Can You Put New Shingles Over Old Ones? What Phoenix Homeowners Should Know

If you know it’s time for a new shingle roof or even a tile roof on your home, you may have heard that you can just put a new layer of shingles over the existing one.

But is this true? In short, the answer is yes, but doing so may not always be a good idea.

In this article we’ll explain:

• When roofing over your existing shingles can be a good idea
• When you should tear off your roof and start from scratch, instead.

Why Installing New Shingles Over Old Shingles Can Be Good

Let’s start with the good.

Many Arizona homeowners with shingle roofs do

decide to roof over their existing shingles because:

• Less expensive. You can save money because there’s no dump fee for removing your old roofing, and there’s no need for additional felt paper over the old roof. 
• Less hassle. Installing a new roof over shingles takes less time than tearing off the old roof.
• Looks just as good and lasts as long. As long as it’s done right and under the right conditions, installing new shingles over old ones can last as long and look just as good as a complete re-roof.
• Has the same manufacturer’s warranty. Manufacturers will still warranty the roof for the same amount of time as a re-roof, as long as it’s done by a qualified installer.
• Can serve as added protection from storms. Assuming your old roof is in good shape, the additional layer can serve as added protection in case a top shingle gets blown off in a storm.

As you can see, there are many benefits to installing a new roof over your existing one, and we do many of these for Arizona homeowners.

But there are also times when it’s not the right thing to do.

When Tearing off the Old Roof Is a Better Option

Even with all the benefits of installing new shingles over old ones, there are times when it’s better (or even required) to tear off the old roof and start fresh.

Here are some reasons to do that.

• There are already two layers of shingles on your roof – Most building codes only allow two layers of any type of roofing on your home. So if there are already two layers, the choice is made for you. You need to tear off the roof and install a new one.
• Current shingles are curling or in bad shape – The new shingle roof should lay flat on your old one. But if the current roof is curling, this isn’t possible. You’re better off removing the old roof.
• Your roof leaks when it rains – If your roof is leaking, it’s usually better to get rid of the old roof so you can find the source of the problems and fix them. Putting a new roof over a leaking roof won’t remove the leaks.
• Your roof is soft and spongy feeling – If, when walking on your roof, the majority of it feels soft and spongy, you may have some problems with the underlying sheathing of the roof. To fix it, you’ll need to remove the existing roof.
• Your roof can’t support the weight – Shingles might not seem like they weigh much, but the shingles needed to cover a typical 2000 square foot roof can weigh in around 5000 pounds. That’s more weight than a typical SUV. So make sure the underlying structure of your roof can support another layer before installing over your existing roof.

Get a Free Professional Opinion

You don’t have to guess whether you should tear off your old roof or install new shingles over it.

We offer free inspections to help you make the right decision.

We’ll check the condition of your current roof and walk you through the best options for your home — no pressure, just honest answers.

We proudly serve homeowners throughout the Greater Phoenix area.

Looking for Expert Roof Installation or Replacement in Phoenix?
Trust Hardacker Roofing for professional roof installations and replacements. Whether you’re considering roofing over your existing shingles or tearing off the old roof, our experienced team provides reliable, cost-effective solutions tailored to your home’s needs.
Call (602) 358-8458 or request a free roof inspection online today!