladder by hand, on your shoulder if the roof is low enough, pitch them or hand them from the top of a large truck, which is parked next to the roofs end, to someone standing on the roof or, use a power conveyor belt.
Should You Add Layers
Most homeowners would say that having multiple layers of shingles can keep your roof waterproof, however, this is not true and 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.
The Different Layers Of A Roof
Many homeowners look at a roof and only think about the shingles. That makes sense, right? Shingles are all you can really see from the street. However, a roofing system is much more complex. Each part of the system contributes to protecting your home from severe weather. Understanding the different layers of a roofing system is crucial to having a successful project and positive experience when hiring a roofing contractor.
Here are the layers of a roof, in order of application :
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How Long It Would Take To Install A Layover
The same factors that influence how long it would take to install a layover are the ones that influence how long it would take to do a full replace.
Pitch: Pitch is a measure of how steep your roof is. The steeper your roof the longer it will take to install your layover because of safety concerns. This would be especially the case with an older roof because the crew would be walking on damaged shingles. A potential reason a layover wouldnt be possible!
Complexity: It takes more time to install a layover on a complex roof. Each part of the roof is known as a facet. The typical A-Frame roof has two facets: one on each side of your home. A complex roof is aesthetically very appealing, and it would be somewhat of a waste to do a layover since the second layer of shingles wont lay flat, wont look the same as the first layer, and will be more prone to curling, peeling, and blow offs, all of which will make your roof look less nice.
Flashing: Anyplace that breaks up the contagious nature of roofing material is a place where youll find flashing galvanized steel or aluminum that prevents water damage. If roof protrusions and the areas where the roof meets walls are what inspired the need for flashing, then you can only imagine how much more vulnerable to water damage your roof will be given that a layover will cause more protrusions. After all, youre literally creating more protrusions and more points of contact between your roof and wall!
How To Know If Your Roofing Contractor Has Done A Good Job
Many Louisiana roofers perform admirable work. They purchase quality materials and pay attention to detail. Unfortunately, a few contractors cut corners to save time or money. Others lack the skills needed to install durable roofing. To find out if your contractor did a good job, carefully examine the design and condition of your roof.
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Your Roofing Contractor Cant Inspect Your Roof Decking
Roof decking is the foundation of your entire roof system. When nailing over your old shingles, theres no opportunity to inspect the decking before installing your new roof.
If there is a problem with the decking and one of the boards breaks during installation, the contractor will take off the old shingles, replace the decking, put the old shingles back on, and start installing again. This adds to the time it takes to replace your roof and can even add to the final cost of the job.
On the other hand, your roof is taken down to its decking when getting a full roof replacement. This gives your contractor a chance to inspect the deckings integrity to see if it can handle your new roof.
If they find any problems with your decking, theyll replace it before installing your new roofing components.
How Many Layers Of Shingles Can You Put On A Roof
Thrifting supports a homeowners need to complete projects to the best of their abilities. Those abilities exist inside the parameters of financial and professional possibilities. Depending on the type of roof material used, the number of layers added to a roof range from two to three times. House roofs should never exceed three layers of shingles. Adding additional layers without excavation can save homeowners up to $1,000 in labor. Therefore, layering has advantages.
Building and city codes require roofers to limit shingle layers to two. Nonetheless, roofers working on older houses sometimes find shingle layers as high as four. This method of shingling does cut down on costs of excavating existing shingles but causes a strain on the house between the trusses. Roofers expected to carry one shingle bundle up standing ladders and roofing ladders know the weight is roughly sixty-five pounds. Strain on the gaps between the trusses may cause the backing boards in the attic to crack and eventually allow moisture to seep through to the attic.
Please pinpoint when multiple shingle layering illustrates smart and industrious carpentry. This practice presents acceptable results only during the most favorable scenarios. Use vigilance to decide if thrifty ideas are best for the homeowners finances and structural integrities of the home.
Go to home page for more info from one of the best roofing companies in San Antonio Texas.
