Yes, you can put new shingles over old ones once, if the existing roof is a single layer of sound, flat shingles. The building code Wichita uses does not allow a new roof over two or more layers, over water-soaked or deteriorated roofing, or over slate and tile. A tear-off costs more but lets the crew inspect and replace the decking, which matters on older Wichita houses with board sheathing.
Here is what the code says, what shingle makers allow, and when an overlay is a false saving.
What does the code say about new shingles over old?
MABCD, the building department for Wichita and unincorporated Sedgwick County, enforces the 2018 International Residential Code. Section R908.3 sets the default: “Roof replacement shall include the removal of existing layers of roof coverings down to the roof deck.” Section R908.3.1 then allows a roof recover in limited cases, including when the new roofing is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Section R908.3.1.1 lists where a recover is not allowed, as reproduced in a city reroofing handout:
- “Where the existing roof or roof covering is water soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate as a base for additional roofing.”
- “Where the existing roof covering is slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile.”
- “Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering.”
So on a house with one layer of shingles in good shape, putting new shingles over old is legal. On a house that already has two layers, the next roof must be a tear-off.
What do shingle manufacturers say?
GAF, one of the brands Equity Builders installs, allows overlays under conditions. Its technical bulletin TAB-R-145 states: “If there is more than one roof in place, a complete tear-off is necessary.” The existing surface must also be made smooth and level, with loose fasteners reset and missing shingles replaced, and the bulletin lists materials that should not be roofed over, such as wood shakes, tile and low-slope membranes.
Warranty level matters too. GAF’s top residential warranty, the Golden Pledge, requires a tear-off. The brochure says the system must not be installed over an existing roof and that “all existing materials must be removed to the deck.” The longest warranty coverage is available only on a full tear-off.
Is it cheaper to roof over existing shingles?
Yes, up front. A layover skips removal, disposal and most deck repair. In a Journal of Light Construction survey of contractors, roofers estimated that tear-off added 25% to 50% to a job, and one estimated an overlay saved about 20% but made the next reroof cost 40% to 50% more. Those are contractor opinions from 2003, not current prices, but the pattern holds: you pay for the old roof eventually.
Why a tear-off is usually the better choice in Wichita
You cannot see the decking under an overlay
Leaks rot sheathing quietly. An overlay buries soft spots under a new roof. A tear-off exposes every sheet so bad wood can be replaced. See our guide to roof decking during a replacement.
Plank decking has to be replaced
MABCD stated in its October 2025 newsletter: “Plank decking is not accepted within MABCD jurisdiction.” Many older Wichita houses, including those in College Hill, have board decking under the shingles. A tear-off is the only way to find and fix it.
Flashing and edges get rebuilt
A full replacement lets the crew install new underlayment, flashing at walls and chimneys, and drip edge at the eaves and rakes, which the 2018 code requires on shingle roofs. See roof flashing.
Solar plans need a single layer
MABCD’s expedited solar permit checklist requires that “The roof has no more than a single layer of roof covering.” If you might add panels later, a second layer of shingles can rule out the fast permit path.
How do you know how many layers your roof has?
Before anyone quotes new shingles over old, count the layers. You can often see them at the roof edge. Look closely at the eaves and rakes: two stacked shingle edges, or a thick, uneven edge, usually means two layers. A roofer can confirm by lifting a shingle at a vent boot or the edge. Old permit records can help too, since a reroof done with a permit lists the work. If the house already has two layers, the conversation about new shingles over old is over, because the code requires a tear-off.
How long does a tear-off add to the job?
Usually less than a day on a single-family house, plus any decking repairs. Most Wichita reroofs still finish in one to three working days. See how long a roof replacement takes and what to expect if you stay home during the work.
When can an overlay make sense?
- The roof has exactly one layer.
- The shingles lie flat, with no curling, cupping or soft spots.
- The decking is solid plywood or OSB, confirmed from the attic.
- You plan to sell soon and the budget is tight.
- The new shingle maker’s instructions allow it for your product and warranty level.
If any item on that list fails, skip new shingles over old and plan on a tear-off.
New shingles over old: overlay vs tear-off at a glance
| Factor | Overlay | Tear-off |
|---|---|---|
| Code limit | Only over one sound layer | Always allowed |
| Decking inspection | From the attic only | Every sheet visible |
| Up-front cost | Lower | Higher |
| Next reroof | Two layers to remove | One layer to remove |
| Top manufacturer warranties | Often not available | Available |
Do I need a permit for an overlay in Wichita?
Yes, the same as a replacement. MABCD’s roofing permit form asks whether the job removes one layer, two layers or includes a re-deck, and the fee is $0.05 per square foot of building footprint with a $50 minimum. See our Wichita roof permit guide.
Questions about putting new shingles over old
Is it better to remove old shingles before installing new ones?
In most cases, yes. A tear-off reveals decking problems, allows full flashing and edge work, and qualifies for the longest warranties.
How many times can you put shingles over shingles?
Once. The code does not allow a recover over a roof that already has two or more layers.
Is it okay to lay new shingles on top of an existing roof?
Only when the existing roof is one sound, flat layer and the shingle maker allows it.
Can you put a metal roof over shingles?
The 2018 code allows recovers with complete, separate roofing systems that carry loads to the structure, such as some standing seam metal systems. Each product has its own requirements. See metal roof vs shingles in Kansas.
Get an honest answer about your roof
Equity Builders has replaced roofs from 442 S. Ellis St. in Wichita since 1985. We check the attic and the layers before recommending new shingles over old or a full tear-off, and we put the decking allowance in writing. See roof replacement in Wichita, then call (316) 425-0455 or request a free estimate.
Sources
- 2018 International Residential Code, Sections R908.3, R908.3.1 and R908.3.1.1, as reproduced by the City of Gillette, Wyoming
- GAF Technical Bulletin TAB-R-145, Roofing Over Existing Shingles
- GAF Golden Pledge Limited Warranty brochure
- Journal of Light Construction, When to cover over or pull off shingles, July 9, 2003
- MABCD Construction Industry Newsletter, Issue 53, October 2025, and Form 68B solar permit checklist
Last updated October 14, 2026. Codes and warranty terms change. Confirm with MABCD and the shingle maker.