As winter approaches, every homeowner needs to know how to install a metal roof over shingles. People living in regions with extremely cold weather have reported asphalt shingles damages when unwanted snow piles up on their rooftops.
Asphalt shingles that have been installed on a roof for a long time tend to be more problematic in winter than in summer. To avoid this, most people resort to installing metal roofs over shingles. Why and how do they do that?
Why Asphalt Shingles are not ideal for Winter
Asphalt shingles have a 20-year lifespan, while some can even last for up to 30 years when well maintained. When subjected to severe weather conditions like strong winds and winter snow, the shingles deteriorate. Their lifespan may even reduce to 10 years.
If asphalt shingles are the sole roofing material on your house, your roof will most likely get damaged when winter approaches. The shingles curl and look unattractive, or they weaken and start flying off the roof. You can end up with many issues that can be costly.
Here are the other reasons asphalt shingles are not the best for your roof in winter.
- Asphalt shingles can become brittle over time, making it easy for snow to remain trapped in the nooks and crannies.
- If a roofer places nails too high on the shingles during installation, the asphalt shingles might not withstand strong winds and eventually fall off the roof.
- During winter, the freezing water can lift asphalt shingles, creating more gaps in the roof and allowing the melting ice to leak through the roof.
How to Install a Metal Roof over Existing Shingles
Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofs can withstand extremely cold conditions. You can easily install the metal roofing sheets in winter without compromising their quality. They cannot easily crack, bend, or break when subjected to ice, snow, or harsh temperatures.
If your house has asphalt shingles, you don’t have to remove them to install a metal roof. The good news is, you can install a metal roof over existing shingles. Metal roofing is very lightweight, making it a perfect roofing material to install over roof shingles.
Factors to Consider to Install a Metal Roof over Shingles
Before installing a metal roof over existing shingles, you need to consider factors such as the local building codes, conditions of the existing shingles, and current roof weight.
Local Building Codes
Before you hire a reputable roofing contractor to install a metal roof over the shingled roof, visit your local building department to check if it approves the installation.
Some municipal building codes don’t allow more than two layers of roofing materials on single residential homes. That’s because most house trusses were designed to hold a particular weight on the roof. The trusses can fall when you add extra roofing material.
Some municipalities will require you to tear off the existing roofing materials to install a new one. A plausible explanation is that it helps the municipal department confirm that the plywood and roof underlayment is in good shape and can hold another roof.
Note that many local building departments will allow you to install a metal roof over existing shingles. That is true for homeowners living in extremely cold areas.
Condition of the Existing Roof
Before allowing you to install a metal roof over shingles, your building department must first confirm if the plywood on the existing roof is in good condition. Any soft spot on the plywood must not have any soft spot. Otherwise, it may compromise the roof’s quality.
The municipal building department does that to ensure your safety and not to make your life harder. Remember, roofers usually install metal roofs with screws that need to hold on to something. If the plywood is soft, it won’t hold the metal roofing material firmly.
Weight of the Existing Roof
Metal roofing material is lightweight and easy to install, especially when re-roofing a shingled roof. Its weight per square foot is less than one pound. Installing a metal roof on top of existing asphalt shingles won’t add much weight and stress to your house.
If the existing shingles weigh more than your home can adequately support, you have to reconsider the decision. Adding the extra weight of metal on the roof will worsen the problem. Check for warning signs like sagging roof decking or buckling trusses.
Benefits of Installing a Metal Roofing over Shingles during Winter
Installing metal roofs during winter comes with numerous benefits, making it the number one priority for many homeowners. Here are the benefits of metal roof installations.
Eligible for a Metal Roof Warranty
When you install a metal roofing material, you become eligible for a warranty of up to 50 years. If well maintained, metal and steel roofs can remain in good shape for almost 100 years, making it a long-term investment. You’ll enjoy many trouble-free winter seasons.
Retains its Condition for Many Years
Unlike asphalt shingles that grow brittle over time, metal roofing materials will remain smooth and even for a very long time. This feature also encourages snow and water to slide off the roof. Consequently, it reduces the chance of roof leaks.
Improves Insulation and Heat Retention
The most important feature of metal roofs is that they are excellent insulators. Since they allow snow and water to slide off the roof quickly, they provide better insulation and heat preservation. As a result, it helps you save money on heating costs.
How to Maximize the Performance of Metal Roofing in Winter
Although metal roofing is ideal for insulation, you can improve its performance even further. The tips below can help you boost your metal roofing performance in extremely cold regions.
- Install snow guards to contain the snow sliding off the roof
- Install roof heating cables to prevent snow from accumulating on the roof
- Install heat tapes to stop snow from accumulating on the roof
Final Words
Installing a metal roof over shingles helps to boost the insulation and lifespan of a roof. If you want to invest in a new roof in preparation for winter, don’t struggle to remove the existing shingles.
Contact Roof Master for affordable metal roofing solutions!
