What's Under Your Roof Matters

When you’re getting estimates for a new roof, most of the conversation naturally revolves around the things you can see, including the shingles, color, style and, of course, the final price.

There is another part of your roof that deserves just as much attention, even though you will probably never see it once the job is finished: the plywood underneath.

The plywood, also called roof decking or sheathing, is essentially the foundation of your roofing system. The underlayment and shingles are installed over it, so the decking needs to be solid, dry and structurally sound enough to properly support the new roof. The tricky part is that we often do not know exactly what condition that plywood is in until the old roof comes off.

A roof can look relatively normal from the outside while hiding deteriorated plywood underneath. Years of small leaks, condensation, poor ventilation, or moisture intrusion can leave sections of the decking soft, rotten, moldy or otherwise compromised. Once the old shingles and underlayment are removed, the roofing crew finally gets a good look at what has been happening underneath.

Does that mean every roof replacement needs all-new plywood? Not necessarily. If the existing decking is dry, solid, properly installed, and in good condition, there may be no reason to replace it. However, if portions have deteriorated, replacing those sections is an important part of doing the roof correctly.

This is also one of the areas where homeowners can get caught off guard by cost. Plywood is expensive, and depending on how much needs to be replaced, it can add a noticeable amount to the final bill. When you are already making a major investment in a new roof, it is understandable to wonder whether the old plywood can simply stay in place.

Putting brand-new roofing materials over deteriorated decking is a little like installing beautiful new hardwood floors over a damaged subfloor. You may save money that day, but you have not solved the underlying problem.

Weak or damaged decking may not hold roofing fasteners as securely as sound material. It can also contribute to uneven or sagging areas and leave the roofing system more vulnerable to problems in the future. Most importantly, you are installing a product designed to last for decades over a foundation that may already be deteriorating.

There is also the issue of the manufacturer’s warranty. Roofing manufacturers generally require shingles to be installed according to their specifications and over an appropriate, sound roof deck. Installing shingles over compromised or improperly prepared decking can potentially affect warranty coverage. The exact requirements vary by manufacturer and product, which is another reason the condition of the decking should be addressed during installation rather than ignored.

I always encourage homeowners to look beyond the big number at the bottom of a roofing estimate and review what is actually included. Ask your contractor what the estimate says about plywood or roof decking, whether any replacement is included and what the additional cost will be if deteriorated sections are discovered after the old roof is removed.

This is especially important when comparing estimates from different contractors. One contractor may appear considerably less expensive than another, but the two estimates may not include the same scope of work. If one accounts for replacing damaged decking and another barely mentions it, the lower price may not tell the whole story.

Nobody likes unexpected costs during a home improvement project, and contractors do not particularly enjoy delivering that news either. However, when we uncover rotten or deteriorated plywood, replacing what needs to be replaced is usually money better spent than covering up the problem and hoping for the best.

A new roof is a significant investment in your home, and ideally, you should be able to install it and not worry about it again for a very long time. When the old shingles come off, homeowners should understand what is underneath, review the condition of the decking with their contractor and know how any necessary replacement will affect the project.

Saving money is always worthwhile, but cutting a corner that could compromise the life of your new roof rarely is.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Have a question? Email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” For your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for general guidance only.

When you’re getting estimates for a new roof, most of the conversation naturally revolves around the things you can see, including the shingles, color, style and, of course, the final price.

There is another part of your roof that deserves just as much attention, even though you will probably never see it once the job is finished: the plywood underneath.

The plywood, also called roof decking or sheathing, is essentially the foundation of your roofing system. The underlayment and shingles are installed over it, so the decking needs to be solid, dry and structurally sound enough to properly support the new roof. The tricky part is that we often do not know exactly what condition that plywood is in until the old roof comes off.

A roof can look relatively normal from the outside while hiding deteriorated plywood underneath. Years of small leaks, condensation, poor ventilation, or moisture intrusion can leave sections of the decking soft, rotten, moldy or otherwise compromised. Once the old shingles and underlayment are removed, the roofing crew finally gets a good look at what has been happening underneath.

