When you are building your home or fixing your roof you will want to add as much protection to outdoor elements as possible. There are different kinds of roofing materials you can use which all have their benefits and disadvantages. Adding multiple layers of these materials may not have the wanted effect that you desired and could come with risks. In this article, we will explore if placing the second layer of shingles on your roof is a wise budget-friendly decision or a dangerous idea.
Would It Improve My Roof To Put Two Layers Of Shingles Instead Of One?
The most common reason that homeowners tend to layer shingles when fixing or replacing their roofs is that it can make the job simpler and faster as the first layer of shingles will not have to be removed fully before the roof can be repaired. This quick hack means that the cost of labor and removing the original shingles will decrease. Layering your shingles can be an effective way of managing a roof repair if you are on a tight budget.
The quick answer to whether adding two layers of shingles to your roof would be beneficial would simply be no. Even though there are some perks to adding a second layer, sometimes there can be complications when fitting the second layer. These complications will arise if the first layer of shingles needs prepping. If you are concerned about the amount of waste you will be produced by removing the first layer of shingles, you will be happy to know that there are now services that will recycle these shingles.
Benefits Of Having One-Layer Roof Shingles
Here is a simple breakdown of why only having one layer of roof shingles may be more beneficial than having two layers of shingles:
- Saving on your budget in the long run
- Warranty
- Fixing holes and leaks
- Hazards in roof weight
1) Saving on your budget in the long run
When assessing the financial implications of fixing or replacing your roof, it’s best to look at the payments long-term. Adding a second layer of shingles to your roof may be cost-effective at the beginning but as time goes on could turn out to be a costly affair. If there is any further damage to your roof in the future, professionals will have to spend twice as long on the job as they will have to remove two layers of shingles. If you have multiple layers of shingles on your roof, the layers may cause roof damage meaning you will need to have the repairs completed more frequently. These added concerns mean that the cost you save by adding two layers of shingles to your roof may only be temporary.
2) Warranty
Warranty for shingles does not apply if the shingles are layered. This is due to the fact that adding multiple layers of shingles to your roof can cause damage as it traps heat and causes the roof to not only have a shorter life span but frequent damage. Therefore, it is best to only have one layer of shingles on your roof as your shingles warranty will remain intact.
3) Fixing holes and leaks
Depending on how your house is built, the roof decks may not be able to support the weight of two layers of shingles as they were only designed to be able to hold one layer. This added weight could cause damage to your roof and the structure of your home therefore one layer of shingles is generally advised to be better.
4) Hazards on roof weight
When attempting to repair your roof of any holes or leaks, two layers of shingles will make it harder to be able to assess where the problem is occurring and be able to appropriately fix it. This added time will add to labor expenses and complications within the job itself.
Save Your Budget
When you think of adding multiple layers of material to the home, the conclusion is that it should double the protection against damage risks. Unfortunately, when it comes to roofs, that is not quite the case. If you are on a tight budget, we would still recommend that you choose to only have one layer of shingles on your roof rather than two to prevent unexpected large costs that could occur from damage that is caused by laying shingles. The second layer of shingles on a roof is not expected to have a long life expectancy and therefore does not provide enough benefits for what it may cost you years down the line.
Does Adding Additional Layers To Your Roof Protect It From Water?
The common belief is that adding a second layer of shingles to your roof can make your roof more waterproof but this is not true. Even though adding a second layer of shingles would seem like an added defense against water, the first layer of shingles will already be waterproof and water-resistant making them strong enough for the job. If you are experiencing any leaks in your roof or you see that water is entering from one point this may be damage that will need repairing. Repairing a leak or small holes is easily done when there is one layer of shingles.
One Layer Is Better Than Two
No matter where you are located across the country, RGB Construction would advise that you only keep one layer of shingles on your roof rather than adding multiple layers. This will keep your roof secure to protect your home and mean there are no added risks of shingle damage or structural damage. At RGB Construction, our dependable team has the knowledge and experience you need to get your roof in tip-top shape. We clean gutters, repair damage, and much more. Plus, if we spot any additional trouble areas, we will let you know and provide solutions. Call us today to schedule your free consultation or an appointment at 856-264-9093.