
Metal Roof Over Shingles (Retrofit) in Spokane
Spokane's older ranch and split-level homes across the Northside, Hillyard and the Valley were built with low-pitch shingle roofs that now carry two or three layers. A Metal Roof Over Shingles (Retrofit) in Spokane lets you skip the tear-off, keep the old deck intact and put a standing seam or panel roof on top in one pass. We work on basalt and glacial outwash ground under tall ponderosas, where snow sits heavy and ice dams form at the eaves. The retrofit cuts dumpster fees, landfill waste and labor, which is why it fits so many mid-century Spokane houses. We check the deck and existing layers first, then tell you straight if tear-off is the smarter call. See how this fits our broader metal roof installation work.
Why Retrofit Over Shingles Makes Sense on So Many Spokane Roofs
Spokane's 1950s to 1970s ranches and split-levels from Mead to Liberty Lake were framed for low-slope shingle roofs. Those decks are usually sound, and the existing shingles give a metal panel a flat, forgiving base. The retrofit also keeps your home weather-tight in a single day instead of leaving it open during tear-off in a Spokane snow month.
- We skip the tear-off, so you save on dumpster rental, landfill tipping fees and disposal labor.
- You keep the old shingles in place as an extra layer of underlayment against ice dams.
- The job moves faster, which matters when a fall storm is closing in on the South Hill.
- We verify code limits on existing layers before we commit to a retrofit.
On the right deck, a retrofit gets you a metal roof for less money and less mess than a full tear-off.
Key info: A 1960s ranch in Spokane Valley with one layer of worn three-tab is a textbook retrofit. A 1920s Craftsman near Manito with skip sheathing and two layers usually needs tear-off, and we say so.
Local code and permit rules on re-roofing layers vary by jurisdiction, so check with the City of Spokane's building department before you plan the job: Spokane building permits.
How We Retrofit a Metal Roof Over Shingles in Spokane
We start in the attic and on the roof deck, not with a sales pitch. On a Cheney or Airway Heights ranch, that means checking for soft spots, popped nails and sagging between rafters before we order a single panel. If the deck passes, we set a purlin or sub-framing system, run the underlayment and install the panels over the shingles.
- We inspect the deck, rafters and existing layers from the attic and the roof surface.
- We confirm the layer count and pitch against local code limits for a retrofit.
- We install sub-framing or purlins to give the new metal a true plane.
- We lay a high-temp underlayment rated for metal roof temperatures.
- We set the panels, then flash chimneys, valleys and skylights to shed snow and rain.
- We walk the roof with you and hand over the manufacturer paperwork.
Every retrofit ends with a flashing and fastener check, because that is where Inland Northwest leaks start.
Local example: A Deer Park ranch with two shingle layers and a low 3/12 pitch got a screw-down panel retrofit with new purlins and snow guards. The homeowner avoided a full tear-off and kept the job under a week. See our corrugated and ribbed panel options for that kind of roof.
Retrofit Approaches We Use Across Spokane Roofs
Not every Spokane roof takes the same retrofit. Pitch, layer count, panel type and snow load all push the choice. Here is how we match the approach to the house.
| Approach | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Direct panel over shingles | Screw-down panel fastened through the existing shingles into solid decking. | Sound single-layer roofs on 1950s to 1970s ranches. |
| Purlin and sub-frame retrofit | Horizontal purlins create a flat plane and a vent gap over the old shingles. | Wavy or uneven decks, and standing seam installs. |
| Standing seam over shingles | Concealed-fastener panels on sub-framing for a cleaner, longer-lived roof. | Homeowners who want the best snow shedding and no exposed screws. |
| Tear-off and full replacement | We strip the old layers when the deck or layer count rules out a retrofit. | Older South Hill and Browne's Addition homes with skip sheathing. |
| Insulated panel retrofit | Panels with built-in insulation over the shingles to cut heat loss. | Shops, additions and homes chasing R-value in cold snaps. |
Metal Roof Over Shingles (Retrofit) Cost in Spokane: What to Expect
Retrofit pricing in Spokane generally starts around $7 per square foot for a basic screw-down panel over sound shingles. From there, the number moves with panel type, roof pitch, layer count and how much sub-framing the deck needs. A simple ranch in Hillyard sits near the low end. A steep gable in Liberty Lake with valleys and skylights climbs from there.
- Panel choice drives the biggest swing, with standing seam costing more than exposed-fastener panels.
- Deck repairs and added purlins raise the price when the old roof is uneven.
- Chimney, skylight and valley flashing add labor on complex roofs.
- Snow guards and ice protection are worth pricing in from the start.
Get two or three written estimates so you can compare scope, not just the bottom line. Our full pricing overview breaks down the ranges.
Metal Roof Over Shingles (Retrofit) Near Me: How to Pick a Spokane Contractor
You want a contractor who will climb into the attic and tell you the truth about the deck before talking price. A company that only sells tear-offs will push a tear-off, so ask directly whether a retrofit is viable on your roof.
- Confirm the contractor is licensed and insured in Washington, and ask to see the certificate.
- Get at least two written estimates that spell out panel type, underlayment and flashing.
- Ask for references from Spokane jobs done in the last two years.
- Check permit requirements with your local building department before work starts.
- Ask about HOA or historic district rules that may limit panel profile or color.
When you are ready to talk it through, reach out through our contact page and we will set up a free on-site look.
Metal Roof Over Shingles (Retrofit) in Spokane: Pricing Guide
| Service | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Screw-down panel retrofit | Starting at $7/sq ft | Basic exposed-fastener panel over sound single-layer shingles, includes underlayment and standard flashing. |
| Standing seam retrofit | Starting at $11/sq ft | Concealed-fastener panels on sub-framing, includes purlins and high-temp underlayment for longer life. |
| Purlin and sub-frame system | Add $1.50 to $3/sq ft | Added when the old deck is wavy or the roof needs a flat plane for standing seam. |
| Snow guards and ice protection | Quoted per roof | Priced by roof length and panel type, recommended on steep Spokane gables above walkways. |
| Complex or steep roof | On estimate | Valleys, skylights, dormers and steep pitches need an on-site look before we quote. |
| Estimate | Free | On-site inspection and written quote within 24 hours at (509) 355-5690, no obligation. |
Indicative pricing, the exact cost depends on square footage, finish, and site access. Free personalized estimate within 24h at (509) 355-5690.