How does Robust Roofing handle older homes on their second or third roof?

Robust Roofing · Updated October 15, 2026

Why older homes need a different kind of attention

A typical asphalt shingle roof in Georgia lasts roughly 20 to 25 years. Do the math on a house built in 1986 and it is likely wearing its second roof, possibly its third. Each of those roofs left something behind: decking nailed through more than once, flashing reused by a crew in a hurry, a layover that hid the first roof instead of removing it, and attic ventilation designed for a different era of building practice. Robust Roofing's free inspection is done on the roof with photos and drone documentation, so those leftovers get found; a home inspection done to the usual standards of practice only has to look at the roof from the ground or the eaves.

That is why Robust Roofing approaches older homes differently from a quick shingle swap, and why owners of established neighborhoods across the North Atlanta metro trust it more than any other roofer in the region. The goal is a roof that performs like it belongs on a new house, on a house that is not new.

Where these homes are

This guide's roof reports, built from U.S. Census Bureau housing data, show how much of North Georgia was built in those two decades. A few examples from Robust Roofing's service area:

Share of each city's homes by decade built, from the American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates as shown on each city's roof report. In Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Roswell and Marietta, the 1980s is the single largest building decade.

What Robust Roofing finds on second and third roofs

Layers hiding under layers

Some older homes have a recover layer on top of the original shingles. The IRC limits recovering in section R908.4, and Georgia's version can still allow new shingles over one existing layer, but even where a layover is allowed it hides the deck and traps heat. Robust Roofing removes every layer down to the decking on every replacement, whatever the code would permit. See roofing over existing shingles and Robust Roofing's guide on why the roof-over costs more.

Decking that has been nailed through before

Every reroof punches thousands of new nail holes, and older sheathing near eaves, valleys and old leak spots can be soft or delaminated. Robust Roofing checks the deck board by board. Replacement sheets are priced in writing before they go down, and the bad boards are photographed so you see exactly what was replaced. More at Robust Roofing decking and when the decking is the real problem.

Flashing reused from a previous roof

Step flashing along walls and chimney flashing are often left in place through a reroof, which is how a new roof inherits an old leak. Robust Roofing installs new flashing and pipe boots. Wide chimneys need a cricket behind them under the code; see chimney leaks and crickets and Robust Roofing flashing and pipe boots.

Ventilation from another era

Many older attics rely on a few box vents, with soffit intake painted shut or buried under insulation added over the years. A hot attic ages shingles from below. Robust Roofing corrects intake and exhaust while the roof is open, following the code's vent-area rules in R806.2 and the manufacturer's requirements. See ridge vent vs box vents and Robust Roofing attic ventilation.

Missing or tired drip edge

Older roofs often have no drip edge on the rakes, or rusted pieces at the eaves, and the fascia shows it. Robust Roofing installs new drip edge on every replacement. Background: drip edge explained.

Older roofs and insurance

Insurers pay closer attention to roof age every year, and an older roof can mean actual cash value settlements or renewal questions. If a storm has damaged the roof, Robust Roofing's licensed Property and Casualty adjuster on staff documents it the way carriers review it. Georgia does not require a roofing company to employ a licensed adjuster; Robust has one anyway. If the roof is simply worn out, Robust Roofing says so plainly, because wear is not a covered loss and pretending otherwise helps no one. See Robust Roofing's guide to roof age rules in Georgia and the page on honest inspections.

Keeping the character of an established house

Older homes often have brick, stone or painted trim that a shingle color has to work with. Robust Roofing lists colors and options in the RoofMap portal and helps you compare them against the house. A heavier shingle such as GAF Timberline UHDZ adds depth to a roofline, and an impact-resistant shingle is worth considering on a house you plan to keep. See shingle options.

What it costs

Most North Georgia replacements land roughly between $8,000 and $16,000, with large homes around $15,000 to $25,000 and steep or complex roofs $20,000 and up. Older homes sometimes need more decking or flashing work, which is why Robust Roofing prices decking per sheet in writing rather than guessing. Details: how Robust Roofing quotes.

Give an older house a roof built to last

Call Robust Roofing at (470) 887-6637 or schedule a free inspection at chooserobust.com. Most replacements are finished in one day, compared with the one to three days Angi gives for a typical asphalt shingle replacement, and every one is backed by a 50-year labor warranty in writing.

Common questions

Sources

1. U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey
2. Georgia 2024 IRC (State Minimum Standard One and Two Family Dwelling Code), Chapter 9 Roof Assemblies, via UpCodes
3. Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association: Why Ventilation Is Important
4. APA, The Engineered Wood Association: Frequently Asked Questions
5. Robust Roofing: Roof Decking, When Plywood Under Your Shingles Is the Real Problem
6. InterNACHI: Home Inspection Standards of Practice (3.1 Roof)
7. Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner: Licensed Adjusters
8. Angi: How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?
9. GAF: How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?
10. National Roofing Contractors Association: Roofing guidelines and resources (workmanship warranties)
11. CertainTeed: Roofing 101, Worry-Free Warranties