Innovation, they say, makes the world go round! The rate at which innovation floods every aspect of the present day can only leave one in awe and wonder about what next would be possible.
One such is the discovery that you could tie metal roofs into shingles. This is such a revolutionary age in the roofing industry.
Metal roofs installed with shingles are possible. This roof arrangement is primarily based on the homeowner’s preference and taste. Virtually all roofing professionals who have done this type of roofing advise that you adequately reinforce the roof against leaks and conditions where the metal roof will be unnecessarily exposed to the elements.
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Can You Connect a Metal Roof to a Shingle Roof?
Absolutely! The most popular combination is tying a metal roof with an asphalt shingle roof. This is usually achieved by installing a metal roof on an asphalt shingle roof.
Now, there are a couple of things you should consider while making a final decision to install a metal roof in combination with an asphalt shingle roof.Â
First, installing a metal roof is costly. The higher the amount of metal you engage in your roofing process, the more expensive your roofing project is.
Hence, most homeowners operating on a tight budget and want a metal roof installed in combination with a shingle roof are advised to restrict the variety to specific parts of their building.
These parts include the bay windows, the porches, and any other place within the structure, which does not need much roofing.
Second, you need to engage the service of a professional contractor or roofing expert to install this sort of roofing pattern effectively.
Although a lot of skill is required to install metal roofs successfully, an even higher level is needed to install metal roofs with an asphalt shingle roof.
Ensure the contractor you eventually hire is one who has excellent and practical experience in the installation of both types of roofs.
The fellow must be vast and highly skilled in the proper installation, joining, and protection of asphalt shingle roofs and metal roofs.
Furthermore, arm yourself with the following general knowledge about the nature and durability of metal roofs and asphalt shingle roofs before hiring a professional contractor to do the installation.
#1. Metal Roof Shingles Are Very Durable
So, right off the bat, it is a fact that metal roofs have a longer lifespan than their asphalt shingle roof counterpart.
For instance, while it could be up to 50 years before a standing seam metal would need replacement, its asphalt shingle roof counterpart would need a replacement at the 25th year of installation!
Hence, you might need to replace the asphalt shingle roof component of this roof combination much earlier than you would need to change the metal roof shingle.
#2. Metal Roofing Improves The Aesthetic Appeal
On their own, the asphalt shingle roofs do not confer many aesthetic qualities on a building. But on the other hand, metal roofing does this significantly and effortlessly.
Hence, strive as much as possible to add some metal in some common places around the house, as we have pointed out earlier. They make a home feel and look exactly like home!
Should a Metal Roof Be Installed Over Shingles?
Yes. This can be done without any problems. Contrary to popular opinion, roofing experts have revealed that metal roofs are not that heavy; they are reasonably light and easy to work with.
Also, there are several advantages attached to installing metal roofs over shingles. Some of the benefits include:Â
#1. Time-Saving
Installing a metal roof over existing roof shingles helps to save a lot of time. This time saved would have been spent on trying to remove the existing roof shingles before installing the metal roof.
Therefore, time is well conserved by this approach.
#2. Improves Insulation
Since the metal roof is installed on an existing shingle roof, the insulative property of the underlying shingle roof is multiplied.
This multiplied insulative capacity can be attributed to the presence of fewer stressors on the underlying existing shingle roof.
Thus, the improved ability of the protected shingle roof and that of the metal roof makes the insulation better than using either of them alone.
Other advantages of the metal roof installed with asphalt shingles roofs are Improved noise clearance and improved resistance to water.
However, there are certain conditions in which installing metal roof shingles upon existing roof shingles is not advisable. This is when the existing shingles have been covered with multiple shingles layers.
At this point, the layers would have become too thick, and installing a new metal shingle roofing over the layers would be unsafe, unadvisable, and unprofessional.
Furthermore, the type of underlying shingle would determine whether you can install metal roof shingles or not. As much as the roofing materials’ weight would not cause any structural damage, the roofing can be used.
Thus, the light metal roofs are most perfectly combined with the asphalt shingle roofs, which are a bit heavier but not capable of causing a structural defect on your roof.
On the other hand, an existing wood shingle might be too thick and heavy for metal shingles to be installed without a threat to structural integrity.
Hence, you must consider this technical aspect to determine the roof pair best for your structure.
Do I Need Underlayment for Metal Roof Over Shingles?
In principle, an underlayment is not needed when metal roof shingles have been installed over existing roof shingles.
This is because the metal roof shingles have been proven to proffer an excellent level of protection on the current shingle layer they are spread upon.
However, it does not harm to include an underlayment despite the presence of a protecting layer of metal roof shingles.
On the contrary, it confers even more protection and assurance of the element-proof ability of your roof.
In essence, the choice to include an underlayment or not depends on your budget for the roofing project. It all boils down to preference.
How to Tie a Metal Roof Into Shingles?
Follow the following step-by-step guide on the installation of a metal roof into shingles:
#1. Obtain an accurate measurement of your roof’s surface dimension
This accurate measurement is critical in helping you determine the exact amount of roofing material you would need to complete the roofing project correctly.
Once you determine the total surface area, calculate the total number of metal roofing panels you would need. While measuring, consider technical areas such as chimneys, dormers, and valleys on your roof.
#2. Lay roofing felt over the entire surface
The following steps carry this out;
- Ensure the felt covers every square inch of the roof. Straighten out where needed.
- Put metal panels in place.
- Carefully lay out the panels, including the screws.
#3. Install foam or rubber closures
This is needed to prevent the entry of water during rainfall and snowstorm. It also protects against untimely damage to the roofing components.
#4. Attach ridge cap
This helps to prevent leaks.
Conclusion
Installing a metal roof over an existing shingle roof is an absolute possibility. Apart from the fact that this approach confers significant aesthetic appeal and durability on the roofing system, it also saves time and reduces the cost of starting a house from scratch.
However, installing metal roof shingles over several layers of asphalt shingle roof and the wooden roof is not advisable.
