1.00 Dollar US$ The Dangers of the "Layover": Why Two Roofs Are Worse Than One Broadlands

When facing a costly roof replacement, homeowners often ask about a "layover" or "re-cover"—installing a new layer of shingles directly over the old ones. It is cheaper and faster, often saving 20-30% on labor and disposal fees. However, at DISCOUNTED ROOFING LLC, we analyze the long-term data, and the statistics on layovers are grim. While it solves the immediate leak, it often reduces the lifespan of the new shingles by up to 40%.

The primary issue is thermal retention. A roof needs to breathe. When you add a second layer of asphalt shingles, you create a dense thermal mass that traps heat. In the summer, the temperature between the two layers can skyrocket, essentially cooking the new shingles from the bottom up. This excessive heat accelerates the loss of volatile oils, causing the new roof to become brittle, curl, and crack years before its warranty period expires. Most manufacturers will void or severely limit their warranty on a layover installation for this exact reason.

Secondly, a layover prevents us from inspecting the deck. The wooden plywood sheathing is the foundation of your roof. If you have a leak necessitating Roof Repair Philadelphia, there is a high probability that the wood underneath is wet or rotting. By burying that rot under a second layer of heavy shingles, you are trapping the moisture. The rot will continue to spread in the dark, eventually compromising the structural integrity of the trusses. We have seen cases where a cheap layover resulted in a catastrophic structural failure five years later, costing ten times the price of the original tear-off.

Weight is another data point to consider. A square of shingles (100 sq ft) weighs roughly 250-300 pounds. A standard roof might be 20 to 30 squares. Adding a second layer adds literally tons of extra static load to your home’s framing. In Philadelphia, where we can get heavy snow loads (adding more weight), this reduced structural safety margin is a significant risk.

The math is clear: saving $2,000 today on a layover often costs $15,000 in early failure and structural repairs tomorrow. A full tear-off allows us to inspect the deck, install modern synthetic underlayment, and ensure the new roof performs to its full potential.

Analyze your savings potential with DISCOUNTED ROOFING LLC. https://www.discountedroofingllc.com/

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