Old Roofing Shingles

by

Old Roofing Shingles – Of course. Old roofing shingles are a common byproduct of home renovation and reroofing projects. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering what they are, their disposal options, potential for reuse, and important considerations.

What Are They Made Of?

Most old roofing shingles are asphalt shingles, which consist of:

  • Fiberglass Mat: The base layer.

  • Asphalt: The waterproofing agent.

  • Mineral Granules: Crushed rock that provides color, texture, and protects the asphalt from UV rays.

A smaller percentage may be wood, slate, tile, or metal.

1. Disposal: The Most Common Path

The vast majority of old shingles end up as waste, but you have several disposal options.

Option A: Roofing Contractor Handles It (Easiest)

When you hire a professional roofing company, the cost of tear-off, cleanup, and disposal is almost always included in the total quote.

  • Pros: Hassle-free. They have the manpower, equipment, and knowledge of local disposal facilities.

  • Cons: You’re paying for the service. Always confirm that disposal is included in the contract.

Option B: DIY Disposal

If you’re doing the roof tear-off yourself, you are responsible for disposal.

  • Rent a Dumpster: The most common method.

    • Type: You’ll need a specific “roofing” or “construction” dumpster. Standard dumpsters may not be allowed for this material.

    • Weight: Shingles are extremely heavy. A single “square” (100 sq ft) of shingles can weigh 230-400 pounds. A 10-yard dumpster can typically hold about 2 tons, which is roughly the amount from an average-sized roof tear-off. Don’t overfill it.

    • Cost: Varies by location and dumpster size, but typically costs $300 – $600.

  • Haul Them Yourself:

    • You’ll need a heavy-duty truck and trailer.

    • You must take them to a licensed landfill or a specific shingle recycling facility. Call ahead to confirm they accept old shingles and ask about fees (usually charged by the ton).

  • Bag Them (For Small Projects):

    • For a small repair (e.g., a shed or a small section), you can bag them in heavy-duty contractor bags.

    • Check with your local waste management company; they may have limits on weight and the number of bags they will collect.

2. Recycling: The Eco-Friendly Option

Asphalt shingles are highly recyclable! They are ground up and repurposed for various uses.

  • How it Works: Recycling facilities grind the shingles, remove nails and debris, and process the material.

  • What They Become:

    • Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): The primary use. Recycled shingles are used as a supplement in paving roads and parking lots.

    • Patching Material: For potholes and road repairs.

    • Aggregate Base: For new construction and driveway foundations.

  • How to Find a Recycler:

    • Search online for “asphalt shingle recycling near me” or “construction and demolition (C&D) recycling.”

    • This is often cheaper than landfill disposal because the tipping fees are lower.

3. Reuse and Repurposing: The Creative Path

While reusing old shingles for a new roof is not recommended, they can have a second life in creative ways.

⚠️ Important Safety Note: Only attempt to repurpose shingles from a roof you know is free of asbestos. Homes built before the 1980s may have asbestos-containing shingles. When in doubt, assume they are hazardous and dispose of them properly.

Creative DIY Ideas:

  • Garden Pathways: Break them into pieces and use as gravel for garden paths.

  • Shed or Dog House Roof: Perfect for small, non-critical structures.

  • Weed Barrier: Place pieces upside down (granule-side down) in garden beds to suppress weeds.

  • Art Projects: Use as a textured base for mosaics or outdoor art.

Key Considerations & Potential Problems

  1. Weight: This cannot be overstated. A pile of old shingles is much heavier than it looks. Plan accordingly for transport and disposal.

  2. Nails: Old shingles are full of exposed nails. Wear heavy gloves, sturdy boots, and exercise extreme caution.

  3. Asbestos: In homes built before the 1980s, there is a risk that the shingles contain asbestos. Do not disturb them. You will need to hire a certified asbestos abatement professional for testing and removal, which is significantly more expensive.

  4. Local Regulations: Always check with your local municipality or waste management authority. Some areas have strict rules about disposing of construction debris in regular trash.

  5. Environmental Impact: Landfilling shingles is a waste of material that takes up space and doesn’t break down. Recycling is the most responsible choice where available.

The Reroofing Debate: Tear-Off vs. Overlay

A crucial decision when getting a new roof is what to do with the old one. You have two main options:

Option 1: Complete Tear-Off

This is the process we’ve been discussing: removing all the old shingles down to the roof deck.

