Roof Shingles: Cover or Replace?

Find out when you should replace your roof shingles and why covering your existing roof with new shingles can soemtimes be more cost-effective for your home.

LESLIE: Alright, it’s time to chat roofing with George in Texas. What’s going on?

GEORGE: Yes, I had a question about roofing. The original roof is about 23 years old now and I want to know the ins and outs of – the plus and minuses of having another layer of shingles laid over the first ones or having the original roof torn off with new shingles put on, which costs about $1,000 more.

TOM: Let me ask you a question, George: how long do you expect to stay in this house?

GEORGE: At least another 20 years minimal.

TOM: OK. Alright. Because that’s important and it’s a good question; should you remove the old shingles or should you roof over them. And the reason I asked you how long you’re going to stay in that house is because if you remove the shingles, the new roof will last longer. If you put a second layer on, it won’t last as long and the reason it won’t last as long is because the original roof holds heat, which accelerates the deterioration of the new roof. Follow me?

GEORGE: Yes, yes.

TOM: So it really becomes a question as to whether or not you’re going to be the one that gets the maximum amount of life expectancy out of that roof and if we’re talking 20 years or so, then it probably is worth taking the old ones off.

GEORGE: OK, thank you very much.

TOM: You’re welcome. Good luck with that project.