What’s Under Your Shingles? Rotted Decking, Multiple Layers, and Other Surprises in Older Baltimore County Homes

You’ve been given your estimate, chosen a date, and ordered your shingles. But when the crew tears off the old roof, you get the bad news: “We found a problem.”

It’s something no homeowner wants to hear, but it happens more in older homes than most would like to admit. A roof can look absolutely fine from the street but still hide serious issues beneath it. That’s why it’s better to hear about them now rather than later, and why roof decking replacement in Baltimore County is something you should have a good understanding of before you start work.

At CRG Roofing & Siding, we’ve worked with many owners of older homes in Catonsville, Towson, Ruxton, and elsewhere in Baltimore County. Here are a few of the things that could be hiding under your shingles – and what you need to do to plan for them.

Why Your Roof’s Age Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

The age of your roof matters, and most people judge the roof by the age of the shingles. But these are only the very top layer. Under the shingles, you have the underlayment, decking, and rafters. In an older house, these parts might be a lot older than the actual roof that you can see.

A house dating back to the 1920s could have been re-roofed several times, and each new roof simply covered over the problems – like slow leaks, damp wood, and trapped moisture.

It’s for this reason that the hidden problems that two roofs have can require very different work, even if they’re the same age. It’s also why hidden roof replacement costs manage to catch out so many homeowners.

Plank Decking vs. Plywood and OSB

The decking is the wood surface that the shingles fasten to. If you’re comparing plank roof decking vs. plywood, let’s take a look at how these two options stack up:

Plank Decking

In early-1900s Baltimore County homes, many have individual boards, and they sometimes have gaps between them. This was standard practice about a century ago.

There are pros and cons. On the plus side, old-growth lumber can be tough, but the gaps, uneven boards, and knots, don’t help. They don’t usually lead to a flat, solid surface for shingles, and the boards can also crack or warp.

Plywood and OSB

Most newer homes and replacement decking use sheets of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). This provides a flat, continuous surface, and it’s easy to fasten shingles to.

When Old Boards Need to Be Covered

If you have plank decking, you’ve got two choices: replace the damaged boards or cover the boards with new sheathing, giving the roof a solid and even base.

The right option for your roof will depend on the condition of the boards and the requirements of your shingle manufacturer. A professional can provide you with a clear idea about whether roof decking replacement in Baltimore County is required for your home or not.

The Case Against Layering New Shingles Over Old Ones

When you add new shingles over old ones, called an overlay, this can be quicker and cheaper. But be cautious before going ahead with it, especially if you’re thinking about a roof over existing shingles in Maryland.

You can’t see the decking, meaning damage and rot stay hidden. It also adds weight, which can put more stress on the old structure, and it can lead to a bumpy and uneven finish. It can also trap heat, so the shingles can age faster.

If you already have two layers or more, a tear-off is usually the best option.

Signs of Hidden Decking Damage You Can Spot From the Attic

Sometimes you can get an idea about whether there is any damage by going up to your attic and taking a look yourself. Go up on a dry day with a flashlight, and look for signs of:

• Dark stains
• Water marks on the underside of the boards
• Soft wood
• Sagging
• Gaps with daylight getting through
• Rusted nail tips
• Mold
• A musty smell

These could also be signs that something is not right and needs a professional check.

How Reputable Contractors Price Decking Repairs

It’s impossible to tell the exact condition until the old roof is off, but in your estimate, make sure you get:

• The per-unit price for roof decking replacement in Baltimore County.

• A clear explanation of what’s included in the base price and what’s extra.

• A description of how the damage will be documented.

This prevents problems from occurring and you having to negotiate during the job. The more clarity, the better.

Questions to Ask Before Work Begins

There are several questions you can ask to reduce the chance of facing surprises on installation day. Ask our experts any of these and we’ll give you clear answers:

• How many layers of roofing does my home have at the moment?
• Is my decking plank, plywood, or OSB?
• What condition is the decking in?
• Will you tear off or overlay, and why?
• What do you charge for replacing damaged decking?
• How will you tell me if you find a problem?
• Who is responsible if more rot turns up?

Know What You’re Getting Into

We’ve been working on Baltimore-area roofs since 2000 at CRG Roofing & Siding. We’d rather talk you through the possibilities beforehand than surprise you later on.

The first step is a roof inspection, after which you can get a clear estimate. We’ll walk you through what we can and can’t see so you know exactly what’s going on.

We proudly serve the local area, and we’ll be happy to help you too. Contact us and let’s discuss your roof decking replacement in Baltimore County requirements.