Is your wood roofing deteriorating? If so, you’re likely considering a new roof installation with popular modern materials, like asphalt roofing shingles. Roof replacement is expensive, so you may be searching for ways to save some cash on your installation too.
You may have been advised to install your new asphalt roofing shingles over your existing wood shakes as a cheaper alternative to a complete replacement—but we’re here to explain why that’s not great advice.
Why You Shouldn’t Install Asphalt Roofing Shingles Over Wood Shakes
Yes, it’s possible to install asphalt roofing shingles over your existing wood shakes—but it’s never a good idea.
A roofer would only offer to install asphalt roofing shingles over wood shakes because the installation is cheaper and quicker. Often, homeowners will choose this roofer’s bid over more expensive proposals (by roofing companies going the extra mile to do the job correctly). Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize dishonest roofing companies installing asphalt shingles over wood shakes are sacrificing the quality and long-term performance of their new roofing system.
If you install asphalt roofing shingles over your wood shakes, you may encounter the following issues:
Weather Damage
If you’re planning to replace your wood shakes, chances are, they’re old and deteriorating. When a roofing company installs asphalt shingles over the damaged shake surface, it’s like placing a bandage on the underlying damage. Mold, mildew, algae, fungus, and moisture deterioration that is already present on your wood shakes will continue to spread, causing rotting and costly structural damage to occur beneath your new asphalt shingles.
Additionally, your contractor will not be able to securely fasten new roofing shingles to a material that is cracked, brittle, or worn, making shingle blow-off and water leaks more likely to occur.
Extra Weight
Wood shakes aren’t as heavy as asphalt roofing shingles, so they don’t require as much structural support.
If you install new asphalt roofing over your old wood shakes, it may cause your existing framing, rafters, and ridge to sag. This extra weight can create concerning problems, like your entire roofing system caving in. It’s much better to reinforce or install new framing that can support asphalt roofing shingles before installing your new roof.
Poor Ventilation
It’s crucial to ensure your attic has adequate ventilation to keep your home and roofing system at a consistent temperature, especially during the cold winter, when ice dams may form and create water leaks.
Unfortunately, when installing asphalt roofing shingles over wood shakes, you’re adding an extra barrier between your attic and the outdoor environment, reducing ventilation and making your attic warmer. Heat shortens the lifespan of asphalt, so you may need to install additional ventilation to improve the performance of your new roofing system.
Coverage Concerns
Unfortunately, if asphalt roofing is installed over wood shakes, damage to your roofing system may not be covered by insurance and may void the warranty.
Replace Your Aging Wood Shake Roof With Asphalt Shingles From Christian Brothers Roofing
When it’s time to replace your cedar shakes with a reliable alternative, it’s easy to see why asphalt roofing shingles are an excellent choice for your Kansas City home!
Christian Brothers Roofing can help replace your wooden roofing system with long-lasting asphalt shingles, repair broken or lost shingles, or complete necessary maintenance tasks to keep your roofing system in great shape. We may not be the lowest bid, but we can guarantee your roof will last and your warranty will be protected.
Learn more about our residential asphalt roofing services to discover how we can help you enjoy beautiful, durable, low-maintenance asphalt roofing shingles!
