Install Metal Roofing Over Asphalt Shingles Easily

Install Metal Roofing Over Asphalt Shingles

If you want to, you can install metal roofing over asphalt shingles. This makes adding a metal roof to your house or building easier, because you don’t have the hassle of removing the already existing roof. By following the correct tips and how-to guide, you can learn how to accomplish this job. Before you install metal roofing over asphalt shingles, read on to learn why it’s a good idea, and how you can do it.

Cautions When You Install Metal Roofing Over Asphalt Shingles

Metal roofing isn’t that heavy, as far as roofing goes, so adding it to your already existing roof shouldn’t pose any structural danger. However, many building codes state that there cannot be more than two layers to a roof, so keeping the asphalt shingles can be a problem. However, this is often waived with metal roofing, because it’s so light.

  • Another issue you should be aware of is the different things specific metal roofs are designed for.

  • Some metal roofs must be installed over solid decking, while others should be installed over spaced boards.

  • The ones that are for installation over solid decking can often go directly over the existing shingles.

  • Therefore, before you install metal roofing over asphalt shingles, you must check with the company or store you bought the roofing material from in order to determine what works with the specific product.

Also, you must consider the texture of your metal when deciding if you should install it over the asphalt shingles. If you’ve got a metal material with very little texture, then it may look uneven when you place it on the roof shingles.

Tips and Things to Consider

  • Usually, an underlayment is placed between the shingles and the metal layer. This helps protect both the shingles and the metal roofing.

  • In general, metal roofs are capable of having a ridge vent.

  • Ventilation that comes from eave soffit vents for intake, and a ridge vent as an exhaust are going to be the best.

  • Always follow the steps in the manufacturer’s installation guide for metal roofing.

  • In many ways, the condition of the asphalt shingles will determine if they should be removed or if the metal roofing can be placed directly over them. If the shingles are in good condition, you probably are fine to go ahead and put the new roofing over them. However, if they are in poor condition, it’s probably a good idea to remove them. If you end up removing them, that’s okay. You would just need to place down a roofing tarp to act as a temporary roof.

  • Bad things happen when things are not installed as they should be. In particular, if you don’t have that layer between the asphalt and the metal, mold may build up. You’ve got to allow for proper ventilation by installing that layer correctly.

Now that you know the basics, you should be more prepared to install metal roofing over asphalt shingles. Take pride in this knew knowledge, but also take caution when undertaking this task.