Does that mean every roof replacement needs all-new plywood? Not necessarily. If the existing decking is dry, solid, properly installed, and in good condition, there may be no reason to replace it. However, if portions have deteriorated, replacing those sections is an important part of doing the roof correctly.

This is also one of the areas where homeowners can get caught off guard by cost. Plywood is expensive, and depending on how much needs to be replaced, it can add a noticeable amount to the final bill. When you are already making a major investment in a new roof, it is understandable to wonder whether the old plywood can simply stay in place.

Putting brand-new roofing materials over deteriorated decking is a little like installing beautiful new hardwood floors over a damaged subfloor. You may save money that day, but you have not solved the underlying problem.

Weak or damaged decking may not hold roofing fasteners as securely as sound material. It can also contribute to uneven or sagging areas and leave the roofing system more vulnerable to problems in the future. Most importantly, you are installing a product designed to last for decades over a foundation that may already be deteriorating.

There is also the issue of the manufacturer’s warranty. Roofing manufacturers generally require shingles to be installed according to their specifications and over an appropriate, sound roof deck. Installing shingles over compromised or improperly prepared decking can potentially affect warranty coverage. The exact requirements vary by manufacturer and product, which is another reason the condition of the decking should be addressed during installation rather than ignored.

I always encourage homeowners to look beyond the big number at the bottom of a roofing estimate and review what is actually included. Ask your contractor what the estimate says about plywood or roof decking, whether any replacement is included and what the additional cost will be if deteriorated sections are discovered after the old roof is removed.

This is especially important when comparing estimates from different contractors. One contractor may appear considerably less expensive than another, but the two estimates may not include the same scope of work. If one accounts for replacing damaged decking and another barely mentions it, the lower price may not tell the whole story.

Nobody likes unexpected costs during a home improvement project, and contractors do not particularly enjoy delivering that news either. However, when we uncover rotten or deteriorated plywood, replacing what needs to be replaced is usually money better spent than covering up the problem and hoping for the best.

A new roof is a significant investment in your home, and ideally, you should be able to install it and not worry about it again for a very long time. When the old shingles come off, homeowners should understand what is underneath, review the condition of the decking with their contractor and know how any necessary replacement will affect the project.

Saving money is always worthwhile, but cutting a corner that could compromise the life of your new roof rarely is.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Have a question? Email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” For your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for general guidance only.

Storm Damage? Do Your Homework Before You Hire a Roofer

I was driving through town the other day behind a roofing truck with a company name I had never heard of before. Then I noticed the license plate and the phone number, both from nearly a thousand miles away in the Midwest. That’s a pretty long commute to Connecticut, and it’s not the first one I’ve seen this summer.

After a stretch of severe weather, it’s common to see an influx of contractors from outside the area. In the roofing business, they’re often called “storm chasers.” They follow damaging storms from one area to the next, looking for neighborhoods where homeowners may need roof repairs or replacements.

And to be fair, being from out of state doesn’t automatically make someone a bad contractor. There are good contractors and bad contractors everywhere. But when someone knocks on your door after a storm offering to inspect your roof, especially if they’re promising a very low price or telling you that you need to act immediately, it’s worth slowing down and doing a little homework.

Your roof is too important, and too expensive, to make a decision based solely on who can get there first or give you the lowest estimate.

Why does hiring local matter?

One of the biggest reasons is simple: we’re still here when the job is over and for years after that.

A roof is designed to last for decades, and even a properly installed roof can occasionally have an issue. Maybe you notice a leak during the next big rainstorm. Maybe flashing needs to be adjusted. Maybe you have a question about your warranty a year from now. You want to know who you’re calling and that you can get in touch with them.

A reputable local contractor has a business and a reputation in the community to protect. We run into our customers at the grocery store, at restaurants, and at our kids’ and grandkids' swim meets and music concerts. If something goes wrong, we can’t just pack up and head to the next storm. That kind of accountability matters, especially when you’re in business in the same town for decades.

Is the lowest roofing estimate a good deal?

If I were a homeowner, I’d want to understand why an estimate is much lower. Roofing estimates can vary because contractors are using different materials, installation methods, warranties or even different interpretations of what needs to be replaced. A substantially lower price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the same roof for less money.

