Layover roofing – installing new shingles directly over old ones – might save time today, but it costs you money in the long run. At Wichita Roofing Pros, every replacement we do starts with a complete tear-off down to the bare deck. Why? Because the only way to know your deck is sound, your flashing is fresh, and your underlayment is continuous is to remove everything and start clean.
When we tear off, we find problems that layovers hide: rotten decking around chimneys, mold growth in poorly ventilated sections, nail pops that have pierced old underlayment, and inadequate flashing at valleys. We fix those problems before new material goes down – not after they cause leaks two years from now. The cost of deck repairs is always documented and approved by you before we cut a single sheet of plywood.
Full tear-off also means we can upgrade your ventilation system – installing continuous ridge vent, ensuring soffit vents are clear, and balancing intake/exhaust airflow. Proper ventilation doubles shingle life. You cannot achieve that with a layover. If you want a roof that lasts its full rated lifespan, choose the tear-off. Every time.
All existing shingles, underlayment, flashings, and ridge vent are removed and hauled away. The deck is left completely bare for inspection.
Every square foot of plywood or OSB is examined for soft spots, delamination, water stains, and fastener pops – flagged with chalk marks for repair.
Damaged sheathing is cut out and replaced with new CDX plywood or OSB of equal thickness – documented with photos and approved before proceeding.
New synthetic underlayment covers the full deck, with ice and water shield applied to eaves, valleys, and all penetrations – no gaps, no overlaps less than manufacturer spec.
Site Protection & Setup
Tear-Off & Deck Exposure
Deck Repair & Underlayment
Shingles
A standard ranch or two-story home with 2,000–3,000 sq ft of roof area typically takes one day for the tear-off, deck repairs, and full new installation. Larger homes (4,000+ sq ft) or complex rooflines with multiple valleys and dormers may extend to two days. Our crews are experienced with fast but meticulous tear-off – we strip efficiently without damaging decking unnecessarily.
Yes, upfront – by approximately $800–1,500 for an average home, due to tear-off labor and disposal fees. However, a layover roof typically fails 5–10 years earlier because hidden deck problems go unaddressed and the extra layer traps heat, accelerating shingle aging. Over the life of the roof, tear-off is cheaper because you avoid a premature replacement. Most manufacturer warranties also require tear-off for full coverage.
Yes – the work is all exterior. Noise during tear-off is significant (constant thumping as shingles are stripped), which can be disruptive for young children, pets, or home offices. We provide a detailed schedule so you can plan to be away during the noisiest 2–3 hour tear-off window if desired. Dust and vibration are minimal because we bag debris directly into the trailer.
We photograph every area of damage, show you the condition, and provide a per-sheet cost for replacement (typically $75–120 per sheet of plywood). No work proceeds without your approval. Most homeowners see the rot and approve immediately – leaving rotten decking under a new roof would be insane. We carry spare plywood on every job so repairs don't delay completion.