Are you getting the idea that a tear-off is a much better way to go? We at Cascade Roofing do not install roofing recovers, only tear-offs. Yes it is more expensive in the short run, but a professional roofer must know what’s going on with the roof deck before a new roof is installed over it. It is not unusual to inspect a roof that is leaking because the roofing is not laying flat or to find soft spots and buckles on a new roof because the decking is rotted or coming loose.
If you must do a recover, it should be over a 3-tab style of material that is laying flat, the roof deck should feel strong with no soft spots, and there should only be one layer of roofing existing on the roof. Current code allows for up to three layers of roofing, but this is based on weight, not performance. Also, don’t forget to ventilate your attic even if you’r doing a recover to avoid condensation and mold problems.
