Why You Should Never Roof Over Existing Shingles

When a roof starts to show signs of age—curling shingles, granule loss, water stains on ceilings—many homeowners look for the most affordable and fastest fix. One option that sometimes comes up is roofing over existing shingles, also known as a “roof-over” or “layover.” At first glance, it seems like an easy solution: no tear-off, less labor, and lower cost. But while it may seem convenient, choosing to roof over old shingles can create serious problems for your home.
As a trusted roofing company in Northeast Ohio, S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC strongly recommends against this practice for residential roof replacement services Homeowners in Jefferson, Ashtabula County, Madison, Chardon, Cleveland, Youngstown, and surrounding areas often ask whether re-roofing is acceptable. The truth is clear: a full roof replacement is almost always the smarter, safer, and more cost-effective choice.

Below, we break down exactly why you should never roof over existing shingles—and why choosing a professional team like S&K can protect your home for decades.

1. Extra Weight Can Damage Your Home’s Structure

Your home’s structure—trusses, rafters, and decking—is engineered to support a certain amount of weight. Asphalt shingles are heavy, and adding another layer increases the load significantly.

Why This Matters

• Extra weight strains the roofing system
• Older homes in Northeast Ohio may already have weakened framing
• Winter snow loads add even more stress

The combination of multiple shingle layers + heavy snow can lead to sagging rooflines, structural fatigue, or even collapse in extreme cases. A proper tear-off removes this unnecessary weight and allows your roofing contractor to start with a clean slate.

2. It Voids Most Roofing Warranties

If you invest in quality roofing materials, warranties matter—especially in unpredictable Ohio weather.

Manufacturers like Owens Corning, whose shingles we install as a Preferred Contractor, clearly state that roofing over old shingles often VOID their product warranties.

You lose coverage on:

• Wind damage
• Material defects
• Premature shingle failure
• Algae or granule loss

Without warranty protection, your roof becomes a gamble—one that can cost thousands if something goes wrong.

3. Hidden Problems Stay Hidden

A roof’s job is to protect your home from the elements. But when problems form underneath the shingles, they are nearly impossible to detect unless the old roof is removed.

Hidden issues often include:

• Soft or rotted roof decking
• Mold growth
• Damaged or missing underlayment
• Improper ventilation
• Past installation mistakes

When you install shingles over an existing layer, these issues worsen. Over time, the roof weakens, leaks become more frequent, and repairs grow more expensive.

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we inspect your roof decking thoroughly during every tear-off. This ensures problems are caught before they cause major damage.

4. Poor Ventilation Increases Moisture and Heat Damage

Ventilation plays one of the biggest roles in the lifespan of your roof. When you install a second layer of shingles, you restrict airflow. Heat builds up faster, moisture gets trapped, and shingles deteriorate much sooner.

Poor ventilation leads to:

• Ice dams in winter
• Higher energy bills
• Shorter roof lifespan
• Mold and mildew in the attic
• Warping and rot in roof decking

A roof-over does nothing to correct poor ventilation. In fact, it makes it worse.

5. Reduced Shingle Lifespan and Poor Aesthetics

A roof-over almost always results in a bumpy, uneven look because new shingles conform to whatever is beneath them. If the old shingles are curling, shifting, or cracked, the new layer will settle into those imperfections.

Consequences:

• Your roof looks old even when it’s “new”
• It reduces curb appeal
• Shingles wear out faster due to uneven surface contact

A tear-off allows your roofing contractor to install shingles on a smooth, flat surface—essential for proper sealing and longevity.

6. More Difficult Future Repairs

When you install two layers of shingles, repairs become more complicated and expensive.

For example:

• Leak detection becomes harder
• Flashing repairs require removing multiple layers
• Replacing a few shingles becomes nearly impossible

Eventually, future roofing contractors must remove both layers, doubling the cost and labor. A roof-over only delays the expense—it doesn’t eliminate it.

7. It Often Doesn’t Meet Local Building Codes

Many counties and cities in Northeast Ohio—including areas like Ashtabula County, Lake County, Geauga County, and Mahoning County—restrict or prohibit multiple layers of shingles for a residential roofing installation

Even in places where roof-overs are technically allowed, they often require:

• Structural evaluations
• Specific roof conditions
• No previous layers
• No decking damage

Most roofs fail these requirements. At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we ensure every job is up to code to protect your home and maintain compliance.

8. Your Insurance Company May Penalize or Deny Claims

Insurance companies often view a roof-over as a liability.

They may:

• Deny claims due to poor installation
• Reduce payouts
• Increase premiums
• Require full replacement before coverage continues

If your roof suffers wind or storm damage—common in Northeast Ohio—your insurer may refuse to cover it due to improper installation.

Protecting your investment starts with choosing the right roofing method.

9. The Cost Savings Are Temporary—Not Long Term

A roof-over may save a little money upfront, but it almost always costs more in the long run.

Hidden costs include:

• Reduced lifespan
• Higher energy bills
• Increased repairs
• More expensive full replacement later
• Structural damage due to moisture or weight

A proper tear-off roof replacement lasts longer, performs better, and ultimately saves you money.

Why Homeowners in Northeast Ohio Trust S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC

S&K is known throughout Jefferson, Madison, Mentor, Cleveland, Youngstown, and surrounding areas for delivering high-quality roofing done the right way—never cutting corners.

Homeowners choose S&K because:

• We are an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
• We offer financing options for every budget
• We are local to Ashtabula County with deep community roots
• We provide free roof inspections
• We have excellent Google reviews from satisfied customers
• We help with insurance claims
• We always perform full tear-offs for lasting results

Your roof protects your entire home—trusting the job to professionals ensures safety, beauty, and long-term value thats why you should trust S&K Construction to replace your residential roof

Need a Reliable Roofing Contractor? Contact S&K Today

If you’re considering a new roof, let S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC provide an honest inspection and expert recommendation. We proudly serve homeowners across Northeast Ohio with high-quality roofing, siding, gutters, and more.

Don’t risk the problems that come with roofing over existing shingles.
Choose the long-term, dependable solution: a complete tear-off roof replacement.

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