Roof replacement
Roof decking replacement
Roof decking (sheathing) is the plywood or OSB the shingles are nailed to. Rotted, delaminated or undersized boards are cut out and replaced — usually during a re-roof — because new shingles can't hold on in high wind if the deck under them is weak.
- Typical time
- Added to the re-roof day.
- Repair or replace
- Replace rotted boards; keep sound ones.
Long-running leaks, poor attic ventilation and humidity rot decking along eaves, valleys and around penetrations. Some older homes have plank decking with gaps that need a new layer of sheathing.
Contracts should state a per-sheet price for decking found during tear-off, since it can't be fully counted in advance.
Roof Decking Replacement at a glance
- What it is
- Roof decking (sheathing) is the plywood or OSB the shingles are nailed to.
- Service category
- Roof Replacement
Signs you need rotted roof decking help
- Soft or bouncy spots on the roof
- Sagging between rafters
- Dark, delaminated decking seen in the attic
- Nails backing out
Quick answers
Roof Decking Replacement: the short version
How long roof decking replacement takes
Added to the re-roof day.
When rotted roof decking can wait, and when it can't
Address during re-roofing or when soft spots appear.
Fix or replace rotted roof decking?
Replace rotted boards; keep sound ones.
Why rotted roof decking happens
Long leaks, poor ventilation, humidity.
The work
What the roofer does
- 1
Tear-off
Shingles removed to expose decking.
- 2
Replace
Bad sheets cut out and replaced with new plywood or OSB.
- 3
Re-nail
Deck nailed to the high-wind schedule.
What moves the price of roof decking replacement
Priced per sheet found during tear-off.
- Number of sheets
- Plank decking overlay
- Rafter repairs
Roof Decking Replacement: common questions
How much decking will need replacing?
It can't be known until tear-off. Good contracts list a per-sheet price so there are no surprises.
Is OSB or plywood better?
Both meet code when installed correctly. Plywood tolerates moisture somewhat better, which some homeowners prefer on the Gulf Coast.
Service area
Roof Decking Replacement across the Golden Triangle
Related
Services often paired with roof decking replacement
Roof Replacement
A roof replacement tears the old roof down to the decking, replaces any rotten boards, and installs new underlayment, flashing, ventilation and shingles or metal panels.
Learn more
Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation balances intake air at the soffits with exhaust at the ridge or roof vents, carrying heat and moisture out of the attic.
Learn more
Windstorm-Certified Roofing (WPI-8)
Windstorm-certified roofing is roof work built to the Texas windstorm building code and inspected under the Texas Department of Insurance program, which issues a WPI-8 certificate of compliance.
Learn moreGuides
Reading on rotted roof decking
Call about rotted roof decking
Long leaks, poor ventilation, humidity.