
While shingles are the most widely used roofing option in Northern America, metal roofs are also popular in their own right. If you’re replacing your shingle roof with a metal roofing system, it makes sense to ask whether the old shingle layers have to be removed prior to the installation of the new roof.
In this article, Austin Pro Siding, Windows & Roofing, one of the most trusted roofing and siding replacement companies in the area, weighs in on whether existing asphalt shingles need to be removed to make way for the installation of your metal roof.
The short answer is: no. In fact, a majority of metal roofing installations are done over existing layer shingles. This is because metal roofs are lighter than asphalt roofs. For instance, steel shingles only weigh around ¼ of the weight of asphalt shingles, while aluminum shingles only weigh about ? of what standard asphalt shingles weigh.
Installing metal over asphalt shingles is feasible because it won’t affect the metal roof’s performance at all. While most roofing and siding installers would advise against installing asphalt shingles over old shingle layers due to warranty and roof performance purposes, installing metal over old shingles abides by completely different rules.
You can even benefit more from installing your metal roof over old shingles. First, no shingles removed from the roof means no shingles ending up on the landfills. In fact, having an extra layer increases the thermal resistance of the roof assembly. Apart from being an eco-friendly move, you can also save some remodeling dollars by not removing the old shingles and disposing of it, as some roofers charge extra for these services.
Want a hassle free roofing experience? Austin Pro Siding, Windows & Roofing is the company to trust! Our experience as one of the leading roofing and siding companies around allows us to provide our clients with the best exterior renovation experience. Call us today at (512) 550-0000 to request an appointment.

Tens of thousands of Austin-area homes built between 1995 and 2010 were constructed with Thermo-Ply sheathing — a paperboard product that fails catastrophically when exposed to moisture. Learn how to spot the warning signs of hidden wall damage and why the only lasting fix is a full exterior tear-off and proper moisture management system.
.jpeg)
Painting during pollen season? We weigh the risks and offer tips for a clean finish.

After an Austin hailstorm, “free roof” offers can hide deductible schemes and weak warranties. Learn how local roofing services support better documentation, smoother claims, and long-term accountability—plus 5 questions to vet any roofer.

Your roof should look good and perform better. Explore the intersection of architectural style and structural integrity in modern roof design.

Get ready for roofing day with this simple guide. Learn how to protect your property and prepare your family for a smooth installation process.

From vinyl to fiber cement, we dive deep into the pros and cons of today's top siding materials to help you find your home's "perfect skin."