Pros and Cons of Adding a Second Layer of Shingles

gray roof on home in the woods
A roof is one of the most vital components of a house. Replacing a roof can be very expensive, and exhausting at the same time. If you have done some serious research on roofing, then you have probably heard about adding a second layer of shingles on top of the old ones.

This second layer can be installed easily and affordably. However, there are some drawbacks to putting an extra layer of shingles on your roof.

In order to help you weigh the pros and cons of adding a second layer of shingles, we decided to present you with pertinent information that you might need.

Why You Should Consider Adding A Second Layer Of Shingles

second roof layer over shingles

The two most common reasons why you should add a second layer shingles to your roof is for convenience and affordability. Installing a new roof directly over the old one can save you a lot of time. This can help you to avoid expensive labor and messy tears that can occur from the old shingles.

It’s much cheaper to install a second layer. It can save you thousands of dollars, because you won’t have to waste time and money to tear off the old layer before installing the new one.

Reasons Why You Should Not Add A Second Layer Of Shingles

It Will Shorten The Lifespan Of Your Roof

The second layer of shingles will trap heat, which can result in the decomposition of both roof layers. This will force you to replace your roof earlier than expected. In fact, the extra layer can reduce your roof’s lifespan by up to 40%.

Another issue is that when you add in the second layer, it can add extra weight to your roof. When you factor in rain or snow, it will add even more weight. This can add stress and damage to your original roof and home structure.

With the extra weight, you can put your roofing system at risk of sagging between the rafters, which can trap moisture and result in serious damages.

It Doesn’t Look That Great

Shingles look really good when they are laid on top of a flat surface. When you layer new shingles on top of existing damaged shingles, you will notice some strange imperfections or bumps that can poke through your new roof.

Bad Inspection Report

inspecting 2 layers of shingles on roof

Home inspectors will often put a negative mark on the inspection report if they see a new layer of shingles. This can reduce the value of your home, and can be problematic if you are planning to sell your house.

If you need to place a new roof on your home before you put it up for sale, you might have to check with the home inspector or real estate agent. They could give you options that will not affect your inspection report.

Get Professional Advice

Layering shingles on top of old ones can provide a quick and convenient fix at a lower price. Unfortunately, it might not be a good solution in the long run.

Adding an extra layer of shingles can have some drawbacks, such as reducing the lifespan of your roof, a possible negative inspection report, and destroying the aesthetic feature of the roof.

Either way, before you consider adding that extra layer, it’s best to assess both the pros and cons thoroughly before making a definite decision.