Business owners and residents want nothing more than for their property and inhabitants to be safe at all times. The best way to ensure this is with optimal roofing that keeps controlled air in and the harsh natural elements out. While all roofing material protects your home, some are more resilient than others, lasting longer in extreme weather conditions.
Metal is one of the sturdiest and most aesthetically-pleasing roofing materials available in Lusby, MD. To learn more about why or how to install a metal roof over shingles, trust the experts at Southern Maryland Roofing. Our five-star team has compiled a guide that will walk you through the benefits and steps to doing so below.
Should You Place Metal Roofing Over Existing Shingles?
Most structures have shingles on their rooftops since it’s the most common roofing material. It’s the cheapest and easiest to repair since professionals only remove individual shingles to remedy problem areas. However, it has one of the shortest lifespans of about 15 to 30 years before major repairs become vital, unlike metal roofing which lasts 40 to 70 years.
If you’re considering switching to metal roofing materials for fewer repairs down the line, you’re probably wondering if you should tear out your shingles first. Professionals warn against doing so since it doubles the replacement time, raises the job cost, and contributes to tons of mess and waste that aren’t good for the environment.
Instead, leave the layer of shingles on your rooftop for an extra coating of roofing protection against the elements. Not only do these two roofing layers further protect your home from leaks, but they also guard your shingles against breaking, weakening, or unfastening, prolonging their strength and lifespan. Overlapping the material also leads to lower labor costs, minimal cleanup, and more roof structure.
How to Install a Metal Roof Over a Shingle Roof
When considering how to install a metal roof over a shingle roof, there are numerous approaches to choose from that affect labor costs and structure appearance.
Furring Strips
The lathing or furring strips method includes using wood purlins to create a wooden framing system that the metal sheets will lay over. However, the pressure-treated lumber has copper that negatively affects the metal panels. The pros may place a middle layer between the frame and metal, comprising synthetics or felt material.
However, because these extra layers sit on the preexisting shingles, the experts must determine whether your house can handle the additional weight. You must also decide whether this is the appropriate choice for your wallet since the extensive list of materials and lengthy installation process equals the cost of a tear-out job.
Direct Attachment
A more economical way of how to install a metal roof over shingles is by forgetting the middle layers of wooden frames and synthetic material. By directly attaching the new roofing to the old shingles and the underlying wooden deck, you add aesthetics to your home in less time at a cheaper cost.
Unfortunately, when you install metal roofing this way, you’re not insulating your shingles beneath, meaning they’ll expand and contract with hot and cold temperatures, decaying at their usual rate. It also promotes higher energy bills since no air space between the two layers leads to improper ventilation. Therefore, while this is an option for placing metal roofing over shingles, pros suggest a tear-out instead.
The Shingle Recovery System
Like the direct attachment procedure, the shingle recovery system eliminates the need for furring strips, helping you save money on material and labor costs. However, it uses standing seam panels to elevate the metal material slightly above the shingles so that they don’t rest flat against one another.
This factor improves energy savings by adding Above Sheathing Ventilation (ASV) between the layers, proving better than direct attachment. Still, when considering how to install a metal roof over shingles, you also have to choose between symmetrical and asymmetrical systems with this process.
Symmetrical standing seam panel systems, which professionals lay down in any manner, are easier to install, repair, and replace; asymmetrical panels have uneven legs that require laydown from left to right. You may also need to remove multiple panels that are fine during repairs and replacements, making their maintenance more costly.
How to Install a Metal Roof Over Shingles — Rely on the Professionals!
The benefits of installing a metal roof over shingles constantly outweigh the cons. Although it has a high upfront cost and doesn’t protect the shingles in the direct attachment method, it usually adds decades to your roof’s lifespan and calls for minimal maintenance.
To better understand how to install a metal roof over shingles or for maintenance, repairs, or replacements, count on us with 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Our GAF-certified team of specialists has completed over 1,400 commercial and over 2,100 residential roofing projects. Call Southern Maryland Roofing at 443-532-3017 in Lusby, MD, for a free estimate today!
