Metal roofing is a great option for a roofing replacement material because, despite the slightly higher upfront cost, it can outlast any other roofing material and may even be the last roof replacement your home needs. A metal roof also does wonders to improve your curb appeal, with a wide variety of colours, designs, and styles your metal roof will stand out as a great choice for improving the exterior appearance of your home. Before we get into whether or not metal roofing can be installed over existing roofs, here are some answers to other questions you may have about metal roofing.

What are the benefits of metal roofing?

Already, we have established two main benefits of metal roofing systems, long-lasting and enhanced aesthetics. But there is more, the material used to make metal roofing is often from  recycled metals and is recyclable once the roofing has exceeded its usefulness. Metal roofing is also lightning and fire resistant. So not only is metal roofing long lasting and stylish, but it is environmentally friendly and has additional safety properties.

When compared to the upfront costs of a metal roof, shingles might be a less expensive roof replacement option, however, when you consider that the average lifespan of a metal roofing system is 2+ time longer than a shingled roof and take into consideration maintenance, and time spent on future replacements, most homeowners will agree that a metal roofing system has the higher value.

We have already highlighted why replacing your current roofing with a metal roof system is a great decision and investment in your home, but is it worth having your old roof removed and paying the additional cost of labour and disposal or can we just have our new metal roof installed on top of the existing shingles?

Metal roofing can actually be installed over existing roofs. If you are trying to decide if you should get metal roofing, but you want to avoid the costs of removing your existing roofs, you have your roof installed on top of your old roof.  Metal roofing can be installed over any type of roof, including other older metal roofs. The cost of removing an existing roof and disposing of the materials can be discouraging when you want to get a new roof, but with metal roofing you don’t have to worry about that.

How is a metal roofing installed over existing roofs?

Unlike replacing your old roofing with shingles, where the old material needs to be stripped off your wooden decking before you can install new shingles, installing metal roofing over existing roofs is more straightforward. Each contractor may have a different method of overlaying the metal roofing and you want to be sure that you get the best standard of service for your roof.

Typically, a professional roofer or roofing company will do a proper inspection of your existing roof and draw up a plan for maintenance of some parts before installing the metal roofing over it. The actual process of installation depends on your contractor, but you have to make sure that the outcome is exactly what you ordered. In some cases, however, it is not advisable to install your new metal roof over your old material. If there is concern that the wooden decking may be damaged, you are not able to inspect it without removing the old material. In cases where the weight of the roof is a concern, it is also advisable to remove the old material to alleviate any unneeded weight.

Before you make your final decision on if you want to have your new metal roof installed on top of your old roofing material, be sure to consult a metal roofing professional to get their expert opinion. Green Metal Roofing and Manufacturing Inc. has nearly four decades of metal roofing manufacturing and installation experience. Give us a call for all of your metal roofing needs, 1-855-533-2212.

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