The saying “two is better than one” may apply to certain concepts, but not the layers of shingles on your roof. Homeowners often choose two layers of shingles instead of a total roof replacement to save on costs and project time. Double-layer shingle projects are Band-Aid solutions that use additional materials to cover the damage on your current roof.
At Aspect Roofing Company, we aim to help homeowners make the best decisions for their roofing projects. Below, we discuss the known problems you should expect with dual-layer roofs. Our team provides quality roof replacement and installation services for all types of roofs throughout Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty, Iowa.
Contact our team of expert roofing contractors today at (319) 382-0073 for a free estimate!
Underlying Materials Become Too Hard to Access
Shingles are not the only important part of a roof. When the shingles get damaged, the materials underneath might also have rot, rust, tears, water buildup, cracks, holes, or other issues.
If you layer more shingles on top of the old ones, it becomes harder to access the underlying materials that might need repairs.
The longer you allow damaged materials to sit beneath shingles, the more you risk your entire roof. Issues with the roof decking, underlayment, or flashing might cause leaks, mold, and cave-ins. With two layers of shingles, repairing severe damage will cost you more in the long run.
Locating Leaks Is Especially Challenging
Your roof might leak due to damage from severe storms, old age, pests, tree branches, or poor materials. Leaks can cause severe water damage to your entire home’s structure if you don’t resolve them quickly.
To resolve leaks promptly, you must be able to find the source and repair the damage. Water frequently seeps through roofing materials, so if you have two layers of shingles, seeing the extent of the damage becomes especially difficult.
Double-Layer Shingles Increase Your Roof’s Weight
The more shingles you have on your roof, the more it weighs. Roofs can only handle a certain amount of weight before collapsing. Throughout the year, your home withstands heavy snow and ice. With an increased weight due to extra shingles, one winter storm could cause a cave-in.
Most insurance providers won’t cover these damages if you have two layers of shingles since you could have avoided the accident.
It Decreases Your Property Value
Home inspectors see double-layer roofs as a negative mark against your home’s value. Two layers of shingles frequently mean the future owner will have to pay more down the line.
Because of this added risk, you might not sell your house for as much as you anticipated.
Double Layers Trap Heat and Damage Shingles Faster
A leading cause of shingle damage is trapped heat within your roof, which causes water to evaporate, creating shingle blisters from the increased pressure. Trapped heat can happen from poor attic ventilation, extreme summer heat, or double shingle layers. When you add extra shingles, air cannot circulate properly, and you reduce your shingles’ lifespan.
You Might Void Your Warranty
Many asphalt shingle roofs come with warranties, so if damage happens within the set time, the company will repair the issue for you at no cost. When you double-up your shingles, you usually violate your warranty terms. Companies expect shingle damage on double-layer roofs due to the trapped heat we discussed above.
Replacements Will Cost More Later On
When the time comes to replace a double-layer roof, you will have to pay an increased fee for the contractors to remove two old shingle layers rather than one. Roof replacements for dual-layer shingles are inevitable, though you can avoid high costs by replacing your roof now rather than covering it up. With a new single-layer shingle roof, you’ll enjoy an increased property value and decreased future costs.
Have Your Roof Installed Right The First Time
We’ve identified many problems with installing two layers of shingles, so what’s the better option? When your shingles become damaged beyond repair, our team at Aspect Roofing Company will install a brand new roof that stands the test of time. We help homeowners throughout Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty, IA.
Call our team at Aspect Roofing Company today at (319) 382-0073 for a free quote!
