How To Install Metal Roofing Over Shingles Right
For many years, shingle roofs have been the best option for residential homes. Nevertheless, in our time, metal roofs are gaining more and more popularity. This is due to their reliability, quality, and durability.
When you decide to install a new metal roof, you can do it in two ways. The first way is to dismantle the old roof, and the second is to install a metal roof over shingles.
The installation of a metal roof over shingles can be done in three ways. The installation can be influenced by many factors, the condition of the existing roof, the weather conditions in the region, and additional elements. Before installation, it is necessary to inspect the roof deck to determine if it is possible to install a metal roof over shingles.
Can you put a metal roof over shingles or not will become clear after inspecting the existing roof. Based on the information received, a professional metal roof installation team will give you a detailed answer on how to install metal roof over shingles in your particular case.
Question 6 Of : What Are The Disadvantages Of Laying A Metal Roof Over Shingles
Laying Steel Roofing Over Shingles The Right Way
- Written by Robert Miller on Apr 20, 2010To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by
Steel roofing offers many benefits over slate tiles or asphalt shingles. Metal roofing is resistant to fire, rot, and termites. Manufacturers provide 30-year warranties on metal roofing products. Installing steel roofing over existing roofing materials is fairly simple. Use furring strips to build a slat board on the roof, then mount the steel sheets to the slat board. Some consideration for vent stacks and chimneys is required during the design process. Installing a steel roof will cost approximately $60 per square foot.
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Add A New Underlayment To Your Shingles
This is one method of installing metal roofing over shingles by sandwiching an underlayment between the two. The underlayment runs acrossyour old shingles and essentially covers the old roof structure. It acts as abarrier between the old shingles and the new metal panels if water sneaks intothe metal roof, the underlayment prevents it from invading the shingles.
Metal expands and contracts over the years in response totemperature changes, so the added space from the underlayment is a relief. Itcushions your shingles from the metal panels above them. This cuts downabrasions and damages between both the roofing materials, allowing them tocoexist peacefully and independently.
How To Install Metal Roofing

If you choose to overlay a single layer of asphalt shingles there are quite a few things youll have to do to prep your existing roof properly.
Prepare Your Old Roof
Any portion of your existing roof that is already metal, which means valley tin, gutters, roof jacks, and chimney flashing, should come off. You can overlay the valleys and gutters, but youre asking for future problems if you do.
Cut back the shingles along the valley or gutter apron about two inches beyond the width of the metal. Pull the nails and metal off the roof. Remove all the roof jacks and any chimney flashing. You may be able to use the chimney flashing again if its not badly damaged.
Start With The Gutters
Following the manufacturers instructions, start with the new metal roof. If youre going through a layer of shingles, youll want self-taping sheet metal screws a little longer than the standard 1 5/8 screws used on new metal roof installations. The zip screws for the overlapping seams will still work fine.
Set the valleys/gutters in place with the roofing material provided in your metal roofing package. Make sure you dont screw or nail anything into the valley pan, the business end of the valleys. If water runs down it and it hits a screw, the water will find a path inside if you have an errant fastener in your valley/gutter assembly.
Lay Down The Roof In Complete Sheets
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How To Install Metal Roofing Over Shingles
Reviewed by Tomas Kalkys. President.Qualifications: More than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial exterior remodeling.Founding farther of Legacy Service.Written by LegacyUSA Team
Get Estimates From Roofing Pros
So, you need a new roof. You may have shingles now, but are shingles your best choice for the years to come?
Maybe, but have you considered your other options? Metal roofing is one of the best types out there for any building, including all kinds of homes. Not only are they visually appealing, but theyre also much more durable than shingles. If youre considering getting a metal roof, you may be wondering if you can install it over shingles. Were going to answer that question in this blog, so keep reading or give our Legacy Service team a call at 215-798-9790 if youre considering a metal roof replacement.
Why Should I Install A Metal Roof
Although shingles and most other types of roofing materials maybe a little less expensive, they require more maintenance, and theres always a need to repair or replace some portion. Its also quite unfortunate that shingles cannot be recycled. Most shingles usually end up in landfills and waste disposal companies that charge nearly exorbitant fees before accepting them.
But with metal roofing, you need not worry about its disposal as it is 100% recyclable. You will indeed have to pay more to get these materials than with shingles. It, however, pays off in the long run. Metal roofing comes with lesser maintenance and repair needs, and it can last for up to 50 years.
Metal roofing adds more appeal to the entire structure, thanks to its numerous styles and colors. Aside from its aesthetic appeal and longevity, corrugated metal roofs are highly energy-efficient. Most metal roofing sheets are treated with a special paint that helps it reflect a huge amount of UV rays, helping to maintain a reasonable temperature within your home during hot days and saving good bucks on utility bills.
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Common Metal Roof Over Shingles Problems
Reroofing over existing roofs works if you do it the correct way. In a while, we will explore those methods.If not done right, here are some of the problems you may face.
- Trapped moisture between your old and your new roof
- Extra weight may cause damage
- Shingles tend to contract and expand
Moisture collecting between your old and new roof causes rot and ruin.
Your roofs heavier weight can damage tresses, the decking, and the foundation.To solve this problem is one of the lighter steel options.
Over time this may distort your metal roof. Installing steel shingles is the only way to keep this from happening. The install like your old shingles fitting on top of each one. Screw them in place. Make sure they stay flat to prevent curling in the underlying old shingles.Aluminum is another lightweight option.
Follow Specifications From The Manufacturer
Depending on your choice of metal roofing, it helps to followthe manufacturers guidelines for ideal screw spacing, screw positioning,installation areas on the roof, etc. If you are working with a contractor, youwill be able to understand the layout options even better, as your contractorcan show you the applications in real-time. Metal roofing requires strongsupports for durable installation, and this includes ideal fixtures and positioningto optimize the framework.
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Question 3 Of : Do I Need Underlayment For Metal Roof Over Shingles
To Prolong The Lifespan Of Your Roof
Metal roofing stands the test of time up to several decades,saving you the need and expenses for frequent repairs in between. Its highimpact resistance allows it to withstand any damage from hails, debris, and theelements. This helps you revamp and reinforce your existing roof with astronger and more durable metal layer above the shingles. Fire resistance isanother bonus, claiming the top tier for safety incentives in commercial metalroofing. These features ensure a longer lifespan with minimal repair costs toslow you down.
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Snap A Square Reference Line
- A square reference line is important for installing roofing panels evenly. Use the 3-4-5 method to establish a reference line 90 degrees to the eave.
- First, make a mark along the eave three feet from the corner. At that mark, measure four feet toward the ridge. Then, from the original corner, measure five feet and mark where it intersects the second mark.
- Snap a line from the first three-foot mark through the intersection of the second and third marks. Since the Getaway roof is larger, I measured to 21 feet, 28 feet and 35 feet to make my square reference line.
Ridge Vents Are More Obvious

On most homes today, attic venting is provided by a continuous ridge vent that runs across the peak of the roof. On a shingled roof, this continuous ridge vent is a strip of shingle-like material that runs the entire length of the peak of the house, masking outflow holes on the sides of the ridge. You likely have seen this countless times, but probably never really noticed because the CRV usually lies very flat and blends in perfectly with the surrounding roof.
On many metal roofs, especially standing-seam roofs, the CRV is also metal, and it stands out further and is thus much more noticeable. These thick, prominent lines or ridges are inherent in metal roofs and add to their distinctive look.
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Do I Need Underlayment For A Metal Roof Over Shingles
All roofs need an underlayment. If youre installing a metal roof over asphalt shingles, the shingles may be able to act as an underlayment for the roof. However, the shingles expanding and contracting can cause damage underneath the metal roof over time. For this reason, its usually recommended that you remove the shingles on your home before installing a metal roof.
Manufacturer Specifications And Warranty
Even with the best warranties, it may be hard to track someone down after 40 or 50 years so they can assess your roof and write you a check for any damage. Depreciation may also significantly reduce the amount youd receive. This is why its good advice to purchase the best product you can afford, follow the specifications of the manufacturer, and have it installed properly. Then, you can pitch the warranty after about five years.
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Question 1 Of : What Is The Best Way To Install A Metal Roof Over Shingles
Drive Screws Just Right
- Fastening the panels just right is the key to a watertight roof. Here is what you should know:
- At the eave, place screws on both sides of every rib and lined up to go through the foam closure strip.
- Each row should be spaced no more than 24 inches with one screw at each rib on the overlapping side.
- Start at the bottom, fastening across the panel in rows, working toward the ridge.
- Drive screws to seat flat on the roof a crooked screw wont seal.
- Dont over-tighten or under-tighten. Tighten just enough to compress the rubber gasket to the edge of the screw head, not past it.
- Clean up any metal shavings or burrs right away. They will rust.
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How Many Layers Of Roofing Are In Place
Depending on your local building code, you may be restricted about how many roofing layers you are allowed to have. Most building trusses are designed to hold a specific amount of roof weight. If you add too many layers of roofing materials onto a building, theres a good possibility the trusses may fail. Check with your local building code enforcement administration to find out how many roof layers are permitted.
Is It Ok To Put A Metal Roof Over Shingles
Depending on the situation, it may be fine to put a metal roof on top of shingles. Its important to take the specific factors of your roof replacement into consideration when deciding what to do about removing your old roof or not.
You should remove your old asphalt shingle roof before installing a metal roof when:
- There are signs of structural issues from the weight of your roof.
- There is leaking or other damage caused by your current roof.
- Your metal roof warranty will be void by installing over asphalt shingles.
- You have to in order to comply with local building codes.
You may decide to install a metal roofing material over old asphalt shingle roof when:
- Its in compliance with your local building code.
- You are using roofing underlayment and vented ridge cap to prevent moisture buildup.
- You are looking to save money in the short term by saving on labor costs.
- You will still be eligible for warranty coverage.
No matter which way you decide to go, avoiding errors during installation is crucial to the longevity of your metal roof. The installation of your new metal roof requires a different set of skills than installing a shingle roof. Its important to hire a qualified metal roofing contractor to do your installation.
Haven’t decided on a color or style for your new metal roof? Download our free guide to choosing the right metal roof color!
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Are You Ready To Upgrade Your Roofing
Do you want to switch from shingles to a metal roof? Trust the Kreunen Construction expert team for that job. Our products have a Class 4 distinction in impact and a Class A fire rating. So, they can resist a wide range of damaging forces.
They last much more than slate, wood, and shingles. Moreover, they are algae, rust, and mold resistant.
Your metal roof from Kreunen Construction will last a lifetime.
Contact Kreunen Construction at or online today to get a quote. At Kreunen Construction, we serve Olive Branch, Southaven, MS, and all of Memphis, TN.
- https://insuranceroofs.com
To Minimize Commercial Downtime

When shingles are removed to replace a roof, businesses willexperience downtimes throughout the duration of the project. This affects therelevant operations, workflow, and employees, as they all work under the sameroof and will face the same disruption. Metal roofing is an efficient alternative,since it offers a roof recover solution instead of a total replacement project.Your office buildings main roof stays unaffected and so does your business!This allows your work to carry on smoothly when the metal roofing installationtakes place.
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