You are allowed to add another shingles layer on the initial one but the truth is that the old shingles are always better to be removed. Shingles that are added over old shingles will never last as long as a brand new installation after removing the old shingles. The problem is that this is a task that is not that easy. You need to be careful and always plan everything properly.
Removing the old roof shingles will allow you to:
- Figure out what happens under the shingles. For instance, you can fix small leaks that would cause a lot of damage. Exposing roof surface allows you to fix and find damage.
- Replace corroded or damaged metal valleys and flashing.
- Build a brand new roof that will be smoother.
- Install water and ice barriers so that ice dam problems can disappear.
Preparing For Tear-Offs
You can use tear-off shovels with serrated edges in order to tear up shingles. This is because of the fulcrum that is welded on the shovel head’s back.
It is difficult to tear off the old roof and you do need specialty tools. It is vital that you prepare properly and that you get all the tools that are needed for the clean-up process, not just the removal process. Here are the steps you have to follow:
- Put a large trash container in a proper position for an easier loading. It is a good idea to position right under lower eaves so that you save time since debris would drop right into the container. Protect the driveway with old plywood sheets.
- Use reinforced plastic tarps to cover the foliage close to the house. This allows an easier cleanup. Lean plywood sheets can be set against the walls in order to protect doors and windows, electrical fixtures and siding.
- Start using the tear off shovel to remove old shingles. You can start wherever you like. Save your back muscles by working from the sides, top and bottom. Use a push broom to clean the roof and remove what remains. Always remove the fasteners as you see them since they are huge tripping hazards.
- Now you have to cut water and ice barriers, remove backing and put the sticky side to sheathing present along the eave edges. The ends should overlap 6 inches.
- Felt over the ventilation holes. Accidentally stepping through camouflaged holes is possible so you need to cover everything with plywood tacked down scraps. Wind protection is possible with snap shingle layout lines.
- Loose scraps can be cleaned up by simply dragging around trash cans so that you transfer debris towards a larger container. You have to always go over the house with the use of a magnetic broom in order to remove extra debris.
