If you have a metal roof now but want to switch to asphalt shingles when you get a new roof, talk to your roofing contractor about what to expect. Although metal roofing is more durable, it's also more expensive, so if you need to save money on your roof replacement, asphalt shingles are a good choice. Here's what you might expect.
The Metal Panels Need To Come Off
Since asphalt shingles can't go on top of metal panels, the old roofing has to come off. The roofing contractor removes the fasteners and pulls the panels up and collects them in a dumpster. Metal roofing can be recycled, so the panels, flashing, and other metal parts can be recycled and used for other metal products.
Your metal roof probably has a water barrier underneath it. This needs to come off so it can be replaced. When all the old roofing is off, the deck is exposed so the roofer can examine it for moisture damage.
Your New Roof Is Installed From The Deck Up
When the deck has been covered with new waterproof underlayment, it's time to put the asphalt shingles on. Rows of asphalt shingles are staggered to create an attractive pattern on your roof. The shingles are nailed to the deck, and they have adhesive on them that glues the shingles to the row of shingles above them.
An asphalt shingle roof is topped with ridge cap shingles that fold over the peak of the roof. The way the shingles are applied keeps rain from leaking in the attic and lets hot air in the attic escape. The shingle roof also needs to have metal flashing and rubber boots around pipes just like a metal roof does. Your roofing contractor may use aluminum flashing, but you might want to choose copper for a more attractive look.
Your New Roof Should Have Two Warranties
Asphalt shingles usually have two kinds of warranties to protect you from roof damage. If a defect is found in the shingles, the manufacturer's warranty may cover repairs or replacement. If the roofing contractor makes a mistake during installation, the roofing company's workmanship warranty may pay for repairs.
Neither of these cover storm damage, but that is usually covered under your homeowner's policy. So, even though your asphalt shingle roof isn't as durable as a metal roof, you may have some help paying for damage if it ever occurs. Of course, you'll need to keep up with maintenance and repairs to keep your roof in good shape.
Have your roofing contractor check your roof periodically so damage can be caught and repaired before the deck has water damage. An asphalt shingle roof may require more care than your old metal roof, but if you maintain the shingles properly, the roof should last for many years.
Speak to a roofing contractor to learn more about the process.
Share21 September 2022
When it came time to install a new roof on my home, I had no idea where to start. In fact, I was exploring roofing options that were a really poor fit in my climate. It wasn't until I reached out to a local roofer that I got some lessons on how to choose the right roofing material for my home and the weather exposure it is subjected to. I built this site to share my journey, including the mistakes I made and the things that I learned along the way. If you are considering replacing your home's roof, I hope that the information here can help to guide you through the process.
