There are a lot of great reasons to install metal roofing over your home’s shingles — to make the switch even easier for you, we’ve put together this guide to provide you with all the information you need.
What to Do Before Installing a Metal Roof Over Shingles
Once you’ve decided to install a metal roof over your home’s shingles, there are a couple important steps you need to take straightaway.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable local building codes.
First, you will need to familiarize yourself with your local building codes to ensure that the metal roof installation you’re planning doesn’t interfere with any regulations. Different areas may have different laws about when you can and can’t install a metal roof over a shingle roof. Most of the time, you should have no issues installing metal roofing over shingles. However, there are some cases in which you may not be permitted to do so, such as when there are already more than two layers of roofing materials in place and weight is a concern.
Ensure your shingle roof is in good enough condition to support a metal roof.
Next, you’ll need to verify that your shingle roof is in acceptable condition to have a metal roof installed on top of it. There are a few different ways to install metal roofing on top of shingles, but every method involves screwing or nailing materials directly into the old roof. If the wood you’re trying to nail or screw into is rotted, damaged, or otherwise compromised, it creates an obvious safety hazard. Your metal roof needs a sturdy shingle roof in good condition to support it. Luckily, metal roofs are lightweight, so you should be fine as long as your shingle roof isn’t showing signs of significant damage.
How to Install Metal Roofing Over Shingles
Method 1:Method 2: Install Battens
The second method of installing metal roofing over shingles entails attaching battens to the existing shingle roof and installing the metal panels onto the battens. Battens are strips of material usually made from wood, metal, or plastic that sit underneath the layer of metal panels and elevate it over the layer of shingles.
Using battens can be helpful because it provides an even surface on top of which to install the metal roofing panels, rather than running the new panels directly over the uneven surface of the shingles. Additionally, battens create an air gap between the bottom layer of shingles and the top layer of metal panels. This air gap is extremely beneficial because it traps heat and acts as
The Benefits of Installing a Metal Roof Over Shingles
There are plenty of advantages to upgrading your home’s roof by installing metal over shingles. Here are just a few of the most substantial benefits:
Removing shingles is a messy process. By installing a metal roof directly over your home’s old shingles, you can avoid the hassle of tearing off and replacing your whole roof.
Shingles require frequent maintenance. Metal roofing is often more expensive up front, leading many people to mistakenly believe it’s less cost-effective. However, a metal roof can last for over 50 years with very little need for maintenance, making it the cheaper option in the long run.
Metal roofing is more durable than shingles — not only does this mean your roof will require less maintenance, but it will also be more effective at protecting your home from the elements. Many kinds of metal roofs are even fire resistant.
A metal roof can make your home more energy-efficient, reducing your heating expenses in the winter and your cooling expenses in the summer.
Metal roofing gives you more control over your home’s aesthetics since you can choose between multiple styles and colors. If you ever choose to sell your home, a metal roof can lend curb appeal and even increase your home’s value.
Conclusion
Homeowners thinking of replacing their shingle roof with a metal roof have quite a few good reasons to make the switch. Not only are metal roofs more cost-effective over a long period of time than shingle roofs, but they’re also far more durable and weather resistant. A metal roof will also help save you money on heating bills by improving your home’s energy efficiency. Metal roofing can also add an aesthetic quality to your home that many people find attractive.
If the only thing stopping you from installing a metal roof on your home is the hassle of removing your shingles, you’re in luck. Installing metal roofing directly over your shingles is a completely viable option in most areas.
Once you’ve decided to install metal roofing over your home’s shingles, you’ll need to enlist the help of a trustworthy metal roofing service. Tri County Metals can offer a wide range of metal roofing styles to choose between, and our friendly metal roofing experts can leverage their years of experience to help guide you through every step of the process. Get in touch with a reliable roofing professional today at Tri County Metals!