Few sounds can calm a person down more than the gentle sound of rain on a roof. But your calm can quickly transform to panic when the gentle sound of raindrops on the roof outside your home turns into a nagging drip inside your home. You quickly realize you have a problem.
You need a new roof.
As you look at your replacement options, you’ll discover that you can install something other than just another asphalt roof.
Metal roofing is growing in popularity. But can you avoid an asphalt roof repair and fallout asphalt roof replacement by installing metal roofing directly over your old asphalt roofing?
By the time you finish this article, you will understand the conditions that allow you to have a metal roof installed directly over your asphalt roof shingles, thereby helping you avoid asphalt roof costs.
When You Can Install Metal Roofing Over an Asphalt Roof
To have metal roofing installed over your old asphalt roofing, you must have asphalt shingles that are in good condition. If you have worn shingles, you most likely have water damage under the shingles. The screws that attach the metal to old shingles will not attach the metal securely.
Also, you need to have strong trusses and overall structurally sound decking. So before you continue to consider a metal roof, have a roofing expert inspect your shingles, trusses, and decking. The expert in roofing will tell you if you’re making a wise choice.
If you have just minor wear and tear, then you can still have the roof repaired and the metal roofing installed directly over your old roof.
When to Avoid Installing Metal Roofing Over Shingles
You will ultimately save money if you avoid tearing off an old roof before you install your new metal one. But if you install a metal roof over an asphalt roof before following some basic steps, you will have trouble down the road.
Here are a few conditions that indicate you should not install metal roofing over asphalt shingles:
- Sagging roof
- Rotting wood
- Leaking roof
- Damaged shingles
- Deteriorating shingles
When you install a metal roof, you install one of the most durable roofs possible. But if you put a metal roof on a shaky foundation, you create a mess of problems. So make sure you have an adequate foundation for your new metal roof before you begin screwing it on.
Combination Roofs
If you want to replace just a part of your roof, you can always use a combination method of replacement. In this case, you can install metal roofing over a portion of your asphalt shingles.
For example, perhaps you have a peak over your garage that needs replacement. If so, then you can put metal roofing directly over those asphalt shingles. Many people have created a unique and beautiful aesthetic with a combination roof.
As you consider using a combination roof technique, think about these things.
Metal Roofing Lasts Longer than Asphalt Roofing
These two roofings have different lifespans. Metal roofing will last up to 50 years, whereas an asphalt shingle roof lasts around 15 to 30 years.
Many factors determine the life of your roof. If you invest in your roof by using quality materials and have a qualified roofing contractor do their job right, your roofs will last close to their lifespans if not beyond.
Metal Roofing Increases Costs
While metal roofing lasts longer than asphalt shingles, it also costs more. This means that if you opt to do a combination roof, your overall roofing costs will go up.
The metal panels cost more than asphalt shingles. The installation also requires more expertise and labor. So while the metal will make your roof look more interesting and also last longer, the end cost will be higher.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid metal roofing altogether. Instead, budget wisely and know what you can afford. Then look into the combination technique.
Warranties Will Differ
All quality roof materials will come with a manufacturer’s warranty. But metal and asphalt warranties differ.
Asphalt shingles typically have a 30-year warranty. Some shingle manufacturers will offer as high as a 50-year warranty, though, if you use all of their roofing components.
Metal roof panels typically come with a 30-year paint warranty which covers their protective coating. The paint will not automatically disappear, though, after 30 years. The warranty just covers if you have a defective paint job.
This also means that your asphalt shingle warranty won’t cover defective metal panels. Likewise, if the color on your asphalt shingles begins to fade, your metal roof warranty won’t cover the shingles.
Be aware of the warranties available and how they differ.
Metal Roofing Increases Curb Appeal
New roofs in general increase your curb appeal. When you use a combination roof for your home, you increase the appeal even more.
Generally speaking, experts claim that a standing seam metal roof adds more curb appeal than asphalt shingles alone. When you install a metal roof, you put accents over areas like arches, dormers, and the front porch.
Such accents will make your home’s best features stand out. You also end up with a longer-lasting, durable roof when you install a metal roof. And as long as you have a solid foundation under the old asphalt shingles, you save the pain, time, and money of having the old roof removed.
Metal Over Asphalt
You can install a metal roof directly over an asphalt roof if the asphalt roof is in good condition. You should have no major damage to the roof and solid trusses and decking. Then you can avoid the pain of having the old asphalt shingles removed and instead have the metal roof installed directly over the old roof.
You also have the option of having a combination roof installed. If you simply need a new roof on your garage or front porch, opting for a metal roof can add great curb appeal to your home. Ultimately, you end up with a new roof which makes your home look more appealing and keeps your home safe from the elements.
Do you need a new roof? If so, book an appointment with us today. Our experts are ready to inspect your roof and offer you their expert opinion.
