Metal roofing is a great option if you’re looking for a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional asphalt shingle roofs. Metal roofs are often more expensive than other options but they come with various benefits that make them worth the investment.
Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles
Metal roofing has been around longer than most people realize and its popularity has grown steadily over time as its benefits become more obvious. It’s not just because metal is attractive and stands up well to natural elements like wind and hail; there are many other reasons why metal can be an excellent choice for your home or business property.
Installing Metal Roofing Over Asphalt Shingles
The first thing you should know about installing metal roofing is that it’s much easier than traditional installation methods such as wood, concrete or clay tiles. While those materials require a lot of time and effort, metal roofing is lightweight and easy to install. It’s also very durable, which means it won’t need replacing as often as other types of roofing material.
Before you begin the installation, make sure that the surface below your new metal roof is smooth and dry. If there are any cracks or holes in your current roof, take care of those as well before installing the new metal roofing over them.
The next step is to install a moisture barrier underneath the metal roofing panels. The moisture barrier keeps water from condensing between the new metal roofing and the old asphalt shingles so you’ll have an even, attractive surface.
After that, lay down your first sheet of metal roofing. Most types are lightweight, about 10 pounds for every 100 square feet, but they’re still very sturdy. Be sure to overlap seams by at least 6 inches so you have a continuous surface without any gaps.
If your new metal roofing has vents, keep them open when it’s time to apply the next layer of panels. The second sheet should overlap the first by about 6 inches in all directions. If the new metal roofing doesn’t have any vents, go ahead and close them now. To avoid puncturing the surface of your metal roof, use a rubber mallet to secure all panels before you begin the installation.
Installing metal roofing over asphalt shingles is a fairly easy job that can give you all the benefits of metal roofing without having to tear off your old shingles. While it requires a bit more effort than simply laying down metal panels on top of asphalt shingles, it’s still an efficient choice that won’t take up too much of your time or money.
Metal Roofing Over Asphalt Shingles FAQ
Can metal roofing be installed directly over asphalt shingles?
Yes. Metal roofing can be installed directly over old asphalt shingles in most cases. However, the existing asphalt shingle roof should be in good condition with no loose or curled shingles and all of the old granules should be scraped off prior to installation.
What are the pros and cons of installing metal roofing over asphalt shingles?
Asphalt shingles are cheaper than metal roofing. Metal roofing has longer warranty periods than asphalt shingle roofs. Asphalt shingle roofs leak more often than metal roofs once they pass their warranty period. The labor for installation of asphalt shingle roofs is much less than the labor required to install metal roofs.
Do I need underlayment for metal roof over shingles?
It’s best to use underlayment on top of asphalt shingles before installing metal roofing. It will protect the underlayment from direct exposure to sunlight which can cause premature aging damage.
What are some tips for installing metal roofing over asphalt shingles?
When installing metal roofing directly over old asphalt shingle roofs, the underlayment should be installed first. Seamless metal roofing should always be used when installing directly over asphalt shingle roofs. The bottom flange of the metal should not touch the sheathing or any other surface except for where it is nailed to valleys and hips. The nails in metal roof panels must always pass through at least 3 inches of underlayment in order to be in the wood deck.