Trying to decide how to tackle this roof project that’s been looming over me—literally. My asphalt shingles are curling up and I know it’s time. I’ve read you can either strip everything down to the decking or just lay new shingles right over the old ones (as long as there’s only one layer). On one hand, tearing off sounds like way more work (and mess), but I’m worried about trapping problems under there if I just layer. On the other hand, layering seems faster and cheaper, but is it gonna bite me later with leaks or weight issues?
If you’ve done either, how did it go? Did you regret not doing the full tear-off, or was layering totally fine? Any surprises or stuff you wish you’d known before starting?
I went the layering route last fall because I just couldn’t face the mess and cost of a full tear-off. Honestly, I kinda regret it now. The old shingles were curled like yours, and even though everyone said it was “fine,” the new layer never sat totally flat. Now I get weird bumps, and I’m always paranoid about leaks. If I could do it over, I’d bite the bullet and strip it down—more work up front, but probably less stress long-term.
The old shingles were curled like yours, and even though everyone said it was “fine,” the new layer never sat totally flat.
- Been there. Layering over curled shingles is always a gamble. Even if “everyone says it’s fine,” those bumps can drive you nuts down the line.
- Tear-off is a pain—no way around that. Messy, loud, takes longer. But you get to see the decking, spot any rot or soft spots before they become a bigger headache.
- In my training, I’ve seen jobs where layering looked okay at first, but after a year or two, you get those weird ripples. Makes the roof look old even when it’s “new.”
- Leaks are harder to track with two layers. Water can sneak between the old and new and travel before showing up inside. Way more frustrating to diagnose.
- Tear-off costs more up front, but if you plan on staying in the house for a while, it’s usually cheaper in the long run—fewer repairs, better resale value too.
- Only exception I’ve seen: if the old shingles are still super flat and solid, sometimes layering works out okay for a few years. But that’s rare—most old roofs I see are curling or brittle.
Honestly, your thought about just biting the bullet and stripping it down? Makes sense to me. More work up front, but you sleep better at night knowing what’s under there.
If you ever do have to redo it, maybe check if your area has recycling options for old shingles... kinda helps with the guilt of tossing all that material.
- You’re not wrong to want a clean slate. I’ve seen too many “quick fix” layers turn into headaches after a big storm rolls through. It’s a pain now, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not chasing leaks or weird bulges. Worth it.
You’re not wrong to want a clean slate. I’ve seen too many “quick fix” layers turn into headaches after a big storm rolls through. It’s a pain now, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not chasing leaks or weird bulges. Worth it.
I get where you're coming from about wanting a clean slate, but I think it’s worth mentioning that layering isn’t always just a “quick fix.” There are plenty of situations where adding a second layer can be a reasonable, cost-effective solution—especially if the existing shingles are still flat and there’s no sign of rot or major damage underneath. I’ve done it once myself, on a 4/12 pitch roof with standard architectural asphalt shingles, and honestly, it held up fine for almost 15 years in the Midwest. No leaks, no weird bulges, even after some pretty rough winters.
That said, I’ll admit there are trade-offs. You do add weight—most shingle manufacturers say you can only go up to two layers max, so that’s something to watch if you’ve got an older structure or questionable decking. And yeah, you lose the chance to inspect the decking for hidden issues like soft spots or mold. But if you’re dealing with a tight budget and the first layer is in decent shape (no curling, no moss, nails still holding), sometimes it makes sense to save on tear-off labor and disposal costs.
One thing I’d caution: don’t layer over wood shake or anything that’s already uneven. That’s just asking for trouble down the line. But on a solid surface? It can work out fine, as long as you’re realistic about the lifespan—you probably won’t get quite as many years out of that second layer.
Honestly, I think it comes down to your priorities: long-term peace of mind vs. upfront savings. In my case, layering bought us another decade before we had to do a full tear-off and deck replacement, which was helpful at the time. If you live somewhere with mild weather and your local code allows it, it might be worth considering—not every “shortcut” ends in disaster.
Curious if anyone else layered and regretted it... or was glad they did?
