Best roofers near Humboldt, IA

You can put new shingles over old shingles, but most municipalities only allow for two layers of shingles before you have to rip off the old roof and start fresh. In some areas, only a single layer of shingles is allowed due to the weight a bundle of shingles adds to your structure. In most cases, it’s a good idea to remove your old shingles before you install new shingles, especially if you suspect that a roof leak may have compromised the decking underneath.

Single-ply roofing lasts for between 15 and 30 years, depending on the type you install and the climate in your area. TPO roofing has the shortest lifespan of 15 to 30 years, followed by PVC, which lasts for 20 to 30 years. EPDM roofing is the longest-lasting single-ply roofing option, with a lifespan of 30 to 40 years. Keep in mind that hail, strong winds, blown debris, and foot traffic can all reduce how long your flat roof lasts.

Thatched roofs last for between 30 and 50 years in most cases, which is longer than most asphalt roofs. However, getting that life span from your thatched roof requires more maintenance than you’d need for most other materials, including fireproofing, brushing, cleaning, and rethatching as the material gets worn down. You’ll also need routine inspections to ensure you’re not at risk of leaks.

The most important thing to remember when laying shingles is to work from the bottom of the slope to the top. This leaves you with a top overlap that directs runoff from one row to the next until it reaches the eave for disposal. You should also make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and the local building code for nailing patterns and frequency so all of your hard work stays put through varying weather conditions.