Can a Metal Roof be Installed Over Shingles?
If your roof is made of shingles and it’s in need of replacement, you aren’t alone. The vast majority of Americans live under a shingle roof, which can require replacement as frequently as every 12 years. Metal roofing is a more durable and affordable alternative, but can it be installed over shingles?
Benefits of a Metal Roof
- Metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years when properly maintained
- Metal roofs are incredibly energy efficient, helping you save money on HVAC bills
If you’re frustrated by your shingle roof’s need for consistent maintenance and replacement every 12 to 20 years, metal roofing offers an economical alternative. A well-maintained metal roof lasts 40 to 70 years. This is because the steel that most metal roofs are made of is incredibly durable — especially when compared to the asphalt that typically comprises shingle roofing.
In addition to their longevity, metal roofs offer incredible savings on your heating and cooling bills. Steel reflects the UV and infrared light rays that radiate from the sun, and in doing so, reduces cooling costs by 10 to 25%. Similarly, a metal roof allows less heat to escape in the wintertime, so you can run the heater less frequently.
Things To Consider When Installing a Metal Roof
- Since they are more expensive, consider the long-term investment of a metal roof
- Because they are metal, consider the possibility of the roof becoming dented
A shingle roof, on average, costs $8,500 to $12,000. This is in comparison to a metal roof, which can cost anywhere from $9,500 to over $40,000. The price differential makes it an obvious investment in the long-term appreciation and overall value of your home. If the price tag makes you hesitate, consider how much you’ll save on roof repairs and replacement in the years to come.
Though a metal roof is a sound investment, it is also uniquely susceptible to dents and other damage that a shingle roof does not deal with. Hail and other debris can easily cause dents that compromise the aesthetic appeal, but this can be avoided with extra layers of insulation and sheathing placed under the roof’s surface. Extra insulation also minimizes the additional noisiness that can accompany a metal roof.
Why Metal Roofs Are Better
- Metal roofs are drastically safer because they do not pose a fire hazard from sparking
- Metal roofs are one of the most environmentally friendly investments you can make
When you think about the inconveniences of an asphalt roof, you probably think about the cost of continuous repairs and eventual replacement, but you should also take its safety hazard into consideration, too. Metal roofs won’t spark the way that asphalt shingles do, which means they drastically reduce the risk of fire that can result from a lightning strike or wildfire.
Metal roofs are also better because they are far more environmentally friendly. A metal roof is made of up to 40% recycled material, and the roof itself is 100% recyclable. Metal roofs also impose a substantially smaller carbon footprint. These features, coupled with their aforementioned energy efficiency, make a metal roof the most eco-friendly roofing option on the market.
Installing Metal Roofing Over Shingles
If all of these benefits have you sold on the idea of a metal roof, and you’re wondering if you can install it over existing shingles, the answer is yes. This saves you the time and money that would be involved in removing your shingles, and it also offers a quick solution if your roof is in need of repair or replacement. Check with your local zoning and codes departments to ensure a metal roof is in compliance, and then work with Summit Commercial Roofing to enjoy all the benefits of metal roofing without removing the shingles underneath!
