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

Had a similar situation a few years back—tried to save money by just layering over the old shingles. It looked fine until we got hit with a week of rain. Ever notice how the leaks seem to find the exact spot you hoped would hold? I ended up ripping everything off anyway, but I did switch to a cool roof membrane that’s supposed to last longer and reflect more heat. Anyone else tried something like that, or am I just overthinking the green stuff?

I get the appeal of those cool roof membranes—energy savings sound great, especially with how hot summers are getting. But I’m not totally sold on skipping a full tear-off just for the “green” factor. When I bought my place last year, the inspector pointed out that adding layers can actually trap moisture between old and new materials, which might lead to mold or rot down the line. That’s what made me nervous about just covering up.

Here’s how I broke it down:
1. Checked for any soft spots or sagging in the decking (found a couple, which would’ve been hidden if I’d just layered over).
2. Compared costs—yeah, full removal was pricier upfront, but warranties were better and there’s less risk of future leaks.
3. Looked into local codes—turns out my city only allows one extra layer anyway.

I ended up doing a full tear-off and went with architectural shingles plus a reflective underlayment. Not as “green” as a membrane maybe, but it felt safer long-term. Sometimes the eco-friendly option is worth it, but I’d say don’t overlook what’s underneath... literally.

But I’m not totally sold on skipping a full tear-off just for the “green” factor. When I bought my place last year, the inspector pointed out that adding layers can actually trap moisture bet...

I hear you on the moisture worries, but honestly, a lot of those issues come down to how well the installer preps the old surface. If you’ve got a solid, dry deck and the right underlayment, a single recover can work just fine in many climates. I’ve seen plenty of layered roofs last decades without rot—provided someone actually checked for soft spots first. The main thing is not skipping that inspection step before adding anything new.

I get where you’re coming from—when I first bought my house, the inspector basically gave me a crash course in “roof archaeology.” Turns out, there were three layers of shingles up there, and I had no idea until a couple started curling after a rough winter. I was pretty nervous about moisture too, especially since our summers here get humid and the attic isn’t exactly a model of ventilation.

But here’s the thing: when I finally bit the bullet and had a roofer come out, he poked around and said the decking was still solid. No soft spots, no weird smells, nothing. He did say that if I wanted to save some cash and avoid sending a mountain of old shingles to the landfill, a single recover would be fine—*as long as* everything underneath was dry and flat. He even lifted a few shingles to double-check. I appreciated that level of detail, honestly.

That said, I’ve also seen my neighbor’s place go sideways because their contractor just slapped new shingles on top of some pretty questionable stuff. Within two years, they had leaks and mold in the attic. So yeah, prep is everything. If you skip the inspection or try to cover up problems, you’re just kicking the can down the road.

One thing I didn’t expect: adding another layer made the roof look a bit bulkier at the edges. Not a huge deal, but it’s noticeable if you’re picky about curb appeal. Also, some insurance companies get weird about multiple layers—mine didn’t care, but my friend’s policy actually required a full tear-off before they’d renew.

Long story short, I’m not against re-roofing over an existing layer if you’ve got a good base and someone who actually cares enough to check for trouble spots. But if there’s any doubt about what’s under there—or if you live somewhere with wild weather swings—it might be worth just starting fresh. Sometimes peace of mind is worth the extra dumpster rental...

I get the landfill concern, but honestly, I lean toward a full tear-off almost every time. Even if the decking *seems* solid, you just can’t see everything until it’s exposed. I’ve managed a few properties where “just one more layer” turned into hidden rot and surprise repairs down the line. Plus,

“adding another layer made the roof look a bit bulkier at the edges.”