Why does it cost more if my roof already has two layers?
When a roof has two layers of shingles, both layers have to be removed before the new roof goes on. That means more labor and more material to haul away, and the decking underneath cannot be checked until both layers are off.
Why some roofs have two layers
For many years it was common to install new shingles over an existing roof instead of removing it first. This saved the cost of a tear-off.
Building codes generally allow no more than two layers of shingles, so a roof that already has two layers needs a full tear-off when it is replaced.
What it means for your estimate
With two layers, the decking cannot be inspected until everything is removed. For that reason, an estimate for a layered roof may include a price for any decking that needs to be replaced.
Ask your contractor how decking will be handled so there are no surprises once work begins.
Finding out how many layers you have
A roofer can usually tell how many layers are on your roof by looking at the edge of the roof or around a vent. Contact Empire Contractors for a free, no-obligation estimate.
Related questions
How do I find out how many layers my roof has?
A roofer can usually tell by looking at the edge of the roof or around a vent.
Can I add a third layer?
Building codes generally allow no more than two layers of shingles, so a third layer is usually not permitted.
Does insurance pay to remove a second layer?
It depends on your policy and the claim. Ask your insurance company how the removal of additional layers is handled.
