Can a Metal Roof Be Installed Over Shingles?

When roofing fails, moisture penetrates your home and causes damage. If your roof is in need of repair or replacement, take care of it promptly to save from costly moisture damage. When in the market for your new roofing material, understand that other shingles may have been the primary “go to” roof material in the industry, but a strong competitor is on the horizon: metal roofing.

The upside of metal roofing

Although asphalt has dominated the shingle market for years, homeowners are also turning to modern, durable, metal roofing for long term solutions. Removing and disposing of your current roofing material contributes significantly to the cost of your roof replacement. The upside to metal roofing is that it can actually be installed over your current roof as long as your building codes allow it. It will save you money to have your metal roof installed over your current roof, and make the installation cost more palatable. Metal roofing is a fabulous option for homes as long as they don’t have a flat roof pitch. Here are some of the aspects homeowners love about metal roofing that may just tip the scales for you, as metal roofing steadily increases in popularity.

1. Contemporary look

If you love a Farmhouse design, a gorgeous metal roof can complement it perfectly. And if you prefer a shingle style look to your roof, the great news is that metal roofing is now also available in shingle style, and it’s hard to tell the difference between it and the looks of asphalt shingle roofing.

2. Readily available

It used to be that metal roofing was only seen on high-end homes, but now it’s found on conventional homes. Thanks to its increasing availability and improved manufacturing process, metal roofing is on the rise when it comes to material choices for homeowners in need of a roof replacement. Metal roofing has been increasing in popularity by about 3% per year over the last few years. Roughly 15% of today’s roofing installations use metal roofing material. (Note: asphalt shingle roofing has decreased in popularity and now only makes up about 59% of roof installations.)

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3. Safe

A technical bulletin for the Metal Construction Association stated, “Metal roofing does not in any way increase the risk of a lightning strike. Because metal roofing is both an electrical conductor and a noncombustible material, the risks associated with its use and behavior during a lightning event make it the most desirable construction available.” Lighting seeks a path to the ground, so trees tend to attract it. Metal roofs are not connected to the ground, so there isn’t any more reason for lightning to strike a metal roof than an asphalt one.

4. Long-lasting

One of the best features of a metal roof is its durability. The decades you get out of this roofing material can make your initial investment prove to be a wise one. While asphalt roofing lasts 15-30 years, metal roofing can last 50-70 years. That’s a durable roof! Think of the time and money you will save by choosing such a resilient roofing material. You won’t have to replace it for 5-7 decades.

5. Warranty coverage

Metal roofing usually carries a 30-year warranty, giving you peace of mind about your investment.

6. Not noisy

Metal roofing is installed over a solid substrate, and when it is installed properly, it’s not any noisier than asphalt roofing. Your attic and insulation dampen the sound from rain or storms just like they do for asphalt roofing.

7. Insect resistant

The trouble with insects is that they love to infest some siding and roofing materials—like wood. The good news is that metal roofing offers nothing appetizing to an insect. They can’t eat it, and they don’t build nests on metal. So you can avoid the hassles of pest infestation, and enjoy a gorgeous metal roof.

8. Non-combustible

Metal roofing won’t fuel a fire, so you can rest at ease that your family is well protected.

9. Moisture resistant

Water flows down your metal roof with ease. It won’t get absorbed into your home. You can avoid the hassles of wood rot, mold and mildew by investing in a metal roof for your home.

10. Energy saving

Metal roofing can decrease your air conditioning costs by up to 25%, saving you on utilities every year.

11. Versatile

You don’t have to have a steep roof to install metal roofing. In fact, standing seam metal roofing works well on low pitched roofs. Standing seam is installed with big sheets with raised seams that seal to keep water out.

12. Recycled

While asphalt roofing ends up in a landfill and needs to be replaced every 15-30 years, metal roofing is recyclable and lasts 50-70 years!

Metal roofing can be installed with or without your current roof removal. If building codes permit it, you can have metal roofing installed over your existing roof shingles. Make sure you hire skilled metal roofing contractors to do the work so you don’t get moisture buildup between your metal roof and your old roof. If moisture penetrates, wood rot, mold and mildew could result. Avoid these problems by having your roofer install your metal roof over a furring strip (which will raise the metal and give you a ventilated air pocket between roofing layers).

Understand the importance of homeowners insurance to cover your roofing material in case of severe storms. If your area of the country gets golf ball sized hail, realize that it can damage both metal roofing and asphalt roofing materials. The good news is that your homeowners insurance should cover any damage.

At American Way Exteriors, a veteran-owned roofing company, we offer exceptional workmanship, premium materials, and fair pricing. When you’re considering a roof replacement, our friendly team will make sure you are getting the most durable roof for your home. Get a quote today!