If your shingles have developed issues such as leaks or the wear and tear of age, you may be considering your roofing replacement options. One common approach is to add another set of shingles to the ones you already have, but a “tear-off,” in which the old set is removed and replaced, is the most recommended solution. This is because the former is too often problematic. Here’s a closer look at why you should avoid adding new shingles to your old ones in favor of scheduling a whole new roofing installation. 

4 Reasons Why Your Roofing Shouldn’t Have Two Layers of Shingles 

1. Makes the Roof Heavy 

Roofing shingles are already quite heavy, which is fine because the frame of your home is designed to hold them. However, a second layer of shingles may be too much weight for the frame to bear if moisture leaks into the insulation and causes the frame to rot and lose integrity over time. Considering that Alabama is the third rainiest state in the U.S., your roof is frequently exposed to moisture, putting i at risk of sagging or even partial collapse. 

2. Inhibits Installation & Repairs 

With a double layer of shingles, you could make your roof more prone to leaks due to the shingles crowding each other and leaving no room for water barriers. The shingles may also be less secure upon installation as well as less able to lie perfectly flat. Furthermore, if there are problems with your first layer of shingles, such as cracks, leaks, and mold growth, the second one will make them much more difficult to notice and address. 

4. Goes Against Legal Codes 

Even if you wanted to install a second layer of shingles despite the risks, there’s a good chance that it would be against the rules and regulations of your area. An inspector may give you negative marks upon noticing that it violates local residential roofing laws, and you may have difficulty filing a homeowners insurance claim in the event of roof damage. Check with your city or county office for details about how to ensure you’re in compliance. 

5. Makes Resale Difficult 

If you plan on moving at any point, these aforementioned problems could make your home more difficult to sell at its full value. After all, not many potential homebuyers would want a house with an unsafe roof that needs a lot of work to adhere to local ordinances. 

Since your best bet is replacing your roofing with new, high-quality shingles, get professional help from Custom Roofing & Construction in Dothan, AL. As skilled roofers with over 25 years in the business, they’re more than happy to offer their reliable, top-notch services and passion for customer satisfaction to build a roof you’ll love. Each job by these BBB®-accredited professionals comes with a 10-year warranty as well. To get a free estimate, call them today at (334) 790-4418 or message them online.