Layering was normal practice for decades. It hides the decking condition, adds weight the framing was not sized for, and most manufacturers will not warrant over it. Tear-off costs more than an overlay and is the only version worth paying for at this age.

This is most common in homes built before about 1940. Pre-war construction — galvanized supply, cast iron drains, cloth-wrapped wiring, ungrounded circuits.

Related

• Plank decking with gaps between the boards
• Rust streaks below the chimney flashing
• Wood shingle under the asphalt
• No ridge vent and no soffit intake
• Valley metal rusted or missing
• Masonry chimney needs work
• Sagging visible along the ridge line
• Roof over an addition with a different pitch

Back to Roofing.

---

Written by Jaylan Jones. I Like To Exterior Services earns a referral fee when a call connects to a contractor. See our business-model disclosure.