Can You Install a Metal Roof Over Shingles for Your Chicago Home, Shed, or Garage?
Can metal roof be placed over shingles and is it a good idea at all? Yes, metal roofing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Chicagoland homeowners who want to replace or cover an existing asphalt roof. However, after reviewing a bunch of unclear or inaccurate information, many of them say: “Just show me how to install a metal roof over shingles.” If you are interested in this topic, just read on, because here we have collected all the information about the service of adding metal roof over shingles.
Roof Inspection and Preparation Before Installing Metal Roofing Over Shingles
How to install a metal roof over shingles on a garage or house? Before applying metal roof over shingles, both the slate itself and the underlying roof slab must be thoroughly inspected. This ensures that the new metal roof is installed on a solid and reliable foundation.
The roof base (subfloor) must be in good condition, as it supports the entire roof system. Any damaged areas need to be replaced to ensure the reliability and durability of the new roof.
In addition, any problems that are found (moisture, decay, leaks, or damage to the substrate) should be addressed before the new roof is installed, as they can significantly affect the durability and quality of the new roof.
Excellence is Our Culture
Full Process: How Do You Install a Metal Roof Over Shingles in the Chicago Area?
Now we will tell you the best way to install a metal roof over shingles, which we always follow as a local roofing contractor in Chicago:
Step 1: Installing Furring Strips Over Existing Shingles
First, our craftsmen install furring strips, which provide ventilation, insulation, and noise reduction. It generates airspace, which hinders moisture formation, enhances energy efficiency as well as lessens noise.
Step 2: Installing the Best Underlayment for Metal Roof Over Shingles
The synthetic underlayment provides reliable protection against moisture under the metal roof and prevents corrosion. It is also chosen for its tear resistance and water resistance.
Recommended materials for roof underlayment in Chicago:
- Synthetic underlayment – polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester, easy to install, resistant to moisture.
- Rubber asphalt – provides a high level of water protection, especially useful for areas with high rainfall.
- Foam backing – good insulation, suitable for all climates, protects against wind and rain.
Step 3: Installing Metal Panels Over an Existing Roof
Laying metal panels requires precise alignment and proper fastening for durability. Therefore, the roofing professionals first set a starting line to ensure that the first panel is level, then fix the roof panels with screws and rubber washers and avoid over-tightening.
Step 4: Flashing and Finishing Touches
In the last stage, we install aprons at the junctions between the roof and walls, pipes, and other building elements. They protect against moisture penetration under the roof. After that, we fix the ridge element to the ridge of the roof to protect it from precipitation. If necessary, we also install snow fences to prevent avalanches.
Whether you need a simple repair or a complete replacement, our expert team in Chicago is here to help.
Metal Roof Over Shingles Pros Cons: Why Put Metal Roof Over Shingles?
So, is a metal roof over shingles good or bad? Let’s take a look at the benefits of a metal roof over existing shingle roof:
- Durability – Metal roofs are resistant to high winds, snow, hail, and even fire. They don’t crack or warp, as is often the case with tiles, and can last for more than 50 years.
- Low maintenance requirements – They do not require frequent inspection or repair, only periodic cleaning of debris and checking of fasteners.
3. Resistance to damage – Metal is resistant to rot, mold, and insect damage.
4. Efficiency in winter – It is easy and quick to remove snow from metal roofs.
5. Environmental friendliness – Environmentally friendly standing seam metal roofs usually are made from recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of their service life.
But there are also some metal roof over shingles problems:
- High initial cost – Installing a new roof with metal is significantly more expensive than a tile roof because of the cost of materials and the complexity of installation.
- Noise during rainfall – You won’t see this in metal roof over shingles problems pictures, but it does exist. Metal roofs can be noisier during rain or hail, especially if there are no soundproofing layers of roofing.
How Much More Expensive is a Metal Roof Over Shingles?
Explore our collection of informative and engaging videos on roof repair.
Energy Efficiency and Insulation Benefits of Installing a Metal Standing Seam Roof
First, metal roofing is durable and has a high ability to reflect the sun’s heat, lowering the internal temperature of the room in summer and reducing the need for air conditioning. Second, to maximize energy efficiency, you can install additional metal roof over shingles insulation. For this purpose, spray foam, rigid panels, or reflective foil are used.
It also should be noted that metal roofs work well in Chicago’s extreme temperatures, and help reduce the urban heat island effect and decrease cooling costs by as much as 50 percent.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care After Putting Metal Roof Over Shingles
Use these tips and your metal roof on top will serve for many years:
- Check the roof twice a year, looking for damage and loose elements.
- Clean the roof of leaves and branches to avoid moisture accumulation.
- Ensure that water flows freely to avoid water accumulation and damage to the roof.
- Use a mild detergent and brush to remove dirt without damage.
- Contact a professional if you find dents or looseness to repair the panels.
- Have a professional inspect and perform preventive maintenance every few years.
- Protective coatings and paints can help prevent corrosion and improve energy efficiency.
Conclusion
So now you know everything about how to install a metal roof over shingles on a shed or house. To summarize, installing a metal roof over shingles in Chicago has a number of advantages: it reduces cost because you do not have to strip off the previous roof, and enhances the life span – a metal roof can last up to 70 years compared to shingles. Therefore, metal roofs are appropriate for this area and the severe weather conditions but do not overlook the need for professional work by a reputable contractor.
FAQ
Do you need a permit to put a metal roof over shingles?
Yes, a permit is usually required when you opt for metal roofing. Requirements may vary from region to region and from locality to locality. Therefore, be sure to contact the appropriate authorities for details about metal and current shingles before installing a roof.
What are the benefits of metal roof over shingles with furring strips?
The battens provide ventilation. This helps to prevent condensation and extends the service life of both the metal roof and the roof as a whole, so we recommend that you do not consider installing a metal roof over shingles without furring strips.
Is it ok to put metal roof over shingles in any weather condition, or is there an ideal time for installation?
Dry, warm weather is ideal for metal roof installation. Therefore, it is better to plan work for the warm season, when there is no risk of frost. But it can be done in winter, if necessary.
How long does it take to install a metal roof over existing shingles?
Typically, it takes 1 to 3 days to install a metal roof over tiles, depending on the size of the roof and the complexity of the work. The process can be faster if there is no need to dismantle the old asphalt roof.
What is the expected lifespan of a metal roof installed over shingles?
The service life of this type of roofing can reach 50 years or more. This is much longer than that of traditional slate. However, the exact service life depends on the quality of the metal roofing materials, proper roof installation, and compliance with the building codes.
