A tear-off removes the old shingles down to the wood before the new roof goes on. A roof-over, also called a layover, nails new shingles right on top of the old ones. Our standard is a full tear-off. If your roof already has two layers, taking both off is part of the job.
What is a roof-over?
A roof-over puts a new layer of shingles over the old layer. The old shingles stay on the house. It skips the tear-off, so it is less work on the day.
What is a tear-off?
A tear-off strips the old shingles off, all the way down to the wood. The roofer checks the bare wood and replaces any bad boards. Then new underlayment and new shingles go on a clean surface.
How do they compare?
| Tear-off | Roof-over | |
|---|---|---|
| Old shingles | Removed and hauled away | Left on the roof |
| Can the roofer see the wood? | Yes | No |
| Bad wood | Found and replaced | Stays hidden under the new roof |
| New underlayment | Yes, over the whole roof | Usually not |
| Weight on the house | One layer | Two layers |
| Look | Flat and clean | Bumps from the old roof can show through |
| Next roof | One layer to remove | Two layers to remove |
| Allowed in NC | Yes | Only in some cases (see below) |
Does North Carolina allow a roof over old shingles?
Sometimes. North Carolina's residential code does not allow a new roof over an old one when:
- The roof already has two or more layers.
- The wood under the shingles is water-soaked or rotten.
- The old roof is slate or tile.
So two layers is the most a roof can have. A roof-over on a single old layer is allowed only if the wood is sound. But you cannot know the wood is sound without seeing it.
ARMA, the asphalt roofing trade group, also says shingle makers generally do not recommend going over architectural shingles.
Why do we always tear off?
Because a clean start lasts longer.
- We can see the wood. Soft or rotten boards get found now, not after the next leak. If any are bad, we send you a photo before we replace them.
- Fresh underlayment goes on. That is a second line of defense against rain.
- The new shingles lay flat. They seal better and look better.
- Your next roofer has less to remove.
What if my roof already has two layers?
Then both layers come off. That is part of the job, not an add-on you find out about later. Two layers means more to tear off and haul away, so the day can run a bit longer. We will tell you up front after the free roof check.
Is a roof-over cheaper?
Up front, often yes. It skips the tear-off and the hauling. But it hides problems you cannot see. Any bad wood stays under the new roof and keeps getting worse. The next time the roof is replaced, two layers have to come off instead of one.
Over the life of the roof, a tear-off is the better deal for most homes. See what a new roof costs in Gastonia for what drives the price.
How long does a tear-off take?
Most of our roof replacements, tear-off included, are done in one day. We start at 7am and are cleaned up by mid afternoon on most homes. The old shingles go straight into the trailer, and we run a magnet over the yard and driveway for nails. Read more in how long a roof replacement takes.
How many layers does my roof have?
Look at the edge of the roof from a ladder or a window, or check your home inspection report. Thick, uneven edges can mean two layers. The easiest way is to let us look. Book a free roof inspection and a roofer will get on your roof and text you photos and video. Learn more about our roof replacement process.
Common questions
Can you put new shingles over old shingles?
Sometimes, but we do not. NC code does not allow it over two layers or over wet or rotten wood. Our standard is a full tear-off so we can see and fix the wood.
How many layers of shingles are allowed in North Carolina?
Two is the most. NC's residential code does not allow a new roof over a roof that already has two or more layers.
My roof has two layers. Do I pay extra to remove them?
Removing both layers is part of the job. We look at your roof first and give you an exact price that includes it.
Is a roof-over cheaper than a tear-off?
Often up front, yes. But it hides bad wood, and the next roof has two layers to remove. For most homes, a tear-off is the better deal.
