How or can you put metal roofing over shingles?

Sandy
by Sandy

wanted to save the expense of tearing off old but good roof to put up a more desirable metal roof is it possible to lay metal on top of shingled roof?

  10 answers
  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on May 05, 2019

    The big guy always says to do it right the first time, and he's absolutely right. You'll be happy you did in the long run. Best of luck.

  • William William on May 05, 2019

    To save cost to the customer of a tear off some roofers will metal over shingles. I personally would not. The chance of moisture getting under the metal and rotting the shingles and roof deck. Heat build up can deteriorate the shingles to dust. Some building codes will not allow it.

  • Deb K Deb K on May 05, 2019

    Hi Sandy, I read that metal a metal roof just needs a good solid foundation to lay on, so as long as the shingles are intact and there are no dips in the roofing I think you would be good to do this. That being said, read this and take a look at the link Metal roofs can be installed over your existing roof without tearing off shingles, provided local building codes allow it. ... If trapped between the metal roofing and old roofing, moisture can build up and cause mold and rot. But roofers can install a vented metal roof that eliminates this potential problem.


    https://www.thespruce.com/truths-about-metal-roofing-for-homes-1821959

  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on May 06, 2019

    Just saying ... My personal preference would be to do it right the first time to avoid any possibility of mold or mildew breeding under the metal roof. Any type of mold is a health risk. Best of luck.

  • Helena Helena on Mar 29, 2024

    Yes, you can install metal roofing over shingles, provided the roof structure can support the additional weight and local building codes allow it. It involves laying a barrier, like furring strips, for ventilation and to create a flat surface for the metal roof. Although if you are not entirely confident in your abilities, it is always better to have it done by a professional and hire a local contractor to ensure that the roof is done correctly. Last week I hired THA Roofing to repair a large area, and I realized that I could not have done it so quickly and well myself.

  • Janice Janice on Mar 29, 2024

    Check your local building codes thoroughly before you move ahead either way....and any local contractor should be able to tell you whether or not this idea would be according to code. Also, envision what may occur in the future....often something like this can cause a sale of property not to go through or if it does it may reduce the price. Most always, you're well ahead to do things correctly the first time.

  • There are several advantages to covering existing shingles with a metal roof as opposed to taking them off.

  • Deb K Deb K on Apr 08, 2024

    Hi Sandy, yes you can but, you must put in a completely new underlayment over the existing shingles before you carry out any installation. This will help prevent water leakage and provide a buffer between the metal roof and the existing shingles.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 09, 2024

    Yes, so long as you fix back to roof imbers and seal holes.

  • Dee Dee on Apr 09, 2024

    I personally would not re-roof with any kind of shingles. Do it right the first time so you have no future problems such as leaks.

    Metal roofing materials can be heavier than traditional asphalt shingles, and when combined with the weight of the existing shingles, it can put excessive stress on the roof's structure. This can compromise the integrity of the roof and potentially lead to structural issues over time.