You are allowed to put one additional layer of roofing over an existing roof, which is called a “roofer”; but, once there are two layers of roof, you must strip off both layers down to the deck the next time you need a roof, which is a “roof replacement.” This applies no matter what type of roof you install.

   The primary issue that causes the International Residential Code to have this limitation is the added weight of an additional roofing layer. An architectural shingle roof, for example, weighs about 100 pounds per square—a roofer’s term for 100 square feet of roof surface. Any areas of damage or imperfections in the bottom layers of roofing will telegraph through to the upper layer and, as you exceed two layers, securely nailing the top layer through the bottom ones also becomes problematic.  

   We have been told that in some jurisdictions the local building official can authorize installation of more than two layers of roofing. However, we have never heard of it done in our area. 

    Want to know how to recognize a multiple layer roof? They are easy to spot if you know what to look for. See our blog post How can I tell if a roof has more than one layer of shingles?

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  To learn more about roofs and attics, see these other blog posts:

• What is "ponding" on a flat roof?

• Is an attic required to have a light by the building code? 

• How can I inspect my roof for hurricane damage?

• Why is premature curl of roof shingles a problem?

• How can I tell if a roof has more than one layer of shingles? 

• What are the common problems with attic insulation? 

• What is the life expectancy of an asbestos cement shingle roof? 

• What's the average lifespan of a roof?

• Why is it a mistake to replace a roof and not replace its flashings? 

• Why is there no attic access hatch in the house?

• What is the building code requirement for an attic access hatch, scuttle, or door? 

• Does a roof with multiple layers of shingles last longer?

• What can I do to prevent roof leaks?

• Are roof trusses better than roof rafters (stick framing)? 

• Why is a popped nail in a shingle roof a problem? How do I fix it?

• What are the most common problems with wood roof trusses?

• What causes a lump or dip in the roof? 

• If my roof is not leaking, why does it need to be replaced?

• How can I be sure my roofing contractor got a permit?

• What are the dark lines running parallel to shingles on my roof?

• Can metal roofing be used on a low slope/pitch roof? 

• How can I make my roof last longer?  

• What are the warning signs of a dangerous attic pull-down ladder?

• How can I find out the age of a roof? 

• Should I buy a house that needs a new roof?

• Should I buy a house with an old roof? 

• What are those metal boxes on the roof?

• What does "lack of tab adhesion" in an asphalt shingle roof mean?

• Why do roof edges start leaking?

• Why do my dormer windows leak? 

• Do home inspectors go on the roof? Do they get in the attic?

• Should I put gutters on the house? 

• How much of a roof truss can I cut out to make a storage platform in the attic? 

• What's the difference between an "architectural" and a regular shingle roof? 

• What does a home inspector look for when examining a roof? 

• Do stains on the ceiling mean the roof is leaking?

• How can I tell if the house needs a new roof?  

• Why does my homeowner's insurance want a roof inspection?

• What are the hazards to avoid when going into an attic? 

     Visit our ROOF AND ATTIC page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.