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.

Prep Your Home for Sale with These Five Updates

In this white-hot real estate market, selling the family home could be a serious consideration coming into summer. While a big renovation project might not be in the cards considering the cost of supplies such as lumber, there are plenty of smaller “spruce up” options to breathe new life into your home and make it attractive to potential buyers. Here are a few ideas. 

The Kitchen

A kitchen is almost always the hub of a house, even for non-cooks. People love to get together to make meals, chat about each other’s day, and enjoy casual snacks in a comfortable common space. For any potential buyer, a kitchen design that’s clean, functional, and snazzy will help to increase the sale price. Just remember to keep your updates neutral enough to appeal to lots of potential buyers. Freshly painted cabinets and new hardware can completely transform the room.

Curb Appeal

First impressions are crucial when listing a house on the market. It goes without saying that a roof streaked with mold and overgrown landscaping will turn people away. Consider power washing the house and tap into your inner green thumb to maintain plants and shrubs. You’d be shocked at how much of a difference a few small changes will make. 

The Master Suite

With the stress we are dealing with day in and day out, a quiet oasis away from it all is very appealing. A master bedroom complete with an ensuite is always a wise investment, especially if it’s relaxing. Soaking tubs, double sinks, and large closets have mass appeal, and paying attention to little extras can help people see themselves enjoying their potential new home. 

Backyard

As we’re getting closer to summer, people are excited to get outside and host small groups at home. From firepits to barbeque areas, privacy fencing to comfortable seating areas, making the most of a yard is a sure-fire way to encourage buyers to consider your home. An additional living space, such as a three-season porch, is also a huge bonus. 

Paint

Lots of homeowners paint their interiors to suit their lifestyles. That might mean bright blue and pink-colored bedrooms for kids and a few old trends that have seen better days. Repainting with neutral grays, bright whites, and warm taupe tones will give a home an instant facelift without too much expense or effort. 

Have you thought about giving your home a mini-makeover to get it ready for sale? What are your favorite tips? I’d love to hear from you, send me a message on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros

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.

The Sky-High Price of Wood

If you’ve recently considered a remodeling project and are scratching your head at the cost, you’re not alone. The cost of lumber has reached record highs, up over 200% from one year ago, making most building and remodeling projects more expensive than they would have been pre-pandemic. 

So why the sky-high costs for wood? It’s mostly attributed to the housing shortage. With more people wanting to move from the confines of the city into the suburbs, new construction and renovation are booming. Then there are restaurants and small businesses that had to build outdoor seating structures and other accommodations to keep their customers safe and comfortable. Pair those factors with sawmills playing catch up from slowing production early in the pandemic and you have a classic case of over-demand and not enough supply. Hence the price of wood. 

To put it into perspective, the price per thousand board feet of lumber jumped to an all-time high of $1,104, or roughly $1.10 per two by four. Right now, one sheet of plywood costs upwards of $50 or more. 

If you’re building a new home, the lumber you’ll need is going to cost you four times what it did one year ago. If you are thinking about renovating your current home, you’re going to be out of pocket as well. As the average age of the American home reaches 45, remodeling is not just an item on the wish list. For many, it’s a necessity. 

You might be thinking, “what goes up must come down,” right? Yes, but not anytime soon. Homeowners are still renovating and remodeling like never before, especially with real estate prices at all-time highs. Demand for new construction isn’t going to let up either. For now, homeowners who want to build will just have to come to terms with the increase in price. 

That’s not to say that you should ever compromise on quality. When looking for a contractor, make sure they are reputable, experienced, and can break down the costs of the job with 100% transparency. Also, keep in mind that the cost of supplies to the contractor is higher than ever before and they might very well be absorbing some of that cost to get you a price you’re happy with. Take all of this into consideration and make sure you do your homework before you sign on the dotted line.

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 http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.