If your roof is showing signs of wear, you might be tempted to save money with a “roof over”—installing new shingles directly on top of the old ones. While this may seem like a quick fix, the long-term consequences can be costly. At Weather Stop Roofing, we strongly advise against roof overs for Cincinnati homeowners and business owners alike. Here’s why you should never do a roof over.
Most Roof Overs Are Not Warrantable
One of the biggest downsides to a roof over is that manufacturer warranties typically don’t apply. Practically all roofing material producers require a clean deck installation for their warranties to be valid. The same goes for reputable roofing companies, who will not warranty an installation if you opt to install over an existing roof system. If you roof over existing shingles, you could be left without coverage if something goes wrong.
What we do: Weather Stop Roofing always follows manufacturer guidelines and strongly advises roof replacements instead of roof overs to ensure your new roof qualifies for full warranty protection from both us and the manufacturer
Higher Labor Costs for Your Next Roof
A roof over may seem cheaper now, but it sets you up for higher labor costs down the road. When it’s time for your next replacement, your roofer will have to tear off two layers of shingles, increasing both time and disposal fees.
Bottom line: A roof over only delays the real cost—and makes it worse later.
More Difficult Repairs and Troubleshooting
With two layers of roofing, leaks and other issues are harder to locate and fix. Water can travel between the layers, making the source of a problem nearly impossible to pinpoint without removing both.
Our approach: We believe in doing it right the first time. A clean installation means easier maintenance and fewer headaches.
Increased Risk of Wood Rot and Structural Damage
When you add another layer of shingles, you’re also adding excessive weight to your roof structure. This can lead to:
- Structural strain on rafters and decking
- Trapped moisture between the layers
- Accelerated mold growth and wood rot
These hidden dangers compromise the integrity of your home and can lead to expensive repairs.
What we see in Cincinnati homes: Roof overs often hide serious damage that goes untreated for years—until it’s too late.
A Shorter Roof Lifespan
Even the best-quality shingles won’t last as long when installed over an existing roof. Heat builds up between the layers, baking the shingles from beneath and shortening their lifespan.
Instead of lasting 20–30 years, a roof over may last as little as 10.
Hidden Problems Stay Hidden
When you remove the old shingles, you get a clear look at the condition of your roof decking, flashing, vents, and underlayment. Roofing over hides:
- Soft or rotten wood
- Nail pops
- Poor ventilation issues
- Pest damage
Skipping a tear-off means missing the chance to address these problems when it’s easiest and cheapest to fix them.
Why Cincinnati Homeowners Trust Weather Stop Roofing
We never cut corners. At Weather Stop Roofing, we know that a proper tear-off and full inspection are critical to delivering a long-lasting, warrantied roof. Our experienced team serves the Greater Cincinnati area with transparent pricing, quality materials, and reliable service.
Our roofing process includes:
- Full removal of old roofing materials
- Deck inspection and repair
- High-quality underlayment and ventilation systems
- Warrantied installation backed by manufacturer specifications
Ready for a Roof Done Right?
Don’t take shortcuts with something as important as your roof. A roof over may save a little money upfront—but it often leads to bigger expenses, hidden damage, and premature failure.
Contact Weather Stop Roofing today to schedule a free roof inspection and get honest advice from Cincinnati’s trusted roofing professionals.
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Schedule a free estimate online and see why homeowners across Cincinnati choose Weather Stop Roofing.
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