Weighing the pros and cons: full roof removal vs. just adding a new layer

Maybe infrared cameras help a little, but honestly, nothing beats just ripping it up and seeing what’s really going on underneath.

That’s been my experience too. We thought about just layering new shingles on our old roof a couple years back, but once we started seeing a few soft spots in the attic, I got nervous. Pulled everything off and found a bunch of rotted decking around the chimney - would’ve missed all that if we’d just covered it up. It cost more upfront, but at least I’m not worrying every time it rains now. Sometimes those shortcuts end up being way pricier in the long run.

Sometimes those shortcuts end up being way pricier in the long run.

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen folks try to save a few bucks by just adding a layer, but then they’re back a year later with leaks or sagging spots. Pulling everything off feels like a pain at first, but finding those hidden problems is worth it. Plus, you get peace of mind knowing you’re not just covering up a mess. Guess it’s one of those “pay now or pay more later” situations.

Pulling everything off feels like a pain at first, but finding those hidden problems is worth it.

That’s been my experience too. When we finally bit the bullet and did a full tear-off, we found a bunch of rotted decking around the chimney that would’ve just kept getting worse. It was a mess, but at least we caught it before it turned into structural damage. I get why people want to save money, but sometimes those shortcuts just aren’t worth the gamble.

Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing when we do tear-offs - there’s always something lurking under there. One time we found a wasp nest wedged between old shingles and the decking... not exactly what you want to discover mid-job. I get why folks think a second layer saves money, but it kind of feels like putting a band-aid on a bigger problem sometimes. Guess it depends how old your roof is and what shape it’s actually in underneath.

That’s exactly why I lean toward full tear-offs, especially after storm damage. You just never know what’s hiding under that top layer - rot, mold, nests, you name it. If you just add new shingles, you’re basically sealing in whatever problems are already there. Plus, I’ve seen insurance claims get tricky if there’s more than one layer. Curious if anyone’s had issues with warranties when they went with a second layer? Sometimes the manufacturer won’t cover it.