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Is Installing Metal Roofing Over Shingles a Good Idea?

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Is Installing Metal Roofing Over Shingles a Good Idea?

Metal roofs are seriously trending for home upgrades. They’re green, strong, and can save you a lot on energy bills. However, is throwing metal roofing over your old shingles a good idea? 

That’s what many homeowners are asking. The answer comes down to a couple of key factors—like the condition of your roof right now and what the local building rules have to say. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros, the challenges, and the steps involved in putting metal roofing over shingles, so you can decide if it’s the right move for your home. Let’s start!

1. Installing Metal Roof Over Shingles

You should know: Installing a metal roof over shingles is basically just placing metal panels on top of your old roof instead of ripping it off. It’s a smart hack to save some money and cut down on electric bills. However, pulling this off right takes some careful planning and execution.

First things first, you have to check if your current roof can handle the extra weight before getting into the install. Between the metal panels and shingles, a layer of battens or underlayment is usually installed if the shingles are in good shape and according to local construction requirements. This keeps moisture from accumulating and guarantees a level platform for installation.

You should also know: There are several different types of metal roofing materials including metal tiles, corrugated panels, and standing seam. For longevity and correct operation, professional installation is essential, regardless of the type you select.

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2. Benefits

Here are some of the many advantages of installing Metal roofing over shingles:

Economicalness

Saving money is one of this strategy’s most alluring features. You can keep more cash in your pocket by skipping the hassle of ripping off the old shingles—no extra labor or dump fees to worry about. Plus, metal roofs outlast regular shingles by a mile, making them an even sweeter deal in the long run.

Enhanced Sturdiness

Metal roofs are built tough—they can handle gnarly weather like heavy winds, pounding rain, and even hail like a champ. When installed the right way, a metal roof can outlast regular shingles by 40 to 70 years, easy.

Efficiency of Energy

Metal roofs bounce sunlight right off, keeping your house cooler in the summer and cutting down on your electric bill. Throwing them on top of shingles adds an extra layer of insulation, cranking up the energy efficiency even more.

Advantages for the Environment

Leaving the old shingles where they are instead of chucking them in a landfill cuts down on waste. Plus, metal roofing is a green choice since most of it can be recycled, making it easy on the planet.

Faster Setup

The install goes way faster since you don’t have to rip off the old roof. That’s clutch if you’re racing against the clock or need to protect your home before some nasty weather rolls in.

3. Challenges

Even if there are many advantages, you should be aware of the following possible disadvantages of installing metal roofing over shingles:

Issues with Structure

Despite its relative low weight, metal roofing adds weight to your roof when it is placed on top of shingles. The structure of your house may be strained as a result. It’s crucial to have a professional assessment to make sure your roof can support the extra weight.

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Problems with Moisture and Ventilation

If the shingles aren’t fixed down right during the install, they could trap moisture, leading to mold or mildew. To keep your roof in good shape and stop moisture from building up, you’ve gotta have proper ventilation in place.

Observance of building codes

Stacking a new roof layer over the old one might not fly with local building codes. To stay on the up-and-up, it’s key to get a pro’s advice and make sure everything’s done by the book.

Possibility of Uneven Surfaces

Shingles can warp or twist as time goes on, making the metal panels look all wonky. You gotta check out the shingles’ condition first, ‘cause if they’re messed up, it could mess with the new roof’s stability.

4. The Procedure for Installation

Here’s what you can expect if you’re thinking about slapping some metal roofing over your shingles:

Step 1: Examining the roof

Your current roof will be inspected by a qualified contractor to evaluate its condition and determine whether it can sustain the extra weight. Before continuing, any underlying problems or damaged shingles must be fixed.

Step 2: Get Ready

A layer of battens or underlayment is applied prior to the metal panels being installed. This ensures enough ventilation and avoids moisture problems by forming a barrier between the metal roof and the tiles.

Step 3: Metal Panel Installation

Screws and fasteners are used to carefully lay out the metal panels and secure them to the battens or underlayment. For the roof to last and stop leaks, proper alignment and overlap are essential.

Step 4: Including Flashing and Trim

The roof’s seams, valleys, and edges are sealed with flashing and trim. These elements give the roof a glossy look and offer extra defense against water intrusion.

Step 5: Last Exam

The contractor will conduct a comprehensive check when the installation is finished to make sure everything is securely fastened and complies with safety regulations.

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5. Am I Making the Correct Decision?

Deciding between metal and shingles? It’s all about your cash flow, how wrecked your roof is, and if you’re in it for the long haul. Metal might be the way to roll if these boxes check out:

Saving Money

Throwing metal roofing over shingles is a legit way to save some serious cash—less work, no trash fees, and you still get a tough, long-lasting setup.

Time Saving

This technique enables a quicker installation process in circumstances where time is of the essence, such as while getting ready for severe weather.

Sustainability 

This option is environmentally favorable for homeowners that care about the environment because it allows them to reuse their existing roof and select recyclable materials.

To assess your unique circumstances, it is imperative that you speak with a qualified contractor. To decide if installing metal roofing over shingles is the greatest choice for your house, they can assist you in balancing the advantages and difficulties.

Conclusion

So, is it wise to install metal roofing instead of shingles? The answer is yes for a lot of homeowners. This approach is a sensible and environmentally responsible option because it provides notable cost savings, increased durability, and greater energy efficiency. But there are drawbacks as well, like possible moisture problems and the requirement for structural evaluations.

Teaming up with a solid roofing professional is the key to making sure your metal roof install is efficient. Laying a metal roof over your shingles is a solid, eco-savvy play for homeowners who want to amp up their curb appeal, cut down on energy bills, and rock a roof that’ll go the distance.

Should you require assistance with Roof Services, do not hesitate to contact our team of experts at  Toro Exteriors.

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