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Can I Put A Second Layer Of Shingles On My Roof
Can I put a second layer of shingles on my roof? You can, but you probably shouldnt! Known as a layover, putting a second layer of shingles on your roof is in most cases inadvisable and a job that Proven Roofing is likely to even turn down. There are many reasons why you shouldnt do spot repairs and should instead replace your roof entirely, but a layover has its own unique set of cons that merit investigation.
Helps Mold And Algae Grow
A layover will create an environment that improves conditions for algae and mold growth. Thats because the first layer of shingles, if it isnt already covered in algae and mold, will sponge up water, while the second layer of shingles will seal the water in and provide the darkness that algae and mold needs to grow. Dark streaks running down your roof are signs of algae and mold, but installing a layover will conceal that.
Its possible, though, that if you put in a second layer of shingles that the mold will get so bad that itll pop-through and be able to spot broccoli heads poking out from underneath. If your roof is already covered in mold and algae, however, and youre insisting on a layover, Proven Roofing will simply turn the job down. Its not worth it for you or us! The potential harm the layover may cause would reflect too poorly on Proven Roofing for us to accept the work.
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How Long Does A Third Roof Layer Last
A typical 3-tab asphalt roof will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the environment and slope of the roof. 3-tab shingles are an OK option for temperate climates, but they are not at all suitable for storm-prone areas like Florida.
How Long Does A Reroof Last
The 26 gauge and 29 gauge cheaper metal roofing options can last for up to 25 years if taken care of. On the high-end, the 24 gauge metal roofing option can last for up to 50 years. However, most manufacturers offer a 20-year warranty and some even a lifetime warranty which is dependent on the metal used.
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How Many Layers Should A Flat Roof Have
Most residential roofs are steep-slope roofs. That means they have a noticeable pitch or angle. By contrast, most commercial roofs are low-slope, or flat. That flat roof over your head is more complex than you might imagine. First, it isnt truly flat. Second, it could have a surprising number of layers.
Can You Shingle Over An Existing Roof
The answer is yes, you can lay new roof shingles over old ones. But before we get started, one thing must be clear: adding new roofing over old is possible only with asphalt shingles .
Keeping this in view, how many layers of shingles can be put on a roof?
Most building codes allow two layers of organic or fiberglass asphalt shingles on roofs with a 4/12 pitch or less, and three layers on steeper roofs. If the structure can support the added weight, a typical 20-square reroof will cost at least $1,000 less than a tear-off job.
One may also ask, can you install roll roofing over shingles? Roll roofing is made from the same asphalt composition material as shingles, and it’s easier to install. You can install roll roofing directly over a single layer of existing roof covering, but if there are already two coverings, you must remove both.
Also know, how long does a roof overlay last?
A typical 3-tab asphalt shingle roof will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. 3-tab shingles are an OK option for temperate climates, but they are not at all suitable for storm-prone areas.
Can you put plywood over old shingles?
The existing asphalt shingles need replacement, so he plans to do a tear-off and re-shingle. Because the plywood roof sheathing under the shingles has become brittle and weak, he plans to install new plywood as well as new shingles. The new plywood will have to be nailed to the rafters or roof trusses.
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How Long Can Shingles Sit On Roof
Dimensional shingles come with a 30-year manufacturer warranty. Vented properly and installed correctly, you should get around 80-85% of the life span out of an asphalt roof. That means you can expect to get about 20-22 years out of your 3-tab shingle roof and 25-28 years out of your dimensional shingles.
Can You Put A Second Layer Of Shingles On A Roof
In most areas, building codes allow for up to two layers of shingles installed on a roof. If two layers already exist, youll need to remove the old layers before installing a new layer of shingles. Physically inspect the entire roof to determine the soundness of the wood roof decking, which is under the shingles.
