Roof Overlay / Re-Roofing by ARCM Roofing
A new shingle layer over your existing roof — for the roofs that qualify. Lower cost, faster install, and honest guidance when tear-off serves you better.
Our Honest Take First
Overlay vs. Tear-Off: Where We Stand
For most roofs, our default recommendation is a complete tear-off: it exposes the deck, removes trapped heat and moisture, and qualifies for the strongest warranties. But the IRC permits a second layer for good reason — on a roof with one existing layer, a verified dry deck, and sound framing, an overlay is a legitimate, code-compliant way to buy two more decades of protection for 20–30% less. We probe the deck, check attic ventilation, and count layers before quoting. If your roof doesn't qualify, we'll tell you plainly and show you the evidence — some contractors push overlays onto rotted decking just to close a sale. We don't.
5 Highlights on Roof Overlay
What a Qualifying Overlay Gets You
Lower Project Costs
Skipping the tear-off phase cuts labor hours and dumpster fees, reducing your total invoice by 20% to 30% compared to complete roof replacement.
Faster Installation
Our crews shingle most single-family homes in one to two days because we work directly over your existing asphalt shingle layer.
Code-Compliant Work
We follow International Residential Code (IRC) guidelines, which permit a maximum of two shingle layers on residential structures.
Full Weatherproofing
Every overlay includes new flashing, ridge caps, and ice and water shield at valleys and eaves to seal out moisture.
Manufacturer-Backed Materials
We install architectural shingles from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed, all covered by manufacturer warranties when overlay conditions qualify.
Eligibility confirmed by inspection first — quoted second.
Why Choose Us
New Flashing Every Time — That's the Difference
Many contractors reuse old flashing on overlays to save time. We replace it, because reused flashing causes most post-overlay leaks. Chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents, and dormers all receive new step flashing and counter flashing during the overlay.
Our GAF-certified installers train in overlay-specific methods — nesting patterns, longer fasteners, and deck-load staging. We carry general liability and workers' compensation coverage, and every re-roofing project ships with our 10-year workmanship warranty.
You get a firm written quote, a scheduled start date, and a clean jobsite when we finish — magnetic sweeps for stray nails, all packaging hauled away.
Top-rated reviews on Google and an A+ BBB rating, earned on honest scoping.
When It Fits
Signs an Overlay Is the Right Call
Overlay becomes the right choice when your shingles wear out but your roof structure stays sound.
Widespread Granule Loss
Asphalt shingles shed protective granules as they age. Check your gutters and downspout splash blocks for accumulation. Bald spots expose the fiberglass mat underneath, which accelerates UV degradation. Heavy granule loss across the entire roof signals it's time to re-roof.
Curling and Cupping Shingles
Shingle edges that curl upward or cup downward indicate thermal aging and moisture cycling. Curled shingles lose their wind resistance rating and let wind-driven rain penetrate the underlayment. If curling appears across multiple slopes rather than one isolated section, an overlay addresses the whole problem at once.
Cracked or Brittle Shingle Tabs
Shingles crack when the asphalt binder dries out. Brittle tabs snap during routine maintenance and break away in storms. Spot repairs on brittle roofs often cause more damage than they fix, which makes full re-roofing the smarter path.
Faded, Aged Roof Nearing 20 Years
Three-tab shingles typically last 15 to 20 years. If your roof approaches that age with only one layer installed and no deck damage, an overlay extends protection for two more decades at a fraction of replacement cost.
Minor Leaks Without Deck Rot
Small leaks around flashing or nail pops don't always mean structural failure. Our inspectors verify the decking stays dry and solid. When the plywood or OSB substrate passes inspection, we re-roof over it with fresh underlayment and new flashing to stop leaks permanently.
One layer, dry deck, worn shingles? Get your eligibility inspection free.
How We Work
Our Roof Overlay Process
01
Free Roof Inspection
Our estimator examines your existing shingles, counts current layers, probes the deck for soft spots, and photographs problem areas. You receive a written report the same day.
02
Detailed Written Quote
We itemize materials, labor, flashing replacement, and ridge ventilation upgrades. No hidden fees. No surprise change orders.
03
Surface Preparation
Crews remove ridge caps, hip caps, and damaged shingles. We renail loose tabs, flatten curled edges, and install new drip edge along eaves and rakes.
04
Underlayment and Flashing
We apply synthetic underlayment over transition areas and install ice and water shield in valleys. All pipe boots, step flashing, and chimney flashing get replaced with new components.
05
Shingle Installation
Installers shingle using a nesting pattern that locks new courses against existing ones, creating a flat, uniform surface. We nail per manufacturer specifications to preserve your wind warranty.
06
Final Inspection and Cleanup
A project manager walks the roof, checks every seal point, and confirms the work meets code. Crews sweep the yard with magnets and haul away debris before you sign off.
Brands We Use
Overlay-Rated Materials, Down to the Nails
GAF
Timberline HDZ architectural shingles and FeltBuster underlayment
Owens Corning
Duration architectural shingles
CertainTeed
Landmark architectural shingles
Atlas
Pinnacle Pristine shingles
TAMKO
Heritage architectural shingles
Grace
Ice & Water Shield membranes
Air Vent Inc.
Ridge and attic ventilation components
Geocel
Professional roofing sealants
Maze Nails
Corrosion-resistant nails long enough to penetrate both layers and bite the deck
VELUX
Skylight flashing kits for overlay integration
Safety governs every jobsite — OSHA fall protection, rated roof anchors, guardrails on steep slopes, and materials staged to prevent deck overloading, a specific concern on overlay jobs where the roof already carries an existing layer.
FAQs
FAQs About Roof Overlay / Re-Roofing
›What is a roof overlay?
A roof overlay is the installation of a new shingle layer directly over your existing roof without tearing off the old material. Installers prepare the surface, replace all flashing, and shingle over the original layer.
›When does re-roofing make sense?
Re-roofing works when your roof has one existing shingle layer, a dry and solid deck, and no widespread structural damage. Our free inspection confirms whether your roof qualifies.
›Why is an overlay cheaper than replacement?
Overlays skip the tear-off labor, disposal fees, and dumpster rental that full replacements require. Most homeowners save 20% to 30% on the total project cost.
›How long does a roof overlay last?
A properly installed overlay with architectural shingles lasts 15 to 25 years depending on climate, attic ventilation, and shingle quality. Manufacturer warranties still apply when installation follows overlay specifications.
›Can you overlay any roof?
No. Building codes limit residential roofs to two shingle layers. Roofs with existing double layers, rotted decking, sagging rafters, or trapped moisture require full tear-off replacement instead.
›Does an overlay add too much weight?
A second asphalt shingle layer adds roughly 2 to 3 pounds per square foot. Most residential framing handles this load without issue. Our inspectors verify structural capacity before we quote any re-roofing project.
›How fast can ARCM Roofing complete my overlay?
Most single-family homes take one to two days. Larger homes with complex rooflines, multiple valleys, or steep pitches may take three days.
Related Services
If Your Roof Qualifies, We'll Prove It First.
Free eligibility inspection · All-new flashing · 20–30% below tear-off cost