Whenever clients are looking to install a metal roof, the most common question that comes up is whether or not you can install a metal roof over shingles. There’s no right answer to this question, as we can place the shingles either way. To further answer this ongoing debate, we’ve provided some more context below

Too Much Weight?

One of the biggest concerns most people have with metal roof installation over shingles is the weight it adds to your roof. What most people don’t know is that metal roofs weigh much less than other roofing materials. Metal roofs range from 50-100lbs per one hundred square feet, while shingles range from 275-425lbs in comparison.

As a result of the wear and tear on your current shingles, installing a metal roof overtop will likely weigh less than the initial installation of your shingles. In short, the weight of your roof after installing a metal roof is a non-issue.

Why Choose Metal?

At first, metal roofing may seem like an odd choice, but it surprisingly stacks up well against traditional roofing materials. Metal roofing tends to outlast shingles as the sun’s heat does not do nearly as much damage as it does to conventional shingles. Aside from durability, the many other benefits of metal roofing include:

Waste reduction. Metal roofs last longer, which means you won’t have to feel guilty about dumping your old shingles away every few years.

It will save you money in the long run. Traditional shingles need replacement often, which means you’ll likely be spending more on repairs. With a metal roof, you get the job done right and enjoy little to no maintenance needed.
An added layer of protection. When installing a metal roof over shingles, you’ll always have that extra layer underneath to protect your home in the event of an unexpected storm.

Common Concerns with Metal Roof Installation over Shingles

Each home has various circumstances that are deciding factors in whether or not installing a metal roof over the current shingles is a good idea. Some metal roof over shingles problems arise if your current roof has existing issues. In this situation, we will investigate the concerns to determine if the shingles need removal or repair. Building codes are another concern that often comes up. The good news is that most building codes allow for two layers of roofing on a home. Therefore, installing a metal roof overtop your shingles should not be an issue.

How to Install a Metal Roof over Existing Shingles

The metal roof installation process is a lot easier than most would think. To begin, we first evaluate the condition of your current shingle roof. If there are any existing issues or leaks, we make sure to resolve them first and foremost. Once that is taken care of, we then begin to apply the metal roof over the current shingles.

Installing a metal roof overtop your current shingles does not harm your home and only provides benefits in the long run. It is an installation that is regularly done and highly recommended by steel roof installation experts.