There are several reasons why you should remove old shingles and tear off old roofing materials that is generally in your best interest: rotted decking, rusted metal flashing, and compromised workmanship and manufacturers' warranties.
Finally, if you have an older home and already have two layers of shingles in place, you'll likely need to remove shingles before adding a new layer to prevent the roof from getting too heavy. In these cases, removing shingles and starting fresh is a good investment.
In general, it is not recommended to reuse shingles on a new roof. While it may seem like a cost-saving measure, reusing old shingles can compromise the overall quality and performance of the new roof.
Recycled material made from old roofing shingles can be used in a variety of applications, such as asphalt roadways. Instead of throwing away, dumping or burying old roofing shingles, find a roofing contractor or recycling facility near you that recycles old, torn-off roof shingles.
In general, most roofing experts recommend tear off as the better, more sustainable option. It allows for a thorough inspection of the roof structure and the opportunity to address any underlying issues. However, if the existing roof is in good condition with no leaks, cracks, or rot, overlay may be a viable choice.
On average, an overlay project costs between $250 to $350 per square (100 square feet of roof). So, on that same 2,000-square-foot roof but without tear off, installing shingles will cost between $5,000 and $7,000.
With a roof-over, you can save a little on cleanup, disposal costs and dumpster rentals. This job isn't as messy compared to a complete tear-off. Since it's not as labor-intensive, your roofer can finish the replacement faster.
Damaged shingles can lead to water leaks, energy inefficiency, and higher repair costs. Proactively replacing old shingles helps prevent bigger issues down the line. Professional inspections ensure you make the right decision for your roof's health.
Rent a Dumpster
Contractors and homeowners can also rent dumpsters to dispose of old shingles. Dumpsters are the easiest way to throw out roofing shingles — regardless of the type — without spending time searching for a recycler or donation center.
Most asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years – based on your area's weather conditions and climate. The type of asphalt shingle also influences its lifespan: Three-tab shingles last from 15 to 20 years and are the cheapest option. Architectural (dimensional) shingles last from 20 to 30 years.
The Roof Will Continue To Deteriorate
Your shingles might not provide enough protection because of their deteriorating condition, which can lead to roof decking and rafter damage. Even if your roof isn't in terrible condition, the longer you wait to put it off, the more it will deteriorate over time.
In almost every case, the answer is yes, you can lay down a new metal roof over an existing shingle roof. This is one of the many reasons metal roofs keep growing in popularity – their installation doesn't require completely tearing off the existing roof, which is a time-consuming and expensive job.
Roofing companies usually have clear policies regarding leftover materials. These policies can vary. Some companies allow homeowners to keep the excess materials, while others may claim ownership.
It is generally better to have the existing shingles stripped and replaced with new layers on the existing roof, which will be more sustainable and effective in the long run. It is important to consult with a professional roofing contractor and carefully consider all options before making a decision about roof repairs.
Although removing asphalt shingles requires less roofing knowledge and training than the installation of the new layer, it is still a lot of work. Maybe you're not afraid of hard work, but also remember you'll be working on a sloped surface, using tools you likely have never used before.
If you are removing old roof shingles from a home, you should be advised that they could be harmful; this is especially the case for shingles containing asbestos. With that said, make sure there is no asbestos in the roof if you are looking to replace shingles dating back to the 1970s.
Roof tear off cost
A roof tear off costs $1 to $5 per square foot for labor to remove the old material, depending on the type and weight. Tearing off shingles costs $1 to $3 per square foot on average. Removing heavier materials like slate or tile costs $2 to $5 per square foot.
Shingle removal, or a “tear-off,” usually takes 4-6 hours for a standard single-story home with asphalt shingles. However, the timeframe can vary based on roof size, slope, and complexity, with larger or steeper roofs potentially requiring up to a full day to complete the process.
Most dumpster rental companies charge by weight, and asphalt shingles are one of the heavier materials that they allow in their dumpsters. In most areas of North America, these companies are mandated by law to include specific weight limits on their containers.
The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it's not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years. That's one of the big misconceptions in the roofing marketplace.
You should realistically get around 80-85% of the life span out of the asphalt shingles. This means you can expect to get around 20 years out of your 3-tab shingle roof and around 25 years out of your architectural shingles. On the other hand, luxury shingles are thicker and should get up to around 30 years.
Standard asphalt shingles—the most common roofing material—lasts about 15 years. Heavier materials—including clay, slate, and metal roofs—can last more than 50 years but are expensive and difficult to maintain. If you're looking for an affordable and long-lasting option, consider 50 year shingles and tiles.
In general, most roofs will last between 20 and 25 years before they need to be replaced. If your roof is approaching or has already reached this age, it's time to start considering a replacement. When a roof gets older, it becomes more susceptible to damage from storms, wind, and hail.
To the extent that you can reach other areas of your roof with your rake, raking those areas as well can also help prevent ice dams. The more snow you can clear from your roof, the less your chances of dealing with a cave-in or ice dams will be.