  • Pros:

    • Thorough Inspection: Allows you to inspect the wooden roof deck for rot, water damage, or soft spots that need repair.

    • Clean Slate: Provides a perfectly flat, solid base for the new underlayment and shingles, ensuring a longer lifespan.

    • Warranty: Most shingle manufacturers require a complete tear-off for their best warranty to be valid.

    • Weight: Prevents excessive weight on the roof structure.

  • Cons:

    • More Expensive: Higher labor cost and added disposal fees.

    • More Time-Consuming: The project takes longer.

    • Weather Dependent: Leaves your home exposed to the elements during the work.

Option 2: Overlay (Roofing Over)

This involves installing the new shingles directly on top of the old ones.

  • Pros:

    • Cost-Effective: Saves on labor and disposal costs.

    • Faster: The project is completed much more quickly.

    • Added Insulation: The extra layer can provide a slight insulation boost.

  • Cons:

    • Hides Problems: Underlying rot or damage is concealed and can worsen undetected.

    • Shorter Lifespan: The new shingles will conform to the imperfections of the old layer, potentially reducing their life.

    • Voided Warranty: Often voids the manufacturer’s warranty.

    • Added Weight: Two (or more) layers add significant stress to the roof’s structure, which may not be designed for it.

    • Aesthetics: Can look less crisp and make future repairs more difficult.

Verdict: Most roofing professionals strongly recommend a complete tear-off. It’s a better long-term investment for the health and value of your home.

5. Special Cases: Other Types of Old Roofing

While asphalt is most common, other materials have unique considerations.

  • Wood Shakes/Shingles:

    • Disposal: Can often be taken to a landfill or C&D facility.

    • Reuse/Recycling: High potential for reuse if they are in good condition. They can also be chipped for mulch or biomass fuel. Old, treated wood may have chemical preservatives, so check local regulations.

  • Slate or Clay Tile:

    • Disposal: Heavy and difficult to handle. Requires special care to avoid breaking them during removal.

    • Reuse: Highly valuable for reuse. If your tiles are in good condition, you may be able to sell them to architectural salvage companies, reclaimed building material stores, or directly to homeowners looking for matching repairs. This can significantly offset the cost of your new roof.

  • Metal Roofing:

    • Disposal/Recycling: Scrap metal is highly recyclable. You can often take old metal roofing to a scrapyard and may even get paid for it, depending on the metal type and market prices.

6. Cost Breakdown: What to Expect Financially

Understanding the costs involved helps with budgeting.

  • Dumpster Rental: $300 – $600 for a 10-20 yard container.

  • Landfill Tipping Fees: Typically $40 – $150 per ton. An average roof tear-off can weigh 2-4 tons.

  • Recycling Facility Fees: Often cheaper than the landfill, ranging from $20 – $100 per ton.

  • Contractor Disposal Fee: While bundled into the total price, a contractor typically budgets $500 – $1,500 for disposal on an average home, factoring in labor, dumpster, and fees.

Pro Tip: Always get a detailed quote that breaks down material, labor, and disposal costs.

7. Environmental Impact & The Future

The push for sustainability is changing the industry.

  • Landfill Impact: Asphalt shingles do not biodegrade and take up immense space in landfills. The asphalt can also potentially leach chemicals over time.

  • The Recycling Advantage: Recycling shingles for road pavement is a “closed-loop” system. It reduces the need for virgin asphalt (a petroleum product) and aggregate, conserves landfill space, and creates a high-quality paving material.

  • Emerging Trends: Research is ongoing into using recycled shingles for other products, such as new asphalt shingles, fuel sources, and more.

Final Checklist for Homeowners

Before you start a project involving old shingles, run through this list:

  1. [ ] Determine the Age of Your Roof: If it’s from before 1980, stop and test for asbestos.

  2. [ ] Get Multiple Quotes: If hiring a pro, get at least 3 detailed quotes that include disposal.

  3. [ ] Ask About Recycling: Specifically ask contractors if they use a recycling facility. It’s a mark of a modern, responsible company.

  4. [ ] Check Local Laws: A quick call to your city or county waste department can save you from fines.

  5. [ ] Plan for the Weight: Whether DIY or just watching the crew, remember that a “small” pile of shingles is deceptively heavy.

  6. [ ] Consider the Long Term: Opt for a tear-off over an overlay for a better, longer-lasting result.

By understanding the full lifecycle of your old roofing shingles from tear-off to their final destination as a new road or a garden path you can make informed, economical, and environmentally sound decisions for your home.