How Many Layers Of Roof Shingles Do I Need?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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

.

Is 2 layers of shingles OK?

As mentioned above,

homeowners are legally limited to two layer of roof shingles

. Therefore, if you already have two layers, you’ll need a full tear-off. Additionally, if your roof is severely damaged, it likely won’t be able to support the weight of a reroof and will need to be torn off.

How many layers of shingles should be 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 (2,000-square-foot) reroof will cost at least $1,000 less than a tear-off job.

How do you know how many layers of shingles you need?

The way to be sure you are looking at a double layer of shingles is to get up on a ladder (if you are comfortable doing that) and examine the shingles at the edge. A normal roof has a “starter” row of shingles and then a single layer above it, for a total of

two layers of shingles

.

Can you go over one layer of shingles?

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 (sometimes called a “re-roof”) is possible only with asphalt shingles (also called “composition shingles”).

Is it better to remove old shingles?

While a repair job can often be more convenient and somewhat more cost-efficient, placing new shingles over old ones is never a good idea. Whether repairing one section of roof, or a replacing a whole one,

it’s always best to pull up the old shingles before putting down the new ones

.

Can a 2 layer roof be repaired?

If you already have two layers shingles, the decision is made for you. The International Residential Code says that

you cannot put a new roof over two or more applications of any type of roof covering

. Part of the reason has to do with weight and its effect on the structure of your home.

What should you put under shingles?

Answer:

Roofing felt

is a layer of tar paper installed beneath the shingles to provide a backup waterproof membrane in case of leakage.

How much does it cost to reshingle a roof?

The average cost to reshingle a roof is

between $4,000 and $10,000

depending on the materials used for reshingling your home. Asphalt and metal reshingling is the most common, while more expensive options are clay and solar.

How many times can you reroof your house?

In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used:

Composition Shingles: 12-20 years

.

Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years

.

Wood Shingles: 20-25 years

.

Can you have 3 layers of shingles?


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. … High quality asphalt shingles are the best roofs to install multiple layers on.

What layers go on a roof?

  • Insulation. …
  • Ventilation. …
  • Roof Deck. …
  • Underlayment. …
  • Ice and Water Shield. …
  • Ridge Vents. …
  • Roofing Material. …
  • Flashing.

Is Reroofing a good idea?

When Reroofing Can Be a Good Idea

Reroofing can sometimes be a good choice for homeowners who have a roof that

is nearing the end of its lifespan

, but that is in overall good shape. There may be some minor issues or leaks, but no major water damage, soggy or missing shingles, or large amounts of moss or mildew growth.

Can you lay new roof felt on old?

If re:felting over existing felt then the total area in question should

be primed first to allow the new felt to adhere to the old

as this is the only way to be sure the two felts bond together.

Does flashing go over or under shingles?


Flashing should overlap the roof-covering material

, but on asphalt shingle roofs, for aesthetic reasons, the part of the headwall flashing that extends down over asphalt shingles is often covered with a course of shingle tabs.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.