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Is It Ok To Put 2 Layers Of Shingles
Done correctly, a reroof job will look as good and last as long as a new roof, for a lot less money and a lot less hassle. Most building codes allow two layers of organic or fiberglass asphalt shingles on roofs with a 4/12 pitch or less, and three layers on steeper roofs.
Cons To Overlaying A Shingle Roof
Cant detect leaks or other damage. When youre just layering over the old roof, you wont get the same opportunity to fully inspect the roofs sheathing. There may be leaks, bad flashing, damaged or rotted wood, algae growth, etc., and you cant fix or prevent what you cant see.
Added weight. Youre essentially adding a second roof on your house, and that added weight puts stress on the roof decking, which is especially worrisome in our climate that gets heavy rain and snowfall. Note: the average 30-square roof uses 90 bundles of shingles, and a bundle of asphalt roofing shingles weighs about 100 pounds, which means youre putting roughly 9,000 additional pounds of weight on your roof.
Gets hotter. Having multiple layers of shingles is going to make your roof hotter because the heat gets trapped between the layers, which could mean premature aging of the shingles. This is especially true if youve overlayed your new shingles on top of warped shingles.
Affects inspection reports. If you have multiple layers of shingles and are trying to sell your house, a home inspector will likely view layered shingles as a negative since it could indicate potential problems for the new homeowner. It could also shorten or even void your shingle warranty in some cases.
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Layers Of Roofing How Many Are Allowed On My Roof
I’ve been asked, “Can we install another layer of roofing over the existing?”
The answer varies with every building and project.
It is advised that you seek out the local building department for theexact amount of layers that are acceptable in your area. Every city and county vary with their own codes.
Steep sloped roof products such as tile, slate, metal and shakes only allow one layer. Asphalt shingles typically can have one more layer added over the top . For many years it was acceptable to put even the third layer.
On most flat roofs such as EPDM, TPO, or modified it is perfectly acceptable to two layers of roofing. However, in almost all areas it is not acceptable to install more than two layers of roofing on any commercial building.
Why would you want to recover vs tear off?
It’s all about the money. Recovering a roof can save money in many aspects of the job. First, you can save on dumpster and haul off of tear off debris. Second, you save money on labor hours that it would take to tear off the original roof or roofs. Finally, you can save money on insulation . Not having to replace the existing insulation could be the biggest money saver.
What should you do?
Every building and every roof is different. The best option for your building could depend on the following factors:
1) current roofing system?
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
_____
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.
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Why Not Add New Roof Shingles Over Old
As suggested above, the potential cons of re-roofing tend to outweigh the potential pros, but it all depends on your situation. The following list includes some universal reasons not to reroof as well as some considerations or things to check out if you’re seriously considering adding new roof shingles over old ones.
1. Shingles are designed for flat surfaces. They don’t do a good job of bridging over gaps, dips or humps, including the stepped texture created by overlapping shingles. Re-roofers have tricks to lay new roof shingles over old so that the same step-ups between courses are maintained, but if any old shingles are cupped, curled, or otherwise misshapen, those defects will “telegraph” through to the new layer. Many roofers recommend using laminated, or dimensional, shingles for re-roofs because they’re thicker than standard shingles and often have a staggered edge profile that helps hide any dips or high spots in the old roofing.
3. No visual inspection of roof sheathing. Without a tearoff, roofers can’t see what the decking looks like. A good roofer will perform a careful “walking” inspection for spongy areas and other problems, and they can make localized repairs before re-roofing. A not-so-good roofer might be less conscientious.
5. Re-roofing may affect the warranty on the new shingles. Pretty self-explanatory. Be sure to check with the shingle manufacturer regarding all warranty issues and installation requirements before re-roofing.
Things To Know About Nailing Over Your Current Asphalt Roof
Now that you know that youre only allowed to have 2 layers of asphalt shingles and that its possible to nail over your old roof. Yes, nailing over your old roof will be cheaper than getting a complete roof replacement.
But if your current asphalt roof is a good candidate for a nail-over reroof, there are some things you need to be aware of before jumping right into your project.
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