Roofing isn’t something to cut corners on. It protects your home, your family, and everything inside. Slapping a new layer of shingles over the old ones is a shortcut that comes with long-term risks. At Excellent Roofing, we’ve repaired the aftermath of these decisions too many times. As a Memphis roofing company, we always recommend tearing off the old roof before putting a new one on. Here’s why.
Hidden Damage Stays Hidden
Overlaying hides the condition of the original roof. Water-damaged decking, rotten wood, mold, or soft spots are sealed under the new layer where they are unseen but still causing problems. Instead of fixing the issue, you’re burying it. A tear-off gives our home roofing contractors the ability to check for rot and make needed repairs before installing anything new.
Too Much Weight for the Structure
Roofs aren’t designed to carry two full layers of shingles. Over time, the added weight can stress rafters and trusses, especially in older homes. That strain leads to sagging, cracked drywall, and—in extreme cases—structural damage. It’s a shortcut that might turn into a serious expense later.
Warranties May Be Voided
Shingle manufacturers often won’t honor warranties on roofs installed over existing layers. That means if something fails, you’re stuck paying out of pocket. As a residential roofing company, we help homeowners get work done the right way.
Heat Buildup and Shorter Shingle Life
When shingles are installed over an old layer, heat gets trapped between the materials. That trapped heat breaks down the new shingles faster, shortening their lifespan. Memphis summers are already tough on roofs, so you don’t want to add extra heat just because of a shortcut.
A second layer never lays as flat or clean as a proper tear-off. Edges bulge. Valleys ripple. You end up with an uneven roof that looks old even when it’s brand new. At Excellent Roofing, our home roofing contractors always recommend starting fresh. As a Memphis roofing company with years of experience, we tear off old materials, inspect what’s underneath, and build a roof that lasts.