Ask what’s included. What shingles are being installed? What about underlayment, flashing, ventilation and cleanup? Who is actually doing the work? Is the contractor licensed and properly insured? What warranties come with the job, and who handles a warranty issue later?

You don’t need to become a roofing expert. You just need to ask enough questions to understand what you’re buying.

How can I check a contractor’s reputation?

This is one area where the internet has made life considerably easier.

Look at reviews, but don’t stop at the star rating. See how long the company has been receiving reviews in your area. Look at their website and physical address. Ask your neighbors, the local chamber of commerce, even your town Facebook group. Check whether they’ve been doing business locally for years or whether their presence appeared shortly after the last hailstorm.

And ask for references. A reputable contractor should be able to point you toward plenty of local homes where they’ve done similar work recently and for some time.

I’d also be cautious about anyone using high-pressure tactics. Storm damage can feel urgent, but unless your home is actively taking on water or there’s an immediate safety issue, you generally have time to get another opinion and compare estimates.

We’ve had plenty of wild weather in Connecticut this summer, and unfortunately, that means there are plenty of roofs that legitimately need repairs. Just remember that you’re not only choosing a roof. You’re choosing the company standing behind it.

A good price matters, but good workmanship matters more, and knowing who will answer the phone if you need help later is worth quite a bit, too.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Have a question? Email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” For your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for general guidance only.

Think Twice Before Tackling These Outdoor Projects in Winter

Many homeowners think about tackling big projects in the winter before the weather warms up and contractors start getting too busy. But when it comes to major exterior work like roofing and siding, winter isn’t your best bet. Here’s why holding off might save you headaches—and money—in the long run:

1. Cold Weather and Building Materials Don’t Mix
Temperatures below 40°F can significantly impact the performance of materials like shingles and vinyl siding. Shingles become brittle, increasing the risk of cracks and splits during installation, while vinyl siding shrinks in the cold, which can lead to misalignment or leaks when it later expands in warmer weather.

2. Shingle Adherence Needs Heat
Shingle sealant relies on warmth and sunlight to activate properly. In cold conditions, the seal might not set as securely, leading to potential issues down the line. Contractors often need to hand-seal shingles in these conditions, which adds time and expense to an otherwise straightforward process.

3. Air Tools Aren’t Winter-Friendly
Most contractors rely on air nail guns for outdoor work, but these tools can malfunction in cold weather. Moisture in the airline can freeze, causing nails to be driven in too shallow or too deep, compromising the integrity of the installation. Compressors face similar challenges in freezing temperatures.

4. Safety Risks on Icy Surfaces
Winter conditions make outdoor work hazardous. Even experienced contractors face risks from black ice on roofs or ladders, increasing the chance of accidents. While professionals take every precaution, working in icy conditions is inherently more dangerous.

5. Unpredictable Winter Weather
Snow and freezing rain can wreak havoc on a job site. Unlike rain, which can be managed with tarps, snow adds both moisture and weight, making it difficult to protect an open roof. Imagine starting a roofing project only to have a snowstorm dump a foot of snow on the site—it’s a risk no one wants to take.

6. Warranty Concerns
Many manufacturers require products to be installed in temperatures above 40°F for warranties to remain valid. A cold-weather installation could void your warranty, leaving you unprotected if issues arise later.

7. Winter Work Takes Longer
Cold weather slows everything down. Workers need to take frequent breaks to stay warm, and shorter daylight hours limit productivity. A job that might take a day in spring could stretch to several days in winter.

When Winter Work Can’t Wait
In some cases, waiting until spring isn’t an option. If delaying repairs could lead to further damage, make sure you hire an experienced contractor who is well-versed in working under winter conditions. Discuss the precautions they’ll take to ensure a safe and effective installation. Cutting corners to accommodate the weather isn’t worth the risk.

Is It Really Worth It?
While winter projects may seem like a good idea, the risks often outweigh the benefits. Waiting for warmer weather ensures a safer, smoother, and more cost-effective process.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.