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 Experts Weigh In

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.

The Perks

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.