- I actually went with a second layer last fall, mostly because my budget was tight and the old shingles weren’t curling or anything.
- Haven’t had leaks (yet), but I do worry about not seeing what’s under there...
- As for underlayment, my contractor pushed for synthetic—said it’s lighter and tougher than felt.
- Not sure if it’s really “drier” long-term, but it was way easier for them to install.
- If you’re already seeing water spots, though, maybe full tear-off is safer? I kinda wish I’d checked my attic more closely before deciding.
I get the budget thing—been there. But after I did a tear-off a few years back, I found some nasty rot hiding under the old shingles. Honestly, I’d never have known if I’d just layered over. That convinced me it’s worth the extra cost, especially if you want to go greener with better insulation or even solar down the line. Those synthetic underlayments are decent, but nothing beats knowing what’s actually going on under your roof.
Had a similar situation on a duplex I manage—looked fine from the outside, but when we finally did a full tear-off, there was a patch of plywood that was basically mulch. If we’d just slapped another layer on, I’m sure it would’ve come back to haunt us. It’s a pain budget-wise, but catching those hidden issues early saved us way more in the long run. Plus, insurance was happier with the clean slate.
Funny how roofs can look totally fine until you actually dig in—then it’s a horror show under there. I’ve run into the same thing: what looked like just a few missing shingles turned out to be a rotted mess once we started pulling things up. I get the temptation to just add a new layer and call it good, but man, I’d rather deal with the pain now than have tenants calling about leaks in six months. Insurance is definitely less cranky when everything’s replaced, too... though my wallet doesn’t always agree.
I’ve been down this road a couple times now, and every time I think I can just patch things up, something ugly pops up underneath. Last year, I figured I’d save some cash and just add a second layer of shingles on my garage roof—looked fine from the outside. But when I started noticing soft spots underfoot, I pulled up a section and found the decking was basically mulch in places. Ended up having to rip everything off anyway, which was way more work than if I’d just done it right from the start.
I get why people want to avoid a full tear-off—costs add up fast, especially if you’re paying someone else. But in my experience, you’re just kicking the can down the road if there’s any sign of rot or water damage. Plus, like you mentioned, insurance adjusters seem to take things more seriously when you show them photos of a full replacement versus a quick fix.
Not saying there aren’t situations where an overlay makes sense—maybe if the decking’s solid and you’re in a mild climate—but around here (lots of freeze/thaw cycles), it’s asking for trouble. My wallet grumbles too, but at least I sleep better when it rains...