Installing Asphalt Shingles over an Existing Shingle Roof

Although placing new roofing over old may be allowed by some codes, “roofovers” tend to be inferior and won’t last as long as a roof installed over stripped sheathing. If you must do a roofover, check with your local building department first—codes typically require that you strip a roof if there are two or more layers or if existing shingles are curling.

Before beginning, replace or flash over old flashing as follows:

• Use aviation snips to cut away flashing around plumbing vents.
• Use a cold chisel to remove chimney counterflashing.
• Along the eaves, install a new drip-edge over the butt ends of existing shingles.
• Along the rakes, install a new J-channel drip-edge, which wraps around the old rake flashing and starter courses.
• Leave the old valley flashing in place, and install new over it.

To level out an existing asphalt-shingle roof, rip down (reduce the height of) two courses of shingles, as shown in the drawing below. Because asphalt shingles are routinely exposed 5 in., rip down the first strip (the starter course) so that it is 5 in. high. Then lay it over the original (old) first course so that the strip is flush against the butts of the original second course above. Next, rip down a second strip (second course) 10 in. high, and put it flush against the butts of the original third course. You now have a flat surface along the eaves. The third course of new shingles—and all subsequent shingles—need not be cut down, just butted to an original course above and nailed down. Use 1-1/2-in. roofing nails for roofovers—or whatever length is necessary to reach the sheathing.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

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Peel & Stick Underlayment

Often required by code, this durable, slip resistant, self-sealing, and self-adhered roofing underlayment is easy to install and ensures maximum protection along roof eaves, rakes, and valleys.

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Flashing Boot Repair

Prolonged exposure to the sun and weather can compromise the rubber gasket on standard vent flashing. Use this to quickly and permanently fix failed seals or to help protect the gasket in new-construction applications.

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Hook Blade Roofing Knife

Cutting asphalt shingles is made faster, easier, and safer when using a hook-blade. Suitable for any standard utility knife, these are a must-have on any roofing project.

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