Ask Roofstar: Can You Reroof Over An Existing Roof?

3 months ago

If your roof needs replacement, you may be thinking about different ways to fix the problem and save some money in the process. Sometimes, you can reroof over an existing roof. It just depends on your situation.

Keep reading to learn more as Roofstar answers the question: Can you reroof over an existing roof?

The Question: Can You Reroof Over An Existing Shingle Roof?

Many homeowners find themselves asking this question when they notice problems with their roof. For shingle roofs, when shingles are broken, falling, missing, or damaged,you still may be able to overlay the existing shingles with new shingles and save the cost and mess of tearing off the old roof.

Reroofing a tile roof involves replacing the old underlayment and flashings. Some roofers will lay new underlayment over the old, but generally this is a bad idea on tile roof. We always recommend replacing the underlayment.

Can You Reroof Over An Existing Flat Roof?

If your roof is flat and has some type of asphalt roll roofing, you may be able to do an overlay if the existing old roof is clean, dry and tight. Often asphalt rolled roofs are overlayed with sprayed polyurethane foam roofing.

Depending on your roof’s current condition, an overlay may not be the right answer. That’s why it’s important to have an honest assessment and all the information before deciding.

What Roofstar Says

Can You Reroof Over An Existing Roof?

A reroof involves replacing your existing roof covering. For most homeowners in Arizona, that means doing work on either shingles, tiles or flat roofs. Roofers will focus on repairing the outermost layer of your roof rather than the entire covering plus any supportive structures underneath.

You can re-roof over pieces of your existing roof if it only has one layer of shingles. However, roofs that need significant work may benefit more from a total roof replacement.

Can You Put One Layer of Shingles Over Another?

If your roof only has one layer of shingles, placing an “overlay” over the old worn shingles on your roof may be an option. Overlays, part of the re-roofing process, allow you to fix patches of your roof without having to replace the entire thing.

How Many Layers of Shingles Are Allowed on a Roof?

Arizona’s building codes allow residential homes to have no more than two layers of shingles on a roof. If your roof has two layers of shingles and is in need of repairs, you’ll most likely need to do a full replacement.

What Is the Longest Lasting Roof?

The longest-lasting roofing materials are concrete, slate, or clay tiles, all of which can last up to or over 100 years if properly installed and maintained.

Start Smart: Get the Truth About Your Roof

Deciding between replacing your roof and getting a re-roof can be difficult for many homeowners. Both options have different pros and cons. But depending on your roof’s age and condition, one option may be the better decision for you. Before you do anything, it’s best to have an expert perform an inspection on your roof to gain a full understanding of what it needs.

At Roofstar Arizona, our professional roofers can perform a complete roof inspection and give you a better idea of whether you have to replace your entire roof or if you can get away with a re-roof. Whatever the problem is, you can be sure that our roofers will only give you the truth about your roof.

Call us today at (480) 426-1915 to get a free estimate on your roof repair.

Love that they didn’t try and sell you a roof and repaired. Thanks for helping us get by to save up for complete repair. Work was done timely. I loved they had women roofers!

Candace B.

Roofstar provided professional inspection and detail quotes on the repairs needed to be done for our properties. We collected a few quotes from different roofing companies for comparison. Roofstar repair cost was very competitive and reasonable. We ultimately chose to go with Roofstar because we felt confident that they would take care of the problems. They came back to correct the minor issue that we had and finished the job to our satisfaction without further questions. We would highly recommend Roofstar to our families and friends.

Andrea S.

Jeff Knudson and Roofstar Arizona, Inc. came recommended to us. Much time was spent with physical, hands on inspection of our roof and specific “problem areas”. Each issue was thoroughly explained and reasonable solution provided. Repair was scheduled within 24 hours of accepting offer. Repair agents arrived on time and introduced themselves and explained what they were going to do. At the end of day one, the supervisor stopped to check on progress and see if an early start the next morning was alright with us. Each day grounds were cleaned leaving no sign anyone was here. On final day the laborers let us know they were finished. Within an hour Jeff arrived and made many trips up the ladder to inspect and made a short list of things they needed to finish the next morning. Job done! EXTREMELY pleased with Roofstar’s service and recommend.

Clayton T.

Sun Lakes, AZ

Thank you Jeff. Your team (Juan Diaz and crew) did an outstanding job and we really appreciated the daily clean up. Awesome.

Sheryl S.

Fountain Hills, AZ

Thanks, Jeff. We appreciate your prompt, professional and courteous service. Your team (Pedro Diaz and crew) was great.

Mike

Tempe, AZ

Very impressed with Jeff’s response to my concern over a rain caused leak in our ceiling.

Jeff arrived promptly in the a.m. for an evaluation, congenial, confident – integrity fully present. The same characteristics I respected, wanted and needed and had happily experienced the moment I met him. After observing the
rather slight damage to the ceiling we went to the roof where he promptly flattened himself atop the shingles and like a practiced detective began to assess shingles and flashing, etc, in order to create a likely scenario that might have generated a leak. His minute attention to detail was impressive.

Having isolated the potential problem he proceeded to caulk here and there. He also took the time to address other concerns that I had regarding roofing issues going forward.

All in all Jeff delivered the kind of prompt, competent service all homeowners seek, are entitled to, and hope for in a tradesman.

Thank you, Jeff for living the kind of values that make owning a home worth the while.

Bob H.

Phoenix, AZ

Excellent service! They install some bird barriers that other companies do not. They explained everything in easy to understand terms. Very friendly and very knowledgeable. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a quality and reputable company.

J R.

Will refer your team and you…..you all fully understand and work for Total Customer Satisfaction…..hope sign generates a new client or two. Take care.

Jack B.

Fountain Hills, AZ

We had work done last week, they were thorough, reasonably priced, on time, cleaned up after themselves, and provide before and after photos. They also have an inspector check the work after, they do not try to sell you things you do not need. I appreciate their honesty.

Melody H.

I have had several neighbors ask about your company and have given favorable recommendations to this point. Your team was very professional and I think to this point did a great job! I am in sales as well and just to let you know Mike was very professional in his meeting with me and his presentation and follow up made the difference between other companies.

Steve Y.

Scottsdale, AZ

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