Can You Install a Metal Roof Over Shingles? An Honest Answer

metal roof installation

When it’s time for a new roof, many homeowners look for ways to save a little money. This often leads to a very common question: Can you install a metal roof over shingles? The short answer is yes, it is possible.

But the real answer is a bit more complicated. While you can do it, we believe you probably shouldn’t. A professional approach is different because it’s safer and gives you a better, longer-lasting roof.

Why People Consider a Roof Layover

We understand why people think about this option. The pros of roofing over shingles seem good at first glance. They mostly come down to saving time and money.

Why People Consider a Roof Layover

The Risks: Why Experts Recommend a Full Tear-Off

These benefits sound nice, but it’s important to know the risks. As experts, we’ve seen the problems that covering up an old roof can cause. This is why a full roof tear-off, rather than a layover, is the standard for a quality job.

You Can’t Inspect the Roof Deck

This is the biggest reason to tear off the old shingles. The roof deck is the wood foundation under your shingles. If we don’t take the old shingles off, we can’t see the deck.

full roof tear-off vs a layover

This means we can’t check for serious problems like rot, soft spots, or water damage. A new metal roof installation needs a strong, solid base to rest on. Covering up a weak deck is a recipe for disaster. That’s why our professional Regina roofing services always start with a full inspection.

Performance and Moisture Issues

Old shingles are not perfectly flat. Putting a new metal roof over a bumpy surface can look bad and cause problems with the screws and fasteners.

Worse yet, moisture and condensation can get trapped between the old shingles and the new metal. This can lead to mould and rot, which can damage your roof structure. This trapped moisture can also affect your home’s ventilation system, including your soffit, fascia, and eavestrough.

Can You Install a Metal Roof Over Shingles

Added Weight and Ice Dams

Your house is built to hold a certain amount of weight. Adding a new roof on top of your old one adds a lot of extra stress to your home’s frame.

An improper layover can also create problems in the winter. It can change how heat moves through your roof, which can lead to bigger and more damaging ice dams on metal roofs.

Our Professional Advice on Your Roofing Project

So, can you install a metal roof over shingles? Here is our simple, professional advice:

Our Professional Advice on Your Roofing Project

We know that budget is a big part of the decision, which is why we offer financing options to help make a proper roof replacement affordable.

The Final Word: Do It Right, Once

In the end, the question isn’t just “can you install a metal roof over shingles?” The real question is, “Should you?” For a roof that will protect your home for decades, the answer is no. A full replacement gives you peace of mind and the best long-term value.

The team at Everflow is committed to providing solutions that last. We believe in doing the job right the first time, so you don’t have to worry.

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