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What You Should Know About Layering Shingles on Your Roof

There is no denying it: replacing your home’s roof is a major investment. But while it may seem cheaper upfront to overlay an asphalt shingle roof instead of opting for a complete tear off and replacement, doing so opens the door for a number of serious roofing Plymouth MA issues that could prove more costly in the long run.

First and foremost, if the roof is not taken down to the sheathing, it is far too easy to miss wood decking rot and water damage that can diminish the integrity of your roof. Furthermore, your ice and water-leak barrier must be affixed directly to the decking, making it impossible for roofers to install if you forgo a replacement in favor of layering new shingles atop the old. Without a barrier, you are inviting leaks that could cause repair costs that mount quickly.

Overlaying means that you essentially now have two roofs – with all of the maintenance and potential issues that accompany them. You have, for all intents and purpose, doubled the amount of work and money you may need to sink into roofing over time. The extra weight also places a great deal of stress on the decking, potentially shortening its lifespan. Also, consider the magnetic attraction of the sun’s rays to your asphalt shingles and multiply that by two. The extra heat generated by the sun can accelerate the deterioration of the shingles.

Doubling up can inflate the cost of future work. Most municipalities allow for a maximum of two layers of shingles. If damage accumulation becomes significant enough to require work, it is unlikely you will be permitted to add a third layer – and removing two layers of shingles is, of course, more expensive than removing one during a roof replacement.

When you hire a licensed contractor who is trained to get the job done while staying on budget, a roofing replacement does not have to break the bank. Plus, you will likely end up with a roof that is structurally sound, protected against leaks and will last many years – making it a worthwhile investment. If you’re for a Hanover roofing company click here.