TLDR: Decking is the layer of wood under your shingles. It rots when water gets past the roof for a long time. No roofer can see all of it until the old roof is torn off. Live Oak Roofing replaces up to 3 sheets of rotted decking at no charge.
Rotted decking is the most common surprise on roof replacement day, and one of the most common reasons a final bill ends up higher than the estimate. Here is what it is and how we handle it.
What is roof decking?
Decking, also called sheathing, is the plywood or OSB nailed to your rafters. Everything else on the roof is fastened to it. A standard sheet is 4 feet by 8 feet.
How does decking rot?
Wood rots when it stays wet. The usual causes are a slow leak around a pipe, vent, or chimney, shingles that have been missing or lifted for a while, and poor attic airflow that traps moisture. A leak does not have to reach your ceiling to damage the decking above it. Why chimney and vent leaks are hard to find.
Signs you may have rotted decking
- The roof looks wavy or sags between rafters
- A spot feels soft or spongy underfoot
- Dark stains or damp wood are visible from the attic
- A leak has come back in the same place more than once
Why can no one tell you for sure before tear off?
From the attic you can only see the underside of the decking, and insulation hides much of that. From the roof, shingles cover all of it. A good inspection can find warning signs, but the full picture only shows up once the old roof is off.
What we do when we find it
We replace up to 3 sheets of rotted decking at no charge. If we find more than that, we stop, show you what we found, and talk it over with you before we go further. New shingles nailed to rotted wood will not hold, so it has to be fixed before the roof goes on.
Ask about decking before you sign any estimate
When you compare roofing estimates, look for the decking terms. Some bids say nothing about it, which leaves the price open ended. You should know before the job starts what is included and what an extra sheet costs.
Live Oak Roofing has served San Antonio and the Hill Country since 2017. Inspections and estimates are free. Call or text (210) 460-8896, or request a free inspection online.