Need advice on replacing the roof on my house

[Marley's Ghost]

As my humble abode is now 18 years old, the original roof needs to be replaced. My two options are:

1) Remove old shingles and replace with new - $6100
2) Install new shingles on top of existing - $4200.

Is it worth the extra 2 grand to have the old shingles removed? Anything else I should be aware of? Feedback would be most appreciated.

[hover]

afaik, by "code" you are allowed 2 layers of shingles before it needs to be stripped. At least here in MA & CT.

Are you experincing any leaks? I would have those areas checked for pokey wood that may need to be replaced.

18 years? I thought most roofs were good for 30.

[Marley's Ghost]

Originally Posted by hover

afaik, by "code" you are allowed 2 layers of shingles before it needs to be stripped. At least here in MA & CT.

Are you experiencing any leaks? I would have those areas checked for pokey wood that may need to be replaced.

18 years? I thought most roofs were good for 30.

The original roof is new construction inferior quality. 20 yr warranty. I am only getting a leak in the family room (could be flashing) which has a separate roof. Everyone else whose house was built when mine was is getting theirs replaced. I am seeing a few small holes, bu nothing major

[Pilgrim]

I live in Colorado and the original shake roof is on my house - built in 1968. I LOVE the climate here! I think you should look around for a reputable roofer and get at least one, maybe two more, opinions. If flashing is failing in one area, you definitely need to check the wood in that area, and assume that other flashing may be ready to go.

You should do some online research at sites which authoritative authors have written...don't get all your info here on a music site.

I don't have a real problem with adding a second set of composition shingles over an existing set - as long as it conforms to local building codes and is done by pros, not fly-by-night types. Roofers vary from pros to absolute flakes. GET REFERENCES. My preference would be to strip the old roof, renew ALL the flashing and seals, lay down new tar paper, and generally do it right. And if you're having flashing problems, you absolutely need to replace all of the original flashing.

The problems you are likely to experience aren't with the roof itself, but with flashing and seals around vents, eaves, chimneys and other roof penetrations. If any of those fail due to rusting out or being damaged during the new roof installation, you're in trouble until you have it repaired.

You also need the edge of the roof treated properly so that you don't get moisture wicking back up under the shingles...assuming you live in ice country.

My vote: Strip it down and do it right.

[MJ5150]

How long do you plan on living there?

-Mike

[Marley's Ghost]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

How long do you plan on living there?

-Mike

Probably another 5 years at most.

[MJ5150]

Originally Posted by Marley's Ghost

Probably another 5 years at most.

Save the $2K for something else and throw another layer on top. Provided your city/county code allows for it. Double check with the local builing code enforcement department to be sure.

-Mike

[Marley's Ghost]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Save the $2K for something else and throw another layer on top. Provided your city/county code allows for it. Double check with the local builing code enforcement department to be sure.

-Mike

We are allowed to overcoat twice by code.

[hover]

then just put a new layer down over it. definitely.

[PaleMelanesian]

If you're in a warm climate, consider a lighter color for the new roof. It'll save on your AC bill. Of course, in a cold climate, dark is good for extra heat in the winter.

[iamlowsound]

Strip it, much better idea. As much as it doesn't make sense, but having more than one layer of shingles on a roof will make it leak faster. Strip it down and do it right. Here we are only aloud to have one layer. BTW, we do about 30-40 roofs a year with the carpentry company that I work for and I do another few a year on the side.

lowsound

[Marley's Ghost]

btw, the house is in Delaware.