Get matched with top roofers in Sugarloaf, PA

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.

Removing snow from your roof can help prevent ice dams, but the best thing to do is address insulation issues in your attic. If you do decide to remove the snow manually, you should always use a roof rake rather than a shovel. You shouldn’t climb your snowy roof in any circumstance, and roof rake allows you to remove the snow from the ground or a ladder. For the best results, remove snow as soon as possible after it falls.

If you need to replace the roof over your attached garage, a roofing contractor can perform what is called a partial roof replacement that only affects garage roofing. However, it's important to keep in mind that only replacing a portion of your roof creates a situation where your roofing has two different lifespans. You will also miss out on the opportunity for a full roof warranty. In some cases, having two different roofs on your home could increase risks for leaks. When replacing the roof on a detached garage, homeowners have the option to make the project bigger by upgrading their home roof alongside their garage roof. However, this isn't necessary if your home has a newer, properly functioning roof. It is better to try to match the new garage roof to your home's existing roof instead.

There should be small gaps between your roof and the walls of your home, and other buildings. These small gaps let building materials shift, expand, and contract with weather and other outside forces, and they prevent moisture from wicking down walls from roofing and gutter systems. Without these strategic gaps, your home’s exterior and its finishes can sustain water damage, decay, peel, delaminate, and crack. However, there is a fine line between a smart gap and a problematic gap—all  gaps should be small, intentional, and covered or filled in with foam insulation to prevent pests from using them as access points.