Can you put new shingles over old shingles in Minnesota?
Sometimes, but it's limited and rarely the best choice. Minnesota's Residential Code (R908.3.1.1) doesn't allow a new layer over a roof that already has two or more layers, is water-soaked or deteriorated, or is slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile, and St. Paul requires prior approval from a building inspector for any overlay.
Why do most roofers recommend a tear-off?
| Overlay | Tear-off | |
|---|---|---|
| See the decking | No | Yes, rot and gaps get fixed |
| Ice barrier on the deck | Hard to install correctly | Installed on the deck as the code intends |
| Weight on the structure | Adds a second layer | One layer |
| Allowed with 2+ layers | No | Yes |
How do you tell how many layers are on a roof?
Look at the roof edge at the eave or rake: stacked shingle edges mean more than one layer. We confirm it on the roof and photograph it.
What we document on every storm inspection
The Repair King Storm Damage Documentation Standard. You keep the report whether or not you hire us.
- Street view and every elevation photographed
- Every roof slope photographed, with close-ups of each damaged area
- Soft metals (vents, caps, gutters, AC fins) checked for dents
- Shingle brand, line and exposure identified; availability checked
- Hand-lift brittleness check on the existing shingles, when relevant
- Attic and decking checked for type, gaps, rot and past leaks
- Storm date and hail size at your address from NOAA reports
- Everything put into one report you keep, whether or not you hire us
Related questions
Sources
- IRC R908.3.1.1 roof recover limits, as adopted in the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code
- City of St. Paul DSI Reroofing Guideline, 2023 (overlays only with prior building-inspector approval)
- Minn. R. chapter 1309 (2020 Minnesota Residential Code), Table R301.2(1) ice barrier underlayment and IRC R905.1.2
This is general information about Minnesota law and building code, not insurance or legal advice. How it applies to your home depends on your policy and your situation; your insurance agent or an attorney can tell you. Minnesota law doesn't allow roofing contractors to negotiate claims for homeowners, so Repair King's role is inspection, documentation and the construction work.
Get the facts about your roof
A licensed Minnesota contractor walks your roof, photographs everything and explains what we found in plain words. Or call (612) 354-7677.
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