What is a Roof Overlay?
A roof overlay involves installing new shingles directly over the existing ones, skipping the tear-off process. While this saves on labor and disposal costs, it comes with significant drawbacks.
New Jersey Building Code Limits
Under the NJ Uniform Construction Code, you are generally allowed a maximum of two roofing layers. If your home already has two layers of shingles, a complete tear-off is legally required before a new roof can be installed.
Why Tear-Offs are Better
An overlay prevents the installer from inspecting the wooden roof deck for rot or water damage. Furthermore, the added weight of a second layer puts extra stress on your home's structural framing and can trap heat, reducing the lifespan of the new shingles.
At NJ Roof Installer, we highly recommend full tear-offs to guarantee a secure, code-compliant installation that will last for decades.












