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How Many Layers of Roofing is OK? - Old World Roofing

How Many Layers of Roofing is OK?

“I’m not sure if I need to have my roof stripped. How many layers of roofing is OK?”

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • How many layers of roofing is OK? You can have up to 2 layers of roofing on your home’s roof at one time.
  • If you have one layer of roofing on your home, you can add one more layer without breaking any rules.
  • If you already have two layers on your roof, then a full tear-off would be the next step.
  • Two layers of roofing is allowed, but it may not be the best idea. Before adding a second layer to your roof, consider the following:
    1. The structural integrity of your roof
    2. The cost
    3. The aesthetics of your home
    4. The long-term maintenance needs of your roof
    5. Consult with a roofing professional

How many layers of roofing is OK? Is there a limit?

How Many Layers Of Roofing Is Ok? - Old World Roofing
How Many Layers Of Roofing Is Ok? – Old World Roofing

If you’re thinking about installing a new roof, or even just replacing your old one, you might be wondering how many layers of roofing is OK. In this article, we’ll answer that question and give you some tips on what to consider when deciding how many layers of roofing to put on your home.

Here’s the short answer:

The short answer is that most building codes allow for up to 2 layers of roofing on a home. This means that if you already have one layer of roofing on your home, you can add one more layer before you’ll need to remove the old layers and start fresh.

But just because you can add another layer of roofing, doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. There are some important factors to consider before deciding how many layers of roofing is OK for your home.

1). The structural integrity of your roof.

One of the most important things to consider when deciding how many layers of roofing to put on your home is the structural integrity of your roof. Each layer of roofing adds weight to your roof, and if you add too many layers, it could put too much stress on your home’s structure.

Before adding any layers of roofing, it’s a good idea to have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof to make sure it can handle the extra weight. They’ll also be able to tell you whether or not your roof is in good enough condition to support an additional layer of roofing. 

 

2).The cost of adding another layer.

Adding another layer of roofing is generally cheaper than tearing off the old layers and starting fresh, but it’s important to consider the long-term cost savings. If you add another layer of roofing, you’ll need to replace the entire roof when it eventually wears out. But if you tear off the old layers and start fresh, you’ll have a new roof that could last much longer.

 

3). The aesthetics you’re going for.

Another thing to consider when deciding how many layers of roofing to put on your home is aesthetics. Adding multiple layers of roofing can make your roof look bulky and unattractive. If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, a bulky-looking roof could turn potential buyers away.

It’s also important to consider the type of roofing material you’re using. Some materials, like asphalt shingles, are more prone to buckling and warping if they’re installed over multiple layers of roofing. Other materials, like metal roofing, can be installed over multiple layers with no problem.

 

4). The long-term maintenance.

Finally, it’s important to consider long-term maintenance when deciding how many layers of roofing to put on your home. If you add another layer of roofing, it could make it more difficult to inspect and maintain your roof in the future. You’ll also need to take into account the extra weight when replacing any damaged or worn-out shingles.

 

5). Consult with a roofing professional.

Before you decide how many layers of roofing is OK, you should always consult a certified roofing professional. They’ll be able to tell you exactly how many layers of roofing is OK for your roof.

That’s where we can help! We’re a team of roofers based in Colorado Springs. We offer free consultations and estimates. Claim yours today, and we’ll help you determine if it’s time for a new layer of roofing or a total roof tear-down!

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