Owning a home comes with a lot of decisions regarding upgrades and maintenance. When it comes to roofing, there is often no right or wrong way of doing things. It is up to the contractor that you hire to follow the building code and provide a quality product. Consequently, if you decide to install a metal roof over your shingle roof, make sure to check with your local building department. Wondering how to install metal roofing over shingles? This requires a roofing contractor with expertise in installing a metal roof.
Let’s take a look below at the pros and cons of installing a metal roof over shingles.
What Are The Pros?
Anytime you are dealing with the materials of a roof, there are pros and cons for this project. Let’s take a look below at the pros regarding installing a metal roof over shingles.
- Lightweight – Installing a metal roof over an asphalt shingle roof is more favorable to a roofing contractor. The lightweight metal roofing material makes this project easier for the contractor.
- Money saver – Choosing to install a metal roof over an existing shingle roof will save you money. The roofing contractor does not need to spend hours removing the old roofing material to install the metal material. This will save the roofing contractor time and money, which saves you time and money.
- No Mess – Installing metal roofing material over the existing roofing material means that demolition of the old roof does not happen. So, your home will not look like a destructive area as shingles and underlayment are thrown in the yard and a giant dumpster.
- Longer Lifespan – Metal roofs are known to last 50 years or longer. While asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of about 20 years. In some cases, metal roofs have been known to last over 60 years.
- Durable – Metal roofs are much more durable than any asphalt shingle roof. Additionally, they are more energy-efficient as they reflect the sun from the home into the atmosphere. Also, if you live where it snows, the snow will slide off the roof and not stick as it does to asphalt shingles.
What Are The Cons?
Anytime you are dealing with the materials of a roof, there are pros and cons for this project. Let’s take a look below at the cons regarding installing a metal roof over shingles.
- Building codes – If your roofing contractor does not follow the local building codes you could end up spending a lot more money. In some cases, the building code will require you to remove the old roof before installing a new one.
- Hail damage – Metal roofing materials are durable and have a high aesthetic value. However, a major hail storm could cause dents and dings in the roof. This would become an eye sore for any homeowner. Aluminum and copper are softer metals and dent a lot easier than other metals. Consequently, consider the area that you live in and your insurance policy before investing in a metal roof.
- Hire a Professional – Only hire a roofing contractor with experience and project examples of this installation method. Metals roofs take a unique skill set above and beyond simply installing a shingle roof.
What Are The Steps?
Just like with most housing projects there are recommended steps to follow for installing this roofing system. Let’s take a look below at the necessary steps to install a metal roof over your layer of shingle roof.
- Inspect the plywood – Inspect the plywood roof decking under the shingles to ensure that nothing is rotted or warped. If everything is in good condition, you can install your metal roof.
- Install a synthetic underlayment – Installing the underlayment keeps the granules from the shingles from rubbing up against the metal roof and causing degrading damage. Synthetic underlayment is recommended as it will not tear when your metal roof expands and contracts due to the climate.
- Insulate the roof – Use an E-foil insulation and install it between the underlayment and the metal roof. This insulation provides an energy-efficiency as it will reflect heat away from the roof in the summer.
- Install the corrugated metal panels – Using corrugated metal roof panels will allow air to flow naturally between the metal panels and the E-foil. This will create a natural venting system.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know how to install metal roofing over shingles you can read up on how you know that you need a new roof. Knowing when a new roof is needed will help you determine if you should install a metal roof over your asphalt shingle roof.
Next, to plan your schedule during roofing installation you will want to know how long it takes to replace a roof. This allows you to plan your day and determine if you need to take off work that day. Also, you might end up taking a couple of days off. Be sure to consult your roofing contractor.
Lastly, since you have decided to install a metal roof and you realize that the snow in your area will just slide off the roof, it might be a good idea to read up on how to stop this. Too much snow building up around your home could cause you to be blocked in. Consequently, consider reading up on how to stop snow from sliding off your metal roof.
When Do I Call A Professional?
When it comes to getting a new roof, you will want to call a professionally licensed roofing contractor. Be sure to get multiple estimates or quotes regarding the cost to install a metal roof over your shingle roof. Also, consider all of the pros and cons listed above as you discuss the options with your roofing contractor.
Additionally, using your local home inspection team is a great idea as they can determine what type of roofing damage needs to be repaired and if the roof is in good shape. Getting the repairs done before you swap your roofing materials is a great idea.
Conclusion
Installing a new roof can be a daunting task for many homeowners. There are so many choices of which material to install that most just settle for the traditional shingled roof. When you look to install a new roof, consider a metal roof. If you aren’t sure what to do, call on hour local home inspection team. They can inspect the roof and let you know if a metal installation over your current shingle roof is an option. Reach out to House Inspection Associates to conduct a roof inspection during a full home inspection in the Virginia, D.C., and Maryland areas.
