LAYOVER VERSUS STRIPPING

The process described on the page for re-roofing is for stripping the roof and starting from scratch. This is the best technique, which we recommend to all of our clients.

There is another way to re-roof called a layover. This does not entail any stripping; you apply new shingles directly over an existing layer of shingles.

This process includes:

• Stripping off ridge cap.
• Apply new drip edge at the rake and eave.
• Apply 30 year roof shingles by Certainteed or equal.
• Apply new flashing at plumbing vents.
• Re-flash chimney as required.
• Apply continuous ridge vent.

It does not include:

• Checking the decking for problems and re-nailing.
• Applying ice barrier at eaves. (Ice dam area).
• Applying ice and water barrier at vents, where sidewalls meet roofs, in valleys, around skylights or anywhere else.

The advantages:

• Lower initial price

The disadvantages:

• No ice barrier at eaves or other places which are more susceptible to water leaks.
• Because of an additional layer, house will be hotter.
• Because the roof is hotter, the shingles will not hold up as well over the long haul.
• Because the shingles are being placed on top of existing shingles, they won't lay as flat as they do on plywood or boards.

Conclusion:

• A strip job is superior to a layover, and worth the difference in cost. Peace of mind is worth a lot.
• When I redid my own roof 5 years ago we did a strip, not a layover.