Can You Roof Over an Old Roof in New Hanover County?

Before you compare roof prices in Wilmington or anywhere in New Hanover County, find out how many layers the old roof has. North Carolina's residential code doesn't allow new roofing over two or more layers of roof covering.

We do free roof inspections in Wilmington and across New Hanover and Brunswick counties, and the estimate is free too. If you're pricing a new roof and want to know whether the old one has to come off first, call (910) 228-8034 or request a free roof inspection.

Short answer: sometimes. North Carolina's residential code defines a roof replacement as taking the old roof coverings off down to the roof deck. Putting new roofing over the old (a re-cover, often called a roof recover or an overlay) is allowed only in limited cases. It isn't allowed when the roof already has two or more layers, when the old roof is water-soaked or too worn to serve as a base, or when it's slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile. GAF's own technical bulletin adds limits too.

Count the layers first

Section R908.3.1.1 of the North Carolina Residential Code says a re-cover isn't allowed when:

• the existing roof or roof covering is water-soaked or has deteriorated to the point that it isn't adequate as a base for more roofing
• the existing roof covering is slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile
• the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering

The 2018 and 2024 editions of the code word this section the same. In April 2025, the NC Office of State Fire Marshal announced a delay to the 2024 edition's start date.

We inspect the roof first. Then we go over tear-off, decking, flashing, ventilation and underlayment with you before we agree on the work.

What a full replacement includes

Under section R908.3, a roof replacement includes removing the existing layers of roof coverings down to the roof deck and replacing up to 15% of the total existing roof deck, and that much decking work isn't treated as structural work. That is the code's definition. What your estimate covers is a separate question, so ask how decking is handled (see the checklist below).

With the old roof off, the deck is out in the open. A technical bulletin from the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association lists the chance to inspect the roof deck, repair any damage and improve deck attachment among the benefits of a replacement.

Wondering whether a replacement needs a permit? Our Bolivia permits guide covers the North Carolina law on roof replacement permits. The office details in that guide are for Brunswick County, so check with your own county's building department for yours. When a permit is required, we get it.

When you can roof over an old roof

Section R908.3.1 allows a re-cover when the new roof covering is installed according to the roof covering manufacturer's approved instructions, and the restrictions above still apply. It also says complete and separate roofing systems, such as standing-seam metal systems, don't require removing the old roof when they carry the roof loads straight to the building's structure without relying on the old roof for support.

GAF's technical bulletin on roofing over existing shingles says only one existing roof should be in place. It calls for a complete tear-off when the old shingles are warped, curled or so badly weathered that a level surface is hard to get, or when there's any concern about deterioration of the deck. It also says not to put GAF shingles over wood shakes, tile, metal and some other coverings.

The ARMA bulletin also notes that a roof with one layer of shingles that lies flat, over a deck in good condition, may not need to be torn off. That's why the inspection comes first.

Comparing estimates in New Hanover County

• Get the layers in writing. Confirm the roof areas, how many old layers will be removed, and the roofing product and underlayment included.
• Compare the same scope. Compare estimates with the same roof areas, tear-off and decking assumptions, flashing and ventilation details, and written warranty terms.
• Settle decking up front. Ask for the price per sheet, board or other unit of replacement decking, what quantity and labor are included, and how you will approve any extra work before it starts.

For homes in Wilmington and the rest of New Hanover County, see our Wilmington roofing page or our New Hanover County page.

What we install

• Shingles: CertainTeed and GAF 30-year shingles. We're a CertainTeed ShingleMaster.
• Metal: 5-V, Multi-Rib and standing seam. For painted metal panels, we recommend 26-gauge minimum.

About Vera's Roofing

• Family-owned and insured. We're a family-owned roofer serving Brunswick and New Hanover counties, and we carry workers' comp and general liability insurance.
• Warranty. We offer a one-year labor-and-materials warranty on installs plus manufacturer warranties.
• Permits and tarping. We handle permits when they're required, and we tarp roofs when a temporary cover is needed.