What Are the Pros and Cons of a Roof-Over?

You can choose between a complete tear-off or a roof-over when it comes to old asphalt shingles. When layering over the old roofing, the installer simply places the new shingles over the existing ones. One the other hand, with a total tear-off, your contractor removes the old shingles before installing your new roof.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Roof-Over

Benefits 

The main reason some prefer layering shingles is because it costs less. With a roof-over, you can save a little on cleanup, disposal costs and dumpster rentals. This job isn’t as messy compared to a complete tear-off. Since it’s not as labor-intensive, your roofer can finish the replacement faster.

Disadvantages

Your contractor won’t be able to detect damage and perform necessary roof repair without removing the old roofing. Behind the old shingles may be leaks, damaged flashing, rotted wood and organic growth. These problems can’t be fixed or prevented unless your roofer sees them.

Multiple layers of shingles can add weight and stress to the roof’s structure. This can be an issue if you live in a rainy area. Keep in mind that standard 30-square asphalt roofing utilizes 90 bundles of shingles, and a bundle of shingles weighs around 100 pounds. It means that you’re placing around 9,000 more pounds of load on your roof.

Further, having layers of shingles will make your roof warmer as the heat gets trapped between the layers. Excessive heat can make your shingles age faster.

You might want to reconsider getting a roof-over if you’re thinking of selling your home in the future. A home inspector will likely see layered shingles as a downside to your home because it could mean possible issues that the new owner will have to address.

Pressure Point Roofing, Inc. is here for all your residential and commercial roofing needs. We specialize in roof maintenance, repair and replacement. Call us at (541) 772-1945, or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation. We work with homeowners in Medford, OR.

Schedule a Consultation

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Operating Hours

8:00am - 5:00pm

Monday - Friday

Service or Repair Calls:
7 Days/Week

Related Content

2024-11_PPRoofing_Tree

What to Do if a Tree Falls on Your Roof

2024-10_PPRoofing_Budget

Budgeting for a Commercial Roof Replacement

Client Reviews

I just wanna give a shout out to one of your guys who jumped out of vehicle to help me push my van out from 62 onto coker Butte this morning awesome job and thank you so much..

Linda Marie Eppler

No hassles, no stress roofing contractor.

We've worked with a number of contractors over the years doing home improvement projects and I can say that, without question, working with Pressure Point was about as easy as it gets.

Everything about the project, from sales all the way to final inspection, went like clockwork and without a hitch.  They delivered more than they promised, on time and within budget.   We could not have been happier with their personnel, products and services.  Highly recommended!

Steven Belsky

I've changed my review from a 1 star to a 4 stars. Matt Stone got right on a pretty poor job done installing a skylight. He had his guys remove the skylight, move it, repair the roof and inside ceiling to its original state, paint it, repair some external trim that was damaged, and all within a few days after talking to him about the multiple problems. It was really an eyesore from the inside. I'd give a 5 star if this had been done well the first time. The skylight just didn't fit the space I first wanted it and was told it would. More communication about the potential problems might have allowed this to be done right the first time. But, Pressure Point Roofing gets 5 starts for making amends and correcting a pretty ugly problem, very fast! Thank you.

Linda Brown

I needed someone to come out to take a look at a leaky roof. I contacted Pressure Point Roofing, Inc. and they came out the same day. They gave me a quote to fix the problem and I agreed to their terms. It was about 4PM and I knew they closed at 5PM but they stayed and fixed the leak at no additional cost. I was very happy and impressed. Would recommend them to anyone. Thank you Pressure Point Roofing for earning our families trust. Will definitely be doing business with you again.

Dan LePari

Wouldn't be good if I didn't think the best of my own company right?!

Matt Stone

Excellent experience, prompt and professional estimate, showed up on schedule (actually a day early) and did a thorough and complete job. All personnel were professional,polite and great at their jobs. Would recommend to anyone.

Karen Teliantyler-Tyler

I am so happy I chose Pressure Point to replace my 40-year-old roof.  The crew was professional, efficient, and answered all my questions, addressed the few concerns I raised, and made me feel comfortable, trusting them with such a big project.  I couldn't be happier with their work and the look of my new roof.

Mary J Griswold

Partners and Awards