Roof Decking Replacement in Clarksville, TN
We nd rotted decking on almost every roof replacement we do in Clarksville. The rot is hidden.
The shingles look ne from above. But below, the wood is soft. Black. Crumbling. The cause is
almost always a leak that went unnoticed for years.
This article covers roof decking replacement. What causes rot. How we fix it. And why it is
critical to replace rotted decking during a re-roof. Call (931) 666-1469 for a free inspection.
Why Roof Decking Rots in Clarksville
Let us list the causes. First, leaks. A slow leak from a vent boot or flashing allows water to drip
onto the same spot of decking for months or years. The wood absorbs moisture. It softens.
Fungi grow. The wood loses its structural integrity. By the time you notice a ceiling stain, the
decking is already gone.
Second, condensation. Poor attic ventilation causes moisture to condense on the underside of
the decking. That moisture soaks into the wood. Over time, it rots. We see this in homes with
no ridge vents and sealed so ts. The attic is a swamp.
Third, ice dams. Water backs up under shingles at the eaves. It sits on the decking. It soaks in.
It freezes and thaws. The wood bers break down. We see this on Clarksville homes after a
harsh winter.
Fourth, old age. Even without leaks, decking deteriorates over 30 or 40 years. The resins in
plywood break down. OSB swells at the edges. The wood becomes less rigid. A new roof
needs a solid base. Old decking can compromise the whole system.
Fort Campbell homes built in the 1990s often have OSB decking. OSB is more prone to edge
swelling than plywood. We replace a lot of OSB during re-roofs on base housing.
How We Replace Rotted Decking (Step by Step)
We do this on almost every roof replacement. Here is the process.
- During tear-o , we inspect every sheet. As we strip the old shingles, we walk the deck.
We look for soft spots. We look for black stains (mold). We look for swelling at edges. We mark
questionable sheets with chalk.
- We probe suspect areas. We use a screwdriver or awl. If it pushes in easily, the wood is
rotten. We mark it for replacement. If it is rm, we leave it.
- We show you the damage. We take photos of every rotten sheet. We show you the soft
wood. We explain why it needs replacement. You approve before we proceed.
- We remove the rotten decking. We cut out the bad sheets using a circular saw set to the
depth of the decking. We remove the nails. We clean the area.
- We install new decking. We use 7/16-inch or 1/2-inch OSB or plywood, same as the
original. We nail it to the rafters with 8d nails every 6 inches on the edges and 12 inches in the
eld.
Rotted decking is a problem you do not see until it is too late. Under your shingles is a layer of
plywood or OSB. That is your roof deck. It supports the shingles. It gives your roof structural
strength. When it rots, your roof is compromised.
- We check for rafter damage. If the rot was extensive, the rafter underneath might be
damaged. We inspect. If a rafter is soft or cracked, we sister it with a new rafter (attach a new
board next to the old one). That is a structural repair.
- We install new underlayment over the new decking. Same as the rest of the roof. The new
decking gets ice shield if it is in a valley or eave.
- We document the repair. You get photos of the rotten decking before replacement and
the new decking after. You also get a note in your le. If you ever sell the house, you can show
that the decking was replaced.
Why Hire a Local Clarksville Roofer for Decking Replacement?
Some roofers do not inspect decking thoroughly. They walk on it. If it feels solid under their
weight, they assume it is ne. But a sheet of plywood can be soft in one spot and solid
elsewhere. We probe every square foot.
Also, some roofers charge for decking replacement without actually doing it. They claim they
replaced ten sheets. You cannot see the decking once the new shingles are on. We show you
photos. We count the sheets. We are transparent.
Decking replacement is not cheap. But it is necessary. Nailing new shingles to rotten decking is
like building a house on a swamp. The shingles will not hold nails. They will lift in the first
windstorm. The rot will spread. A small decking repair now saves a structural disaster later.
Fort Campbell families, we have replaced decking on base housing many times. The housing
office requires documented decking replacement for any re-roof. We provide that
documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does roof decking replacement cost in Clarksville?
$75 to $150 per sheet of plywood or OSB. That includes the material, labor to remove the old sheet, and labor to install the new sheet. Most re-roofs need 5 to 15 sheets. That is $375 to $2,250. We show you every sheet we replace.
How do I know if my decking is rotted without removing shingles?
You cannot see it from above. But you can go into your attic and look at the underside of the decking. Dark stains, soft wood, or mold indicate rot. Also, if your roof feels spongy when you walk on it, that is a bad sign. Call us for an inspection.
Can I just nail new shingles over rotted decking?
You can. But the nails will not hold. The shingles will lift. The rot will spread. The roof will fail prematurely. Do not do it. Replace the rotted decking first.
What type of decking is best for Clarksville roofs?
1/2-inch CDX plywood is the gold standard. It resists moisture better than OSB. It holds nails better. It is more expensive. OSB is acceptable if it is rated for exposure. We use both depending on the budget and what is currently on your roof.
How long does roof decking last?
30 to 50 years if it stays dry. But leaks and condensation can rot it much faster. That is why we inspect decking during every re-roof. Age alone does not kill decking. Moisture does.
Ready for a free estimate from a licensed Clarksville roofer?
Call (931) 666-1469