Traditional asphalt shingles might be the automatic go-to when it comes to choosing an affordable and effective roof for your home. But the problem with this variety of roofing is that it is only a temporary fix. Asphalt shingles, especially those exposed to harsh weather conditions be it extreme heat or cold, can breakdown as soon as seven years, necessitating expensive and time-consuming repairs. The alternative? Cover your existing roof with an attractive but highly durable metal roof.
Says the professionals at King Roofing Services, Inc., roof repair, Naples, FL., some homes just look better with a metal roof. But sometimes the weather in a particular geographic region can be so extreme that replacing your existing shingle roof with durable metal roof makes more sense.
With that in mind, if you find yourself constantly paying for roof repairs, why not ask the roofer if they can install a metal roof over the existing roofing material? According to a recent report by Architectural Digest, metal roofs comes with lots of benefits. They are fire-resistant, long-lasting, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient. They are generally manufactured utilizing 25 percent to 95 percent recycled material.
But metal roofs, for all their benefits, are considered expensive to install. But one effective way to mitigate some of these costs is by installing a metal roof over existing shingles.
Installation of New Metal Roof Over Existing Shingles
The installation process of installing new metal roofing over shingles requires a professional roofing contractor to place an underlayment over your existing shingle roof and then installing the metal roof directly on top of it. The process saves considerable time and waste that goes with removing existing shingles and carting them away to a dump. In the end the metal roof will provide your home with increased curb appeal.
Benefits of Installing a New Metal Roof Over Existing Shingles
Metal roofs are said to be one of the most popular options for homeowners in the 2020s. They work well with just about any architectural style and can please most property owners’ wants and needs. With that in mind, here are some of the benefits of installing a metal roof over your existing shingle roof:
Aesthetics
Says Architectural Digest, metal roofing is so attractive it can improve your curb appeal greatly, and at the same time, increase the value of your property. It’s also a versatile product. It’s available in a multitude of styles that match the feel and look of your home. Metal roofing can give you the precise look of shakes, shingles, or even vertical paneling. It also requires minimum maintenance which means you don’t need to worry about constant cleaning or costly shingle replacement.
Durability and Strength
Impact resistance and strong, durable metal roofing can take on wind gusts of up to 140 miles which makes it the perfect roofing option for those people who live in tropical climates or areas that, on occasion, experience storms accompanied by damaging high winds. Metal roofing won’t crack or corrode which means it can last 70 years or more. Or, think of it this way, it’s likely your metal roof will last you a lifetime. Still concerned about that initial high installation cost?
Environmentally Sound
Most people aren’t aware of this, but metal roofing acts as an excellent heat blocker. The material reflects the sun’s UV rays while reflecting solar heat instead of absorbing it. In turn your home becomes much more energy efficient. Your heating and utility bills will likely be reduced if you install new metal roofing over existing asphalt shingles. A win/win to be sure.
Safety
Did you know that metal roofs are a pest deterrent? Unlike asphalt roofs where bees’ nests and other homes for pests and rodents can spring up, metal roofing is so rigid and strong, it acts as a deterrent for these unwanted, unsafe critters. It also is fire and flame-resistant which is key should you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires.
In the final analysis, installing new metal roofing over existing shingles is an excellent investment for homeowners looking to save money in the long run. Metal roofing is not only extremely safe and durable, but it also looks great.
However, keep in mind that you still need to conduct regular inspections by a certified roofing repair professional who can detect any underlying issues that might present you with a safety issue sooner or later. While the roofing repair contractors examines the metal roof, they can also examine the old shingle roof to make sure no excess damage or moisture has accumulated over time.