Should I Install Shingles Over My Existing Shingles? (Myrtle Beach)

“Can I have shingles installed over my existing shingles?”

This question rings in my ears as I try to sleep at night. And not because I expect homeowners to know the answer to this question, but because the roofer who suggested this should. At my company, Linta Roofing, I never approve of shingling over old shingles. Why? Because in our Myrtle Beach area, this can become a major headache for homeowners.

So, while it’s possible, I never suggest doing this. Most commonly, roofers suggest this to keep costs low. And it’s true, this provides significant cost savings on the front end. However, this method is not conducive for roofs in the greater Myrtle Beach area. Ideally, you wouldn’t have shingles installed on top of shingles in any environment, because it leaves the roofer and homeowner blind to potential issues lying under the shingles.

But to provide you with more information on this topic, we will discuss when you can install shingles over shingles and when you can’t.

Let’s get into it.

When You CAN Install Shingles Over Shingles

While it can drive the costs down in the present moment, this method can surely rack up repair costs over time. So while I never recommend shingling over shingles in the Myrtle Beach area, that is not necessarily common practice for other areas of the country. 

It is popular in regions where there are prolonged cooling periods and snowfall is more common. While doubling up on shingles does not necessarily improve your roof's ability to handle snowfall, it’s less damaging in regions where humidity is only high during warm months. Not only that, but areas that experience less humidity over a shorter period of time than an area like Myrtle Beach, with their hottest time of year lasting only 2 or 3 months.

So, what does that mean for Myrtle Beach residents? Does it mean you can’t have shingles installed over your current roof?

When You CAN’T Install Shingles On Top of Existing Shingles

Now, I say this knowing that you can install shingles over existing shingles in Myrtle Beach, but you probably wouldn’t want to. In general, Myrtle Beach temperatures are pretty mild. Snowfall is a pretty big spectacle here in the south. It is incredibly rare for temperatures to get down to a point that snow is even possible. 

In turn, we tend to experience more humid temperatures over a longer period of time. The reason this is so important is because humidity and heat can damage even one layer of shingles if they weren’t installed correctly. Adding an additional layer of shingles will only trap humidity and heat, suffocating your roof and providing an environment for a myriad of roof damage. Even with proper ventilation, a second layer of shingles will likely last half of its expected lifespan. Meaning that you’ll need a new roof in around 7 or 8 years. 

In addition to a new roof, you may also need to have interior damage reconciled, as trapped humidity tends to cause a domino effect of problems. It pains me to see how much money this can cost a homeowner in the long run, sometimes equaling or exceeding the original cost of a new roofing system from the start.

Why You Should Always Have a Full Roof Replacement

You may have heard that shingling over shingles is a less costly way to replace your roof. And I understand that a roof replacement is no small investment. Which is why I always suggest homeowners identify ways to decrease the cost of their roofing system without compromising its integrity. 

I encourage you to be empowered with knowledge as you embark on a roofing project, which is why I always strongly recommend doing your research and comparing roofing contractors until you find a contractor you can trust, whether it’s Linta Roofing or another company. But if you feel like Linta Roofing is the right fit for your roofing project, I can promise you that we will never compromise the quality or safety of your roof. And if you’re wondering how much shingles would cost on your home, we’re happy to provide you with an instant estimate